Drinking History

  • Alcohol – An Ancient Medicine

    Great article from Natalie Angier of the New York Times that discuses some of the scientific and sociological reasons for human-kinds love of alcohol.

    Every human culture recorded has fermented some sort of beer, wine or spirit. According to Angier, even the first chocolate drinks were fermented, which certainly gives new meaning to the word “chocoholic.”

    Back in the day sanitation wasn’t always so good, so people used booze to kill bacteria. It seems that … Read more

  • India Overturns Law Banning Women Bartenders

    After nearly 100 years, women can once again tend bar in New Delhi. This 1914 British law was overturned by the Indian Supreme Court last week giving women access to one of the more lucrative professions in India.

    The cocktail craze has hit India, with trendy bars sprouting up all over the country. A bartender in New Delhi, Mumbai, or Hyderabad can earn $1000 (US) per month, nearly 4 times that of the average call … Read more

  • Should Liquor Have Nutrition Labels?

    This has become quite an issue, but I don’t see it. Mostly I see it as a benefit for those who seek the nutritional information for the liquor they drink. We get many questions here about the calories, carbs and make up of all sorts of spirits, so why not list this info on the label? Make consumers who care happy, the one who don’t care won’t even notice the change.

    Read more… Read more

  • What’s in a Name: Whisky or Whiskey?

    Boozin Gear’s Boozin’ Blog explores this question that puzzles many, Whiskey or Whisky? What’s the deal, why haggle over an ‘e’? Both words have the same basic meaning “water of life.” The distinction is in geography and composition; ‘whisky’ refers to the Scotch version and ‘whiskey’ the Irish version. Apparently, this distinction got even more complicated once both Scotch and Irish Distillers came to North America.

    Read more… Read more

  • Cuervo Shot Chain

    The Shot Poured ‘Round the World! Cuervo is putting together the worlds longest shot chain to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the opening of what they call “Cuervo Season.”

    Cuervo has put together a nicely done video of people enjoying a shot of Cuervo all over the World. Drinkers are also encouraged to make their own tequila drinking videos and upload them for all to enjoy.

    The tag line for the event is peace, love … Read more

  • Presidential Cocktails

    It’s Presidents Day!

    Not all of out Commanders-in-Chief have been drinkers but many (actually most) have. Several, such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington ran distilleries as part of their households. After signing the Declaration of Independence, the delegates drank heavily. As they did back then. The trend continues today.  

    Here’s some of the libations enjoyed by our presidents  

      Gerald Ford: Gin and Tonic Herbert Hoover: Martini Richard Nixon: Rum & Coke Franklin D. Roosevelt:
    … Read more

  • Gin, the New Vodka?

    Gary Regan, celebrated mixologist and writer gives us a terrific journey into the world of new small-batch gins flavored with much more than just the required juniper berry. These days, gin is flavored with a wide variety of herbs, spices and botanicals including lavender, caramom, cinnamon, ginger and citrus. This makes for many a ideal martini, each unique to the batch of gin at its base.

    Regan reviews a handful of small batch gins including … Read more

  • Champagne Cocktails

    New Years Eve is just a few short days away, so get that bubbly chilled and ready to toast 2007. Champagne is great straight, but mixing it up can really help out the not-so-good stuff. Making champagne cocktails also is great for leftover bubbly. Apparently, sugar will help revive the bubbles in flat champagne. The original champagne cocktail is made with a sugar cube soaked with angostura bitters. The recipe has changed little since it’s … Read more

  • Happy Repeal Day

    Every December 5th we pause to remember the passing of the 21st Amendment, thus ending Prohibition. Yea, FDR!

    The nice folks at sent us this fun bit of history. Dewar’s Scotch was the first legal whisky to arrive in the US, hitting New York’s South Street Seaport docks the moment the law was put into action. Joseph Kennedy, Sr. (JFK’s father) happened to be the US agent for the brand.

    We found this cool video … Read more