The Surprising History of Coffee and Its Cocktails
Coffee has undergone many transformations since the 17th century when it was derogatorily described as "nasty, stinking, bitter, puddle water." This potent beverage has been embroiled in controversy, facing accusations of treason, immorality, and even impotence. Banning the drink was not uncommon throughout history, and it faced legal and social scrutiny numerous times. Today, however, we explore an intriguing coffee cocktail from 1887 that contains no coffee whatsoever, highlighting both the peculiar concoction and the rich history behind the popular drink.
The cocktail in question comes from an edition of Jerry Thomas's Bartenders Guide, published in 1887. Despite bearing the name of coffee, the cocktail’s ingredients do not include coffee or bitters—a fact that the recipe openly acknowledges. Instead, you’ll require:
1 teaspoon of powdered sugar
2 ounces of port wine
1 ounce of brandy
1 fresh egg
It’s important to note that the presence of raw egg could pose health risks such as salmonella, so ensure that the egg is clean, uncracked, and refrigerated.
To make the cocktail, start with a vigorous dry shake to achieve a nice frothy texture. Follow this by adding ice and shaking again until chilled, then strain into a glass. A garnish of freshly grated nutmeg completes the presentation.
Surprisingly, this cocktail tastes delightful despite its lack of coffee. It’s creamy, smooth, and sure to fool anyone with its coffee-like appearance. Although it lacks actual coffee flavor, the combination of port, brandy, and egg results in a luxurious cocktail experience.
Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur
For those who prefer a true coffee experience, Mr. Black coffee liqueur serves as the perfect alternative. Crafted from 100% Arabica beans and without artificial flavors or preservatives, Mr. Black provides a full-bodied coffee flavor that is neither overly bitter nor sweet. These qualities make it ideal for crafting authentic coffee cocktails, bridging the taste of coffee with the world of mixology.
As we delve deeper into the history of coffee, a timeline of bans reveals a tumultuous relationship between societies and this beloved beverage. In Mecca in 1511 and Cairo in 1539, coffee drinking was outlawed, while Istanbul’s Sultan Murad IV allegedly imposed capital punishment for its consumption. Notable stories about these bans often lack credible historical documentation, with many being propagated by later generations.
When coffee arrived in Europe during the 16th century, it faced a particularly hostile reception from the Catholic Church, which labeled it a "drink of the devil." Pope Clement VIII, however, enjoyed coffee so much that he advocated for its baptism, turning it into a holy drink rather than one associated with evil.
The 17th century saw a surge in the popularity of coffee in England, where it gained a reputation as a health tonic. However, the emergence of coffee houses, known as "Penny Universities," sparked concern among women—who alleged that coffee rendered their husbands impotent and excessively chatty. These sentiments culminated in a pamphlet from 1674, blaming coffee for drastically changing men’s behavior and vitality.
King Charles II of England, triggered by the disruption this caused among his subjects, attempted to clamp down on coffee houses. On December 29, 1675, he issued a proclamation to suppress them, claiming they diverted attention from more practical work and spread harmful rumors about his government.
Despite the king's efforts, the ban faced immense backlash, particularly among courtiers who frequented coffee houses. The proposed edict was never enforced due to public opposition and the clear cultural importance of these establishments in the dissemination of Enlightenment ideas.
Today, coffee is celebrated widely and is no longer subjected to the societal sanctions it once faced. The modern cocktail scene continues to evolve, offering beverages that vary in ingredients and presentation, yet retain the core essence of coffee culture.
To bring the discussion into the present, it’s worth noting contemporary cocktails like the Espresso Martini, which surfaced in the 1980s. This cocktail, combining espresso with Mr. Black, offers a quick and delicious option, showcasing how far coffee cocktails have come since the days of the bizarre 1887 coffee cocktail.
As we explore new ways to appreciate coffee, whether through historical lenses or modern mixes, it’s clear that coffee's journey is not just about flavors but also involves cultural evolution, controversy, and a rich tapestry of social interactions.
In conclusion, whether you choose to make the coffee-less coffee cocktail from 1887 or indulge in a coffee-flavored concoction with Mr. Black liqueur, there is much to celebrate in the world of coffee—both in history and in today’s vibrant cocktail culture.
