STL Sips: A Historic Cocktail Party

Step back in time and toast to the rich history of St. Louis drinking culture from the pre-Prohibition era with a night of live music, cocktail demonstrations, and quick sips of history. St. Louis holds a unique place in American drinking history—it's the home of the very first documented cocktail party, hosted in 1917 by socialite Clara Walsh, setting a national trend that still shapes how we gather today. But the story doesn't stop there. St. Louis also gave rise to a trailblazing figure in mixology history: Tom Bullock, the first Black author to publish a cocktail recipe book in the United States. His 1917 book, "The Ideal Bartender," remains a foundational work in American bartending, blending craft, culture, and resilience. The Missouri Historical Society’s Christopher Gordon and Magdalene Linck will delve into the history of these historic milestones, Chillax Bar will demonstrate the art of mixology, and Confluence Chamber Orchestra will perform a musical tribute to the historic cocktail party.

A cash bar will offer a selection of beer, wine, popular mixed drinks, mocktails, and historic cocktails featured in "The Ideal Bartender." Enjoy elevated small plates for purchase from Amighetti’s. This event is open to all ages. A night of great drinks, great company, and a celebration of St. Louis’s spirited past awaits!

Presented by WashU.
Media Partner: St. Louis Magazine

Learn more: https://mohistory.org/events/stl-sips

Come back for more! Thursday Nights at the Museum are sometimes the most fun, sometimes the most thought-provoking, and always the most interesting night of your week. The museum exhibits are open late, and you’ll enjoy cash bar and food for purchase, pop-up activities, lectures, and more.