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The cocktail hour has become a revered tradition in many a business or social setting. It provides an excuse for taking a break and imbibing spirits to mark the end of a busy day…..or not.  Interestingly enough, the word has its origin in the imaginative way a barmaid would prepare evening drinks for Colonial and French officers during the American Revolution.  This barmaid would place tail feathers of chickens stolen from British sympathizers as a garnish on the drinks served to the allied officers.  Delighted with this flourish, the one of the French officers saluted the effort and shouted out the acclamation, “Vive le coq’s tail!”

Well, the salute stuck and probably was used as a toast every evening thereafter. So, we now celebrate to this day the cocktail hour with the customary glass of spirits.

sourced by JMJF