If you celebrate Thanksgiving, remember that the Pilgrims didn't hit Plymouth Rock by accident or divine intervention. They landed there out of need.

In 1620, William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony, wrote: We cannot "take time for further search or consideration, our victuals, being much spent, especially our Beere." Thanks to this initial beer run, America has evolved into the great cocktail nation it is today.

Much like the Pilgrims, early beer was harsh and unyielding. The Atlantic Coast was a difficult place to grow the grain needed to brew and distill alcohol. Trading with the West Indies created a supply of rum for the colonists, and the imported apple trees flourished, so the Pilgrims lived off rum and cider.

Eventually, the Pilgrims learned how to grow grains that could be fermented into whiskey. With time came progress, and these ale-swilling Pilgrims evolved into Mint Julep-sipping colonials.