The Mamie Taylor cocktail. Every heard of it? No? You’re not alone. This under-appreciated classic is not even on the menu of most modern hallowed halls of cocktails. This long forgotten libation first appeared in print in The Bartender’s Book by Jack T0wnsend in 1952. However, by this point, the Mamie Taylor was already long … Continue reading Mamie Yes, Mamie No?
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)
When you hear the phrase “twisting the lion’s tail”, a cocktail is not the first thing that comes to mind. Most likely visions of violence on the African plains as a result of an ill-advised activity spring to mind. But, in the 1930s, “twisting the lion’s tail” was American slang for anything distinctly British. Based … Continue reading A Twist of the Lion’s Tail
While Katruska and I usually focus on creating and enjoying hand-crafted cocktails, there are times when only a fine liquor sipped slowly will do. Most of the time when this mood hits we turn to bourbons (Bulleit, Black Maple Hill, Elijah Craig, etc.) or single-malt scotches (Dalwhinne, Laphroaig, Highland Park, etc.). As National Cognac Day … Continue reading Celebrating National Cognac Day
The Ford Cocktail first appeared in George Kappeler’s Modern American Drinks in 1895. Kappeler at the time of publication was the head bartender at the famous Holland House Hotel in Manhattan. His book is thought by many cocktail enthusiasts to be one of the most important cocktail books from that era since it introduced many … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project – The Ford Cocktail
I don’t think there is a more misunderstood liquor than absinthe. To this day, if you ask people about it, you’ll get questions like, “Isn’t that the stuff that makes you hallucinate?” or “Doesn’t it make you go insane?” Yet, in all the research that has been done in recent years there is no evidence … Continue reading Lucid at Prohibition
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
I wish I could present an exciting, exotic, and fascinating story about this vintage concoction. No story. Just that there are many variations, some of which date back to the nineteenth century. So rather than a great story from history, today’s tasting notes will be more of a horticultural nature. Which reminds me of one … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project: The Blackthorn 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
Back in the early days of crafted cocktails, there were only so many ingredients available for use. Today we have every type of infusion, flavors, and unique liqueurs imaginable! (Well, almost. There will always be surprises.) As you read through the vintage cocktail recipes in this project you will notice a great deal of similarity … Continue reading Vintage Cocktail Project: The “Barnum Was Right” Cocktail
Our Libatious Nature 