The first appearance of the word “cocktail” as a type of drink was in a Hudson, New York newspaper on May 6th 1806. A reader allegedly wrote in, and on May 13th 1806, the editor responded, thus defining for all time what exactly the newly born cocktail was. via

 

Although the date of when the cocktail was born is often debated (About.com referenced 1803), we feel that today is as good a day as any to celebrate its birth.

 

So drinkers, what will you be drinking to celebrate?