EXIT here to see -not Drink -- the Birthplace of the Cocktail

EXIT 7a: I-87n to Saw Mill River Parkway near Elmsford, New York

Hear this right.....HERE!    ​

There is a lot of innovation in America and a lot of that has come from small towns. Just north of New York City, Westchester County's many small towns claim to be the birthplace of a lot of stuff: everything from plastic, elevators, computer memory circuits, rolling luggage, Carvel Ice Cream and even ladys' bras

Westchester County — specifically  the town of Elmsford, New York which is right off the next exit to the Sawmill —  claims to be the birthplace of the cocktail.


A cocktail is by definition any alcoholic mixed drink. But purists claim  a cocktail must contain three or more ingredients. ​

The reason for the name derives from our country’s farming heritage. Prior to mixed drinks most alcohol was served straight — rum, whiskey, gin — all served straight.  At some point,  folks mixed booze with other things and to mix it they used a rooster’s long stout tail feather and presto: The Cock’s Tail! ​

Quick Community Statement from us at RoadSpoke: Cocktails are not advised while driving. In fact drinking alcohol is illegal in America while driving — so listen up all you Europeans and Chinese tourists!   


Cocktails historically were recommended especially during election day in America. Back in May 13 1893, Newspaper editor Harry Crosswell answered the question, "What is a cocktail?”


“A cocktail,”  wrote Harry,“Is a stimulating liquor composed of spirits of any kind, sugar water and bitters— and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion in as much as it renders the heart stout at the same time that it fuddles the head.” ​

“It is said also to be of great use to  vote for a political candidate: because a person, having swallowed a glass of it, is ready to swallow anything else!”



#Cocktails #Elmsford #Westchester #WestchesterInventions #SCALE #WestchesterInventions
#PathThroughHistory #BirthplaceofCocktails

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