A word about the cocktail
The cocktail's origins can be traced to the triangle between Boston, Albany, and New York City, just after the birth of the new republic around the very end of the 18th century. The word, "cocktail" was first defined in print in the May 13, 1806 edition of The Balance and Columbian Repository, a newspaper published in New York state. In a letter to the editor a reader inquired about the meaning of the word, and the response was,
“Cocktail is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters. It is vulgarly called a bittered sling and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, in as much as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head... ”
Currently, in it's 200th year, the cocktail has become an iconic symbol. Master Mixologist, Dale DeGroff further describes,
"The cocktail is in a word, American. It is as American as jazz, apple pie, and baseball; and as diverse, colorful,and big as America itself. Indeed, it could even be said that the cocktail is a metaphor for the American people: It is composite beverage, and we are a composite people."
In every sip, the cocktail has reflected the social, political, and cultural impact of the times. From its zenith in the "golden era" of 1860-1910, to its near demise due to the triple hit of Prohibition and two World Wars, the craft of the cocktail was nearly lost for good. It limped its way through its darkest hour until the second wave of American prosperity in the postwar era re-ignited interest in the cocktail that carried it into modern times. It has held the hand of many of our presidents like FDR and JFK, starred alongside Chaplin and Bogart, been the muse for Twain and Hemingway and it has shared its melody with Ellington and Sinatra.
Today the cocktail has entered a global market and is one of America's strongest exports. Etched in the global community, the social, political, and cultural impact of this liquid icon will keep resounding for many years to come. Cuff & Buttons is honored be a representative of this noble trade and looks forward to sharing its heritage and traditions with you.
The Monkey Gland
This cocktail dates back to 1925 and was created by Harry MacElhone at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. MacElhone was an expatriate bartender who was forced overseas during "The Noble Experiment," also known as, Prohibition. The drink was named as an ode to doctor Serge Voronoff's experiments in sexual rejuvenation. The "Monkey Gland" is a stimulating cocktail sure to get the juices flowing.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai was created in 1944 by Victor Bergeron at his famous bar, Trader Vic's. The drink was made for two patrons at the bar who were visiting from Tahiti. Upon tasting the lovely concoction, a glass was raised and, "Mai Tai Roa Ae," was exclaimed. Meaning, "out of this world" or "the best" in Tahitian. Bergeron replied, "That's the name of the drink." Unfortunately, during his lifetime Bergeron closely guarded the recipe for his popular cocktail, and thus the Mai Tai became one the most distorted and incorrectly made drinks. Cuff & Buttons proudly serves the original Trader Vic's recipe for all to try.
The Manhattan
This quintessential Rye cocktail was created sometime in the 1870's. The Manhattan became immediately synonymous with power and sophistication. J. P. Morgan was known to have one at the end of each day at the close of the stock market.
Champagne cocktail
Although the precise date of origin is unknown, cocktail historians date this classic to be around 150 years old. Withstanding the test of time is one feat, but what is even more remarkable about this cocktail, is that it is still being made today, the same as it was 150 years ago.
Apple Blow Fizz
The Apple Blow Fizz is an obscure classic cocktail that features the quintessential American spirit Applejack. Applejack has been distilled here in America since 1680, making it one of the oldest native distilled spirits.
