The Museum of the American Cocktail facts for kids
The Museum of the American Cocktail is a special place in New Orleans, Louisiana. It's a nonprofit organization that teaches people about mixing drinks and keeps the history of the cocktail alive. This museum focuses on how cocktails developed in the United States. They have events like tastings with seminars or exhibits. Every year, they give out awards called the American Cocktail Awards, also known as the "Olives," with the United States Bartenders Guild.
About the Museum
The Museum of the American Cocktail started in October 2004. It was founded by a group of experts, writers, and historians who loved drinks. These founders included Dale and Jill DeGroff, Robert Hess, Philip Greene, Ted Haigh, Anistatia Miller, Jared Brown, Chris McMillian, Laura McMillian, David Wondrich, and Gaz Regan. The museum teaches about mixing drinks through its exhibits, monthly talks, books, and events.
Visitors can learn about the history of the cocktail. They see how it has influenced music, theater, art, movies, and even politics around the world for over 200 years. The exhibits show old and unique cocktail shakers, books from the time of Prohibition, old music recordings, bar tools, photos, and other items related to cocktails. These items come from the collections of the museum's friends and founders.
The Museum of the American Cocktail also has a website and sends out a monthly newsletter. They publish an annual journal called Mixologist. In May 2006, the museum released The Museum of the American Cocktail Pocket Recipe Guide. This small book has tips, techniques, and 100 classic recipes. Some recipes are from Jerry Thomas, who lived in New York in the mid-1800s and is known as the "father of American mixology."
The Museum's Home in New Orleans
The Museum of the American Cocktail moved back to New Orleans in July 2008. In 2014, it moved to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. This museum is located in the old Dryades Street Market building at 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard.
The Museum of the American Cocktail displays a collection of rare historical items and books, including literature from the Prohibition era. It shows how the cocktail influenced bigger historical trends and its place in social history. The museum has featured tastings linked to special events and seminars. While it is not a regular bar, the museum building is connected to a place that demonstrates many classic cocktail recipes.
The Olives Awards
Each year, the Museum of the American Cocktail presents the American Cocktail Awards, also called the "Olives." They do this with the United States Bartenders Guild. Awards are given to places and people for their unique recipes and how well they make special drinks served before meals. They also give awards for developing a great list of drinks overall.
See also
- List of food and beverage museums
