Cato Alexander (c. 1780–1858)[1] was a freedman and bartender. Cato was born a slave in New York, where he was forced to work in an inn where he frequently waited on George Washington.[2] After gaining his freedom in 1799, he continued to work in hotels and inns, before opening his own bar, Cato's Tavern, located on what is now the site of 2nd Avenue, 54th Street in Manhattan.[2] Famed Irish actor Tyrone Power considered him "foremost amongst cullers of mint ... for julep" and "second to no man as a compounder of cock-tail."[2] He was known for his expertise in crafting punches as well. The New York Post published a poem in celebration of his wedding.[3]
Alexander's tavern closed in the 1840s, following a series of bad loans to his customers. He briefly opened a smaller restaurant, which lasted only a year.[4]
Some cocktail historians consider him to be "America's first celebrity bartender."
References
- ^ "Bar History: Cato Alexander Invented the "Cocktail"". Happy Hour City. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved 2021-12-28.
- ^ a b c Wondrich, David (2015-05-06). "Five Unheralded Pioneers of the American Bar Who Pre-Date "Professor" Jerry Thomas". Eater. Retrieved 2021-12-28.
- ^ "The History of Black Bartenders". SevenFifty Daily. 2017-09-01. Retrieved 2021-12-28.
- ^ "Bar History: Cato Alexander Invented the "Cocktail"". Happy Hour City. Retrieved 2021-12-28.