Cocktails played such a integral part of 50's culture. The decade was so prosperous that people enjoyed chromed cars, meaty meals, non-filtered smokes, and plenty of booze. It was certainly not the most healthy lifestyle but one could make the argument that it's not worth living if you can't enjoy your vices. One of my grandfathers lived in that manner. A big Caddy and scotch on the rocks with a steak. He left us way too soon and we miss him greatly.