Exploring the Inaugural Episode of Drinking History
The first episode of Drinking History embarks on a unique journey through historical narratives intertwined with beverage culture. Unlike its precursor, Tasting History, this series promises a more versatile structure; it will blend informative historical storytelling with lighthearted cocktail crafting in a casual format.
The episode begins with an invitation to join in as the host prepares a cocktail known as the "green room," alongside a curious narrative about a figure known as the "man in the green hat." This set-up serves as a prelude to deeper explorations of cocktails, spirits, and various beverages like wine, beer, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
The recipe for the green room cocktail is sourced from "The Green Cocktail Book," authored by an enigmatic figure simply named "Jimmy." Published in London during 1932, the book showcases cocktails that thrived during the waning days of Prohibition in America.
According to Jimmy, the recipe elements are presented in straightforward terms devoid of complicated measurements; it calls for one part brandy—specifically suggesting dry French Vermouth over the sweeter Italian counterpart—two parts vermouth, and a couple of dashes of orange Curacao. The preparation involves chilling a glass with ice water, mixing the ingredients in another glass filled with ice, stirring, and then straining the mixture into the chilled glass. Though the recipe does not specify a garnish, the cocktail is celebrated for its smooth and fruity flavor profile, predominantly featuring the punch from the orange Curacao and the ease of sipping it.
As the host reflects on the drink, they appreciate its subtle sweetness and the slight drying sensation it leaves in the mouth. An interesting inquiry arises regarding the name "green room," pondering its possible ties to the Green Room in the White House, traditionally a pre-dinner cocktail space.
Transitioning into the central historical narrative, the episode delves into the life of George Cassidy, a notorious bootlegger who operated just outside the circumstances of Congress during Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. Cassidy's operations began shortly after the enactment of the 18th Amendment, surprising many as he swiftly became a supplier for Congress members who voted for the very law they later broke. The allure of "better prices" for liquor on Capitol Hill provided a ripe opportunity for Cassidy, leading to a thriving underground business.
In 1925, Cassidy's luck began to dwindle when he faced arrest linked to a suitcase of whiskey he had left at the House Office Building. His distinctive green felt hat caught the attention of the media, giving him the moniker the "man in the green hat," a nickname that would follow him through the years. Although he received a light sentence, Cassidy pivoted his operations from the House to the Senate, providing liquor with a discreet touch.
His years of supplying both legislative chambers ultimately came to a halt with a more serious arrest in 1930. Although sentenced to 18 months in prison, Cassidy enjoyed a curious arrangement allowing him to leave the facility in the evenings, reminiscent of fictional depictions of charming lawbreakers. Following his release, he morphed into a whistleblower of sorts, penning an exposé in the Washington Post discussing the scale of his operations and implicating numerous members of Congress.
Interestingly, his revelations coincided with a shift in political sentiment during the midterm elections, leading to a resurgence of a Democratic majority favorable to repealing Prohibition.
The inaugural episode elegantly combines cocktail recipes with vivid historical anecdotes, engaging viewers in the nostalgia of the Prohibition era. The host encourages listener feedback, aiming to refine the inaugural setup and respond to suggestions for future episodes. With a nod to timeless verses from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam—"While you live, drink! For once dead, you never shall return"—the closing message resonates with the theme of celebrating life through the enjoyment of drinks while uncovering historical tales.
In the blend of stories and sips, Drinking History embraces the casual yet informative spirit of engaging with the past, one cocktail at a time. Each episode promises to weave together rich narratives with the enjoyment of classic and contemporary beverages, inviting audiences to participate in this exploration further.
Part 1/9:
Exploring the Inaugural Episode of Drinking History
The first episode of Drinking History embarks on a unique journey through historical narratives intertwined with beverage culture. Unlike its precursor, Tasting History, this series promises a more versatile structure; it will blend informative historical storytelling with lighthearted cocktail crafting in a casual format.
The episode begins with an invitation to join in as the host prepares a cocktail known as the "green room," alongside a curious narrative about a figure known as the "man in the green hat." This set-up serves as a prelude to deeper explorations of cocktails, spirits, and various beverages like wine, beer, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
The Green Room Cocktail
Part 2/9:
The recipe for the green room cocktail is sourced from "The Green Cocktail Book," authored by an enigmatic figure simply named "Jimmy." Published in London during 1932, the book showcases cocktails that thrived during the waning days of Prohibition in America.
Part 3/9:
According to Jimmy, the recipe elements are presented in straightforward terms devoid of complicated measurements; it calls for one part brandy—specifically suggesting dry French Vermouth over the sweeter Italian counterpart—two parts vermouth, and a couple of dashes of orange Curacao. The preparation involves chilling a glass with ice water, mixing the ingredients in another glass filled with ice, stirring, and then straining the mixture into the chilled glass. Though the recipe does not specify a garnish, the cocktail is celebrated for its smooth and fruity flavor profile, predominantly featuring the punch from the orange Curacao and the ease of sipping it.
Part 4/9:
As the host reflects on the drink, they appreciate its subtle sweetness and the slight drying sensation it leaves in the mouth. An interesting inquiry arises regarding the name "green room," pondering its possible ties to the Green Room in the White House, traditionally a pre-dinner cocktail space.
The Man in the Green Hat
Part 5/9:
Transitioning into the central historical narrative, the episode delves into the life of George Cassidy, a notorious bootlegger who operated just outside the circumstances of Congress during Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. Cassidy's operations began shortly after the enactment of the 18th Amendment, surprising many as he swiftly became a supplier for Congress members who voted for the very law they later broke. The allure of "better prices" for liquor on Capitol Hill provided a ripe opportunity for Cassidy, leading to a thriving underground business.
Part 6/9:
In 1925, Cassidy's luck began to dwindle when he faced arrest linked to a suitcase of whiskey he had left at the House Office Building. His distinctive green felt hat caught the attention of the media, giving him the moniker the "man in the green hat," a nickname that would follow him through the years. Although he received a light sentence, Cassidy pivoted his operations from the House to the Senate, providing liquor with a discreet touch.
Part 7/9:
His years of supplying both legislative chambers ultimately came to a halt with a more serious arrest in 1930. Although sentenced to 18 months in prison, Cassidy enjoyed a curious arrangement allowing him to leave the facility in the evenings, reminiscent of fictional depictions of charming lawbreakers. Following his release, he morphed into a whistleblower of sorts, penning an exposé in the Washington Post discussing the scale of his operations and implicating numerous members of Congress.
Interestingly, his revelations coincided with a shift in political sentiment during the midterm elections, leading to a resurgence of a Democratic majority favorable to repealing Prohibition.
Reflections on History and Feedback
Part 8/9:
The inaugural episode elegantly combines cocktail recipes with vivid historical anecdotes, engaging viewers in the nostalgia of the Prohibition era. The host encourages listener feedback, aiming to refine the inaugural setup and respond to suggestions for future episodes. With a nod to timeless verses from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam—"While you live, drink! For once dead, you never shall return"—the closing message resonates with the theme of celebrating life through the enjoyment of drinks while uncovering historical tales.
Part 9/9:
In the blend of stories and sips, Drinking History embraces the casual yet informative spirit of engaging with the past, one cocktail at a time. Each episode promises to weave together rich narratives with the enjoyment of classic and contemporary beverages, inviting audiences to participate in this exploration further.