Cheers!
Did you know that as co-founder of the Ice Hotel Quebec-Canada we used to serve drinks on the rocks! Yess the glass was made out of ice 🙂
But more seriously, When on a business trip, after a long hard-day’s work, it’s relaxing to sip a glass of whine at the hotel’s bar while socializing with other guests. No need to drive back home, just take the elevator to your room 😊!
Bars’ Origins
The English word bar comes from Old French barre “beam, bar, gate, barrier” (12th century), from Vulgar (spoken) Latin barra “bar, barrier”. Starting in the 1590s, it was used as synonymous for ‘tavern’, in reference to the bars of the counter over which drinks or food were served to customers.
The word ‘tavern’ is much older. It is derived from Latin ‘taberna’ which originally meant shed, workshop, or pub. One of the earliest references to bartending can be found in ancient Mesopotamia around 2000 BC, where tavern keepers served beer to patrons. In ancient Greece and Rome, mixing wines and herbs to create different concoctions gained popularity, with individuals known as “apothecaries” serving these drinks.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, alehouses and taverns became social gathering places, and bartenders played a crucial role in serving patrons and maintaining order. These establishments often brewed their own beer, and the bartenders would pour drinks directly from barrels.
In the 18th century, bartending underwent a significant transformation with the emergence of the cocktail. The term “cocktail” was first defined in 1806 as a combination of spirits, water, sugar, and bitters.
The Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933) had a great impact on bartending. With the ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol, bartenders had to adapt and find creative ways to produce and serve illicit drinks in hidden speakeasies.
In the late 20th century, bartending experienced a resurgence. Classic cocktails regained popularity, and bartenders began experimenting with new ingredients and techniques.