Part 1/8:
The Surprising History of Coffee and Its Cocktails
Coffee has undergone many transformations since the 17th century when it was derogatorily described as "nasty, stinking, bitter, puddle water." This potent beverage has been embroiled in controversy, facing accusations of treason, immorality, and even impotence. Banning the drink was not uncommon throughout history, and it faced legal and social scrutiny numerous times. Today, however, we explore an intriguing coffee cocktail from 1887 that contains no coffee whatsoever, highlighting both the peculiar concoction and the rich history behind the popular drink.
The 1887 Coffee Cocktail Recipe
Part 2/8:
The cocktail in question comes from an edition of Jerry Thomas's Bartenders Guide, published in 1887. Despite bearing the name of coffee, the cocktail’s ingredients do not include coffee or bitters—a fact that the recipe openly acknowledges. Instead, you’ll require:
1 teaspoon of powdered sugar
2 ounces of port wine
1 ounce of brandy
1 fresh egg
It’s important to note that the presence of raw egg could pose health risks such as salmonella, so ensure that the egg is clean, uncracked, and refrigerated.
To make the cocktail, start with a vigorous dry shake to achieve a nice frothy texture. Follow this by adding ice and shaking again until chilled, then strain into a glass. A garnish of freshly grated nutmeg completes the presentation.
Part 3/8:
Surprisingly, this cocktail tastes delightful despite its lack of coffee. It’s creamy, smooth, and sure to fool anyone with its coffee-like appearance. Although it lacks actual coffee flavor, the combination of port, brandy, and egg results in a luxurious cocktail experience.
Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur
For those who prefer a true coffee experience, Mr. Black coffee liqueur serves as the perfect alternative. Crafted from 100% Arabica beans and without artificial flavors or preservatives, Mr. Black provides a full-bodied coffee flavor that is neither overly bitter nor sweet. These qualities make it ideal for crafting authentic coffee cocktails, bridging the taste of coffee with the world of mixology.
The Bans and Controversies Surrounding Coffee
Part 4/8:
As we delve deeper into the history of coffee, a timeline of bans reveals a tumultuous relationship between societies and this beloved beverage. In Mecca in 1511 and Cairo in 1539, coffee drinking was outlawed, while Istanbul’s Sultan Murad IV allegedly imposed capital punishment for its consumption. Notable stories about these bans often lack credible historical documentation, with many being propagated by later generations.
When coffee arrived in Europe during the 16th century, it faced a particularly hostile reception from the Catholic Church, which labeled it a "drink of the devil." Pope Clement VIII, however, enjoyed coffee so much that he advocated for its baptism, turning it into a holy drink rather than one associated with evil.
Coffee in 17th Century England
Part 5/8:
The 17th century saw a surge in the popularity of coffee in England, where it gained a reputation as a health tonic. However, the emergence of coffee houses, known as "Penny Universities," sparked concern among women—who alleged that coffee rendered their husbands impotent and excessively chatty. These sentiments culminated in a pamphlet from 1674, blaming coffee for drastically changing men’s behavior and vitality.
King Charles II of England, triggered by the disruption this caused among his subjects, attempted to clamp down on coffee houses. On December 29, 1675, he issued a proclamation to suppress them, claiming they diverted attention from more practical work and spread harmful rumors about his government.
The Unraveling of Coffee Prohibition
Part 6/8:
Despite the king's efforts, the ban faced immense backlash, particularly among courtiers who frequented coffee houses. The proposed edict was never enforced due to public opposition and the clear cultural importance of these establishments in the dissemination of Enlightenment ideas.
Today, coffee is celebrated widely and is no longer subjected to the societal sanctions it once faced. The modern cocktail scene continues to evolve, offering beverages that vary in ingredients and presentation, yet retain the core essence of coffee culture.
Modern Cocktails with Coffee
Part 7/8:
To bring the discussion into the present, it’s worth noting contemporary cocktails like the Espresso Martini, which surfaced in the 1980s. This cocktail, combining espresso with Mr. Black, offers a quick and delicious option, showcasing how far coffee cocktails have come since the days of the bizarre 1887 coffee cocktail.
As we explore new ways to appreciate coffee, whether through historical lenses or modern mixes, it’s clear that coffee's journey is not just about flavors but also involves cultural evolution, controversy, and a rich tapestry of social interactions.
Part 8/8:
In conclusion, whether you choose to make the coffee-less coffee cocktail from 1887 or indulge in a coffee-flavored concoction with Mr. Black liqueur, there is much to celebrate in the world of coffee—both in history and in today’s vibrant cocktail culture.