Over the course of my career I’ve spent time in bars, speakeasies, taverns and lounges. I’ve been behind the bar as a mixologist, arm-chair psychologist and plain old bartender. I have also been on the other side of the bar as a patron, town drunk and a pick-up artist. But all of that was long ago. Matter of fact, I can’t remember the last time I was in a bar. I think it might have been last Tuesday night, but I can’t remember.
Mr. Boston was first published in 1935 and has been handing down the secrets of mixology to generations of people who imbibe on the demons of alcohol. My copy, the 64th edition published in 1984 has been in the back pocket of my jeans ever since. I always try to keep a flask in my other back pocket.
It’s a standard guide full of drink recipes as wells as guides to stocking your home bar as well as bar room tricks that will amaze your friends. Here’s a tip to some of these tavern tricks. The drunker your audience is, the better your trick.
Bottoms-Up Money Trick
Bet somebody you can remove a hundred-dollar bill from under a liquor bottle without touching the bottle.
Roll up the bill carefully while shoving the bottle off of the bill with the rolled portion without letting your fingers touch the bottle.
Anyway, Mr. Boston has some pretty cool drinks. Believe it or not, some I’ve never heard of.
Naked Pretzel
¾ Oz. Vodka
1 Oz. Melon Liqueur
½ Oz. Crème de Cassis
2 Oz. Pineapple Juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker full of ice. Strain in to an old fashioned glass.
Why Not?
1 Oz. Gin
1 Oz. Apricot Brandy
1/2 Oz. Dry Vermouth
Dash Lemon Juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker full of ice. Strain in to cocktail glass.
Terminator: The Cocktail
1 Oz. Absolut Raspberry Vodka
1 Oz. Chambord
1 Oz. 151 Rum
½ Can Red Bull
Pour Red Bull in to tall highball glass. Mix vodka and Chambord in with Red Bull. In a shot glass ignite the 151 and drop into glass. Hasta la Vista baby.
Mr. Boston has sold more than 11 million copies and contains more than 1,200 recipes.
I have always been a shot and a beer kind of guy, or on special occasions, maybe a glass of wine.
Here’s some good bar trivia. What’s a 7 and 7? 14.
Expand your horizons and if you get a chance check out Mr. Boston, the “Official Bartender’s and Party Guide”.
Bottoms up everybody.
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