Welcome back to our weekly discussion thread, a place to share ideas and get to know each other.
This weekend, I’m down in New Orleans eating all the po’ boys and drinking all the drinks. Specifically, I’m grabbing a vieux carre at the Carousel Bar, where the cocktail was invented. (Yes, I know it’s touristy; no, I do not care.) I love the stories that food and drink can tell us about a place and the memories it creates.
So I started wondering what cocktails are central to the Midwest? Detroit is famous for inventing the Last Word and the Hummer. And, of course, there’s the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, which is not at all a classic old fashioned.
Tell me: What other cocktails were born in the Midwest? And why do you love (or loathe) them?
I want all the deets! Tell me your stories. Tell us where to go. Maybe your recommendations will help us create the a lasting memory of the place in the Midwest that you call home.
Carousel Bar in New Orleans courtesy of AFAR magazine.
And just remember, be cool! I know passions run high over this topic. So share your opinion, but don’t pile on and yuck someone’s yum. I don’t like Wisconsin Old Fashioneds, for example, but I still want to hear all about why someone else does and the memories it has created.
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I don't have a cocktail, but I do remember ordering a Labatt in a state far, far away from Michigan. The bartender looked at me like I was nuts as it was kind of a dive and Labatt was a fancy import to that state. It's for sale in every gas station with a liquor license here, I forget not everybody lives so close to Canada.
The Smith and Kearns (or Currans) invented in Bismarck, ND in 1952. It was apparently named after a couple of Oilmen. It's a great after dinner, dessert or late nightcap cocktail. Pretty simple ingredient. Creme de Cacao, half and half and club soda. Can be shaken and served over ice or layered. It's so yum! 2ozs Liqueur, 3 ozs cream and 1 or 2 oz club soda. Garnish with a Filbert.
I still haven’t had one at the DAC! I actually discovered it at a bar in Brooklyn. Is it too strong or just too many? 😂 What makes it too much for you. And yes, ha!, everything leads to that rabbit hole 🤷🏻♀️
Too strong for my decreasing capacity. Also, gin, which for some reason gives me more trouble than other spirits. I suppose a NA Last Word would be a lot to hope for.
I had to check the Wikipedia on the drink. I’d like to think my husband’s grandfather provided the gin on his bootlegging drives across the frozen lake during prohibition. It looks like in fact the DAC had it’s own bathtub gin for the purpose: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_word_(cocktail).
I don't have a cocktail, but I do remember ordering a Labatt in a state far, far away from Michigan. The bartender looked at me like I was nuts as it was kind of a dive and Labatt was a fancy import to that state. It's for sale in every gas station with a liquor license here, I forget not everybody lives so close to Canada.
Ah, yes! A Labatt. Very much a drink of the Midwest. Or at least the Upper Midwest!
The Smith and Kearns (or Currans) invented in Bismarck, ND in 1952. It was apparently named after a couple of Oilmen. It's a great after dinner, dessert or late nightcap cocktail. Pretty simple ingredient. Creme de Cacao, half and half and club soda. Can be shaken and served over ice or layered. It's so yum! 2ozs Liqueur, 3 ozs cream and 1 or 2 oz club soda. Garnish with a Filbert.
Oh! Thank you! I don’t know this one. So I’m gonna have to research it and try it. Time to find a bartender friend in Bismark! ❤️🙏
The Last Word, which began at the Detroit Athletic Club. Love it, but it makes me sick every time.
(Oh dear, does that send me back down the “where is the Midwest?” Rabbit hole?
I still haven’t had one at the DAC! I actually discovered it at a bar in Brooklyn. Is it too strong or just too many? 😂 What makes it too much for you. And yes, ha!, everything leads to that rabbit hole 🤷🏻♀️
Came here to mention the same drink-a friend has made it for me but I haven't tried The Last Word at the DAC.. yet! :)
Too strong for my decreasing capacity. Also, gin, which for some reason gives me more trouble than other spirits. I suppose a NA Last Word would be a lot to hope for.
I had to check the Wikipedia on the drink. I’d like to think my husband’s grandfather provided the gin on his bootlegging drives across the frozen lake during prohibition. It looks like in fact the DAC had it’s own bathtub gin for the purpose: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_word_(cocktail).
Let me ask my bartender friends if they have a NA version. If so, I’ll put it in the newsletter. :)