Memorable Drinks

Historical cocktails for chilly spring days. Enjoy!

The Boulevardier

Who knew Boulevard magazine had its own namesake cocktail, steeped in the tradition of publishing in Paris? The Boulevardier Cocktail is an alcoholic drink composed of whiskey, sweet vermouth and Campari. Its creation is ascribed to Erskine Gwynne, an American-born writer who founded a monthly magazine in Paris called Boulevardier, which existed from 1927 to 1932. Main alcohol: Campari, vermouth, rye whiskey

Ingredients:

• 1 oz (1 part) Campari • 1 oz (1 part) sweet red vermouth • 1 oz (1 part) to 1.5 oz (1.5 parts) rye whisky or bourbon Preparation: Stir with ice, strain, garnish and serve Served: On the rocks; poured over ice Standard garnish: Cherry, Orange peel Drinkware: Old Fashioned glass

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Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee became famous in America when journalist Stan Delaplane returned from Ireland to San Francisco; he told his friend Jack Koeppler, owner of the Buena Vista Cafe, about the delicious drink he had sampled. They tried reproducing it on their own. After much experimentation and a trip back to Ireland, the two finally found success. The Buena Vista Irish Coffee was born.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz hot coffee (smooth blends work best) • 1.5 oz Irish whiskey (Buena Vista uses Tullamore Dew) • 2 sugar cubes • 1.5 oz heavy cream (lightly whipped, not stiff) Preparation: Fill an 8-ounce clear, heatproof glass with hot water to warm the glass. Pour out when the glass feels warm to the touch. Add the whiskey to the glass. Fill the glass 3/4 of the way with hot coffee and then add the 2 sugar-cubes. Stir until completely dissolved. Holding a spoon over the glass, start to slowly pour the slightly thickened, whipped cream over the spoon into the glass until full.

Old Virginia Wassail Cider

Wassailing, or toasting to good health, first became popular in England in the 1770s. This tradition migrated over with the colonists. This drink takes the edge off brisk days and is great for cold weather entertaining. Cook time: 15 Min Prep time: 5 Min Serves: 15

Ingredients:

• 2 qt apple cider • 2 cups orange juice • 1 46-oz can pineapple juice • 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tbsp whole cloves • 1/2 cups honey Preparation: In a large stock pot over medium heat, combine the apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves and honey. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat, or transfer to a slow cooker to keep warm while serving. Strain out cinnamon sticks and cloves before serving if desired. Drinkware: Any type of glass or mug with a handle; insulated cup