If there’s one thing I hate about living in the Pacific Northwest, it’s the stretch of time from late October until late June, when the sun makes only the most occasional of appearances. I typically pack on an extra 10-15 pounds during those rainy months, party due to over-consumption of wintertime drinks like dark beer, egg nog, hot-buttered-anything and wassail. I wanted a drink for the winter that I could add to my cocktail menu that was more like the light, café-style cocktails I typically gravitate to during the summer.
Jerry Thomas prescribed a drink called “sangaree” that, to the best of our knowledge was a colonial adaptation of the Spanish “sangria”. The recipe, which calls for anywhere from 1½ to 4 ounces of port, Madeira, gin or brandy dolled up with sugar and dusted with nutmeg in a glass sounded less than exciting to me, but the challenge of updating this old chestnut sounded like a fun January task.
We began with ruby and tawny ports but found both way too sweet. White port got us much closer to our target, but it wasn’t until a healthy dose of dry vermouth was applied that we knew we were on to something. To provide additional depth and hint at the drink’s colonial origins we sweetened with a maple-nutmeg syrup and finished the whole thing off with a teaspoon of allspice liqueur and orange oil.
The Dry Vermouth Sangaree
3 oz dry vermouth
½ oz maple-nutmeg syrup*
1 tsp St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
1 large strip orange peel
Shake everything – yes, even the orange peel – with ice until well-chilled and strain into a cold cocktail glass. Garnish with a fresh strip of orange peel.
*To make maple-nutmeg syrup, combine 8 ounces each of Grade B maple syrup and water, and 1 tbsp freshly-grated nutmeg. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Let cool, strain out solids, bottle and chill.
My problem with homemade tonic water has always been a flavor profile that was too esoteric for the general audience. This recipe takes some of the positive qualities people have come to understand from commercial tonic water and updated them with fresh ingredients.
One question I'm often asked is "Do you have any drink-related book recommendations?" Well, funny you should ask, I've compiled a list of the ten books every professional bartender or home mixologist should own. I keep every one of these close at hand and have read most of them several times. I suggest you do the same.
The problem with living in Oregon is the absence of little wooden shacks by the sea that sell cases of fresh ginger beer stacked on back porches. But with some readily-available ingredients, a recipe I've been revising for several years - and a few free minutes - I can easily transport myself to a little fishing boat on the ocean as I sip a Dark and Stormy made with fresh, house-made ginger beer.
It's always mojito season somewhere, so this advice is timely in your area about half the year. Wether you're making them or simply enjoying them, this advice will help you look like a pro in no time at all.
The flavors of the Richmond Gimlet are imbued with sunshine. Fresh mint mingling with the herbaceousness of gin and the tartness of lime have made this drink a Eugene classic for many years now.
You'll get a lot of snarky advice on this site about how to make a proper drink, but if you ever need to know what not to do, this is the video for you.
Not to be confused with the Spanish wine-and-fruit-based alcoholic beverage sangria, sangrita (meaning "little blood") is a traditional accompaniment to a tequila served completo; a non-alcoholic sipper that cleanses the palate between fiery doses of agave.
The world of booze can be mystifying to people that don't work in bars or around alcohol all the time. I hear a lot of assumptions about the industry I'm in that are - much like 90% of what you hear in bars - completely false. Here are a few you've probably heard yourself.
The debate rages on: Should we try to look cool and crack open the Boston shaker or be tidy professionals and use the Hawthorne strainer the way God intended? Be sure to leave your two cents in the comments section.
The traditional garnish for a Pisco Sour is a couple of drops of bitters in the foam, but I've never been particularly impressed with the way these few paltry drops of bitters sat in their little egg-white mattress and didn't play along with the rest of the drink. I envisioned a Pisco Sour with a uniformly-distributed bitters-scorched foam: slightly crisp as the fire burnt the sugars, and slightly warm as the foam insulated the rest of the frosty cocktail from the heat. A pisco creme brulée in a glass!
I get so many visitors looking for tips on how to write a bartending resume that I thought I should finally post a tutorial on how to write your own. Click the headline to read more.
I always love showing up to a party with a gallon jug of pre-mixed margaritas, so I've decided to share my recipe. This margarita recipe is the perfect blend of strong, sweet, and sour. But be warned: this recipe packs a serious punch.
There isn't much I can say about this video that hasn't been said already. If you've read anything I've written about cocktails, you'll understand why this video symbolizes everything wrong with the state of bartending in America today. Watch and learn, but be warned: this one isn't for the feint of heart.
About Me
My name is Jeff Morgenthaler and I'm the head bartender at Clyde Common in Portland, Oregon.
I've been tending bar since 1996 and writing about it since 2004. Mixing drinks has become something of a passion for me in recent years, and I strive to elevate the experience of having a drink from something mundane to something more culinary.
The writing I do here is intended as a work in progress. My recipes are like my opinions: they are constantly being revised and refined as I work them through my mind and my fingers. Comments and participation are encouraged, so please don't feel the need to tread lightly here.
A few years ago I posted some thoughts about why Americans should celebrate the anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition, and since then people from all over the country have written to tell me about the events they’re organizing, the celebrations they’re planning, and the parties they’re throwing.
I’ll be in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 75th anniversary of Repeal Day in our nation’s capital with the Washington, D.C. Craft Bartender’s Guild at what promises to be a great party.
So I put it to you: what do you have planned for December 5th? Leave your event’s info and a link to the festivities happening in your area in the comments section below.
