Definition of cocktail party

The term "cocktail party" is believed to have originated in the United States during the Prohibition era in the 1920s. The word "cocktail" was already in use at the time, referring to a mixed alcoholic drink often made with spirits, bitters, and a sweetener. One popular theory about the origin of the term "cocktail party" suggests that it was coined by journalist and socialiteination E.B. White, who used the term in a 1925 letter to describe a small gathering where drinks with cocktail ingredients were served. However, this theory is disputed by some historians who claim that the term was in use prior to White's letter. Another theory attributes the term to New York bartender and bar owner Henry C. Ramos, who popularized the Ramos Gin Fizz cocktail in the early 1900s. Ramos's bar, the famous McKinney's Bar on Washington Square, was said to have been the scene of many gatherings where clients would prepare and taste different cocktails, earning it the name "cocktail party." Whichever theory is true, the term "cocktail party" came to define a social event where guests would enjoy a range of cocktails, often served by a dedicated bartender, in a relaxed atmosphere. The cocktail party as we know it today has evolved to include not only drinks but also canapés, finger foods, and conversation. It has become a popular way to celebrate important occasions, such as weddings, graduations, and corporate events, around the world.