Ever Drink a Pine Tree?
While poking around on The Art of Drink, I came across this webified version of the 1862 mixology classic, Jerry Thomas' Bartender's Guide or How to Mix Drinks.
In the book, Thomas dispenses timeless advice for barkeeps like, "Ice must be washed clean before being used, and then never touched with the hand, but placed in the glass either with an ice-scoop or tongs."
He also provides recipes for bizarre concoctions like the Rumfustian (ale, gin, sherry, and 12 eggs served piping hot) that have, perhaps mercifully, slipped into obscurity over the past 140 years.
My personal favorite is Gin and Pine, a libation I'm sure Euell Gibbons would've called his "back-to-nature" cocktail.
"Split a piece of the heart of a green pine log into
fine splints, about the size of a cedar lead-pencil, take
two ounces of the same and put into a quart decanter,
and fill the decanter with gin. Let the pine soak for two hours, and the gin will be ready to serve."
Sounds delicious. I'll bet those pine splinters are a real bitch to pull out of your liver though.
Comments
man. "gin and pine?" that sound yucky. course i've never actually tasted pine (you know i'll have to sneak a few needles off the tree on x-mas morning now.)
when i think pine i automatically think the candle section of certain stores with that overwhelming fake pine smell. also i was once given a pine scented english cologne. was like instant sneeze potion.
if i don't talk to you again before the weekend matt have a great, hopefully restful, holiday. best.
Posted by: Jmorrison | December 21, 2005 9:55 AM
It sounds to me like that Greek wine, Retsina, which has a distinct taste and aroma of pine sap; it's not bad, but I wouldn't want to drink a whole bottle of it.
And a very [insert generic secular greeting here] to you too!
Posted by: MrBaliHai | December 21, 2005 12:21 PM
Gin and pine? I did not know there was a difference!
Posted by: Scott McGerik | December 22, 2005 11:15 PM
Since gin is made from juniper, I guess there really isn't.
Posted by: MrBaliHai | December 23, 2005 12:00 AM
I really wish I hadn't read the ingredient list for the Rumfustian. That's gonna give me nightmares.
And happy festive-type seasonal greetings to you, Mr. B.
Posted by: czeltic girl | December 23, 2005 1:28 PM
Take away the eggs and ale, and you'd have a hot toddy.
And a Happy Charlie Brown Kwanzaa to you, Czelt!
Posted by: MrBaliHai | December 23, 2005 1:56 PM