| As noted in Stephen Viskays book, Vintage Bar Ware, there are a number of stories of how the rooster or cock became associated with mixed drinks. The word  "cocktail" first appeared in American print as early as 1806. Although mixed drinks have been known to  exist as early as ancient times, the mixed drink as we know it was a product  of American ingenuity in the late eighteenth century.  Another version takes place during the  American Revolution, perhaps with some credence from the mention by James  Fenimore Cooper in his novel, Spy, published in 1821, of  "cock-tails" being served in Betsy Flanagans tavern. Cooper  researched his novel by using information taken from war veterans, but he  then fails to tell us how the "cock-tails" were mixed.  Legend also has it that  Flanagans tavern, near Yorktown, New    York, was patronized by the officers of George Washingtons  army and those of Marquis de Lafayettes  army, our French allies. The American troops drank whiskey or gin, the French  drank wine or vermouth, and all enjoyed brandy or rum. Sometimes  after drinking and in a spirit of kinship, these liquors were poured and  mixed from one cup to another for a toast. DIMENSIONS: 9-1/2" high overall x  5" wide on each side CONDITION: Excellent vintage condition. Red and white decoration in excellent condition. Very light surface  scratching from age. Slight water stain on base interior.  PROVENANCE: Mood  Indigo, New York, NY 
 
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