Cato Alexander

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]

Cato Alexander
Born	Cato Alexander c. 1780 New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	1858 (aged 77–78)

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."