Ted Haigh – Our Libatious Nature

October 20, 2011

Our First Annual OLN “State of the Cocktail” (or a few things we actually remember from last year)

One afternoon back in the summer of 2010, we sat pondering the reoccurring question, “Where can we go for a well-crafted cocktail?” We knew the places had to be out there, but we were continually searching for bars or restaurants that might live up to our libatious needs and exceedingly high expectations with mixed results. … Continue reading Our First Annual OLN “State of the Cocktail” (or a few things we actually remember from last year)

June 16, 2011

The Bitter Edge of a Honeymoon

No, we haven’t traded cocktails for couples counseling. The honeymoon that we’re talking about is the Honeymoon Cocktail. This vintage cocktail originally appeared in the Hugo Ensslin’s book, Recipes for Mixed Drinks, in 1917, but was made famous as the signature cocktail at the Brown Derby in Los Angeles. Since then it’s been through many … Continue reading The Bitter Edge of a Honeymoon

April 4, 2011April 4, 2011

Vintage Cocktail Project: East India Cocktail

The phrase “East India” in the late 1800s conjured up exotic images of ancient cultures, mysterious religions, and cocktails. Well, at least one…cocktail that is. The original East India Cocktail recipe first appeared in Harry Johnson’s book New and Improved Bartender’s Manual in 1882 and it was an amalgamation of liquors from many parts of … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project: East India Cocktail

February 22, 2011February 22, 2011

Vintage Cocktail Project: The Blue Paradise

You would think, based on the name, that today’s cocktail is a tiki drink that could be enjoyed while the sun slowly sinks over the horizon. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is no rum, fruit, or umbrellas utilized in the creation of this drink. In fact it’s not even a tropical color. … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project: The Blue Paradise

February 15, 2011

Vintage Cocktail Project: The Blinker

While Ted Haigh doesn’t have much to say about the origins of this cocktail, he does mention that it was originally published in The Official Mixer’s Manual in 1934 by Patrick Gavin Duffy. Fortunately, I was given a copy of the 1948 version by Katruska on my last birthday, so I was able to get … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project: The Blinker

February 2, 2011

Vintage Cocktail Project – The Bebbo Cocktail

I’ve often heard that good things come in small packages. This can also be true of poorly named ones. The Bebbo cocktail is yet another libation in Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails with an unfortunate name (see The Monkey’s Gland if you need another). It does however have an excellent taste and isn’t that what … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project – The Bebbo Cocktail

January 19, 2011

Vintage Cocktail Project: The Amarosa

Many of the cocktails that we’ll be trying through the course of our year long adventure have fascinating back stories. This one does not and is mainly remarkable for one of its ingredients, Amaro Cora*. This Italian bitter is hard to come by, but well worth the effort. When tasting it neat, you get light … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project: The Amarosa

January 12, 2011

Vintage Cocktail Project: Arnaud’s Special Cocktail

In 1918, Count Arnaud Cazenave, opened the doors to his famous (at times infamous) Arnaud’s on the Rue Bienville in New Orleans. Although he had no actual claim to royalty, he used his self-imposed title to start a restaurant with the goal of serving high quality Creole cooking. But, he was also a man that believed … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project: Arnaud’s Special Cocktail

January 6, 2011

It Begins…The Alamagoozlum Cocktail

The first cocktail in Ted Haigh’s ode to classic cocktails, Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails: From the Alamagoozlum to the Zombie and Beyond, is the Alamagoozlum cocktail. This unusual concoction first appeared in the cheeky The Gentleman’s Companion, or Around the World with Jigger, Beaker, and Flask in 1939 under the name “J. Pierpont Morgan’s Alamagoozlum: … Continue reading It Begins…The Alamagoozlum Cocktail

January 4, 2011

Ted Haigh’s homage to forgotten cocktails provides a road map for some libatious adventures in 2011

Ted Haigh (aka Dr. Cocktail) may be this century’s Jerry Thomas when it comes to the world of cocktails. In 2004 he published the now classic book, Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails: From the Alamagoozlum to the Zombie and Beyond. In 2009 he released a beautiful new and vastly expanded edition of the book with … Continue reading Ted Haigh’s homage to forgotten cocktails provides a road map for some libatious adventures in 2011