Comments
47 Responses to “What Are You Doing on Repeal Day?”
Got no event planned yet, but as I mentioned, I’m going to be at Founding Farmers on Pennsylvania Ave. for Old Fashioneds and Juleps. You are, of course, invited.
We’re planning a Repeal party in Milwaukee. We’re hoping to have around 100 or so people attending with a bourbon barrel tapping and full 1930’s dress. I hope your event in DC goes just as well.
For Repeal Day I’m going to Eugene Oregon to loot what should be an empty house, as I suspect that the owner may be unaware and across the country, half (or fully) blitzed on free whiskey.
Good luck with that, Jamie, I’ve been couch surfing since September. But you’re right again: whenever there’s free booze to be had, there I will be found.
I don’t think we have anything going on in Alabama … obviously, since I didn’t organize anything. It’s kinda tough being the only cocktail nerd in your city some days.
I think i’ll go eat mexican and drink beer – because I can … cheers to repeal!
I’m just there with the folks from the DC Guild, but Janet will be there, and Emma, and I’m sure a few other surprises! Wish you were coming, doll, it’s always fun when you’re there.
The Cocktail Hackers are throwing a small party with cocktails and homemade pizza. There will be drinking of course but clearly it will only be in the spirit of our freedom.
Either at Bourbon & Branch or Elixir, probably. B&B has the whole speakeasy thing, but Elixir is more awesome and also has the 150-year history. Or I could go off the range to Nopa, where they’re uncorking their house single-barrel Redhead Rye. Too many choices, man!
21 Nov 2008 at 12:04 pm 21. Alex
I’m hoping to have a more well planned, less disastrous repeat of the bar crawl I did last year.
For folks in San Francisco the Chron just did a roundup of places that are having festivities.
I knew the possibility of retro cocktail pricing was on the table at Cantina, but I didn’t think the crazy bastard was going to do it. That is going to be some delightful mayhem right there. I also can’t recommend enough anybody in the area get themselves down to NOPA to try the Redhead Rye. That business will blow your mind.
Mark your calendar for December 5, the 75th anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition. On Dec. 5, 1933, after 13 long years of bad homebrew and bathtub gin, the states ratified the 21st Amendment, which abolished the 18th Amendment, ending prohibition in America. To celebrate this momentous day, we’re hosting a Repeal Week Celebration at the 21st Amendment Brewery.
The 21st Amendment is located at 563 2nd St, San Francisco, CA
23 Nov 2008 at 7:11 pm 25. heckler
wow. so many patriots motivated to honor the memory of heroes from days gone by. it’s so gosh darn touching…if only jimmy stewart were alive to play jeffrey “bottoms up” morgenthaler, genuine american patriot.
one if by land
two if by sea
make it a double
is all right be me!
jeffrey “paul revere” morgenthaler
true american spirit
Hello, we are celebrating Repeal Day in the UK this year also, without it, your wonderful bartenders wouldn’t have travelled to Europe and brought their craft with them. Our Repeal Day event is at Miller’s Academy and is an evening hosted by Clive Aslet and Martin Miller’s Gin on the 3rd December (had to do it early as the Martin Miller’s team will then be travelling to DC).
Unaware of any big events here in the LA/OC area to which I’m invited, so I’m arranging an excursion to the Edison.
25 Nov 2008 at 7:49 pm 30. laura
i dont know what is going down in new orleans that night.my plans so far is work than get a drink after perhaps at Swizzle or Loa if they stay open late that night.
At door 74 here in Sunny Amsterdam, we’re gonnig to host a stealth Repeal Day party. We will dress like gentlemen, serve large amounts of strong, classic cocktails and talk of horseracing, boxing and (if no ladies are in earshot) ladies.
Actually, tat’s what we do all the time, but this time we’ll have Repeal Bitters and maybe raise a toast around midnight if we don’t get distracted and forget. Can you say “half-assed Repeal Day celebration”? We can!
Cheers,
Philip.
PS – Jeffrey, please say hello to the esteemed Jake Parrott from me, when you see him Friday – he visited us last night and was one of the coolest guests in ages, in a bar full of cool guests.
Forbidden Island will pay tribute to Cuba, the drinking destination of choice during Prohibition, with cocktails like the El Presidente, Mary Pickford and daiquiris. 1304 Lincoln Ave. (at Sherman), Alameda; (510) 749-0332, forbiddenislandalameda.com.
I’ll be celebrating with 21st Amendment Brewery in San Francisco. Repeal Prohibition Parade starts at 4:00 p.m. at Justin Herman Plaza. Post prohibition party continues at 21st Amendment Brewery, with a password-only speakeasy. Password clues go out Dec. 1 on: http://twitter.com/21stamendment
We’re celebrating Repeal Day by raising money for our new brewery! It’s sheer coincidence, really…but what better way to boast of our freedom to drink than to help create a new brewery?
What better place to celebrate repeal day then at a distillery. We are shutting down the stills early today and hosting a party in our tasting room for all who are involved with our distillery.
Cheers,
Just going to have a few with the folks. And it’s whiskey weather, so I’m gonna mix up a few (Great and Powerful) Manhattans.
It would be kind of nice to have an event to attend, like y’all have in them big cities (don’t get many cocktail parties in rural Arizona :) ), but there’s also something to be said for a quiet round with family.
11 Dec 2008 at 1:29 pm 47. Rick C
Here in Chicago, most of us never realized there was such a thing as prohibition. Ask any old-timer: they simply say “What now? A ban!? Well I certainly don’t recall–seems to me that the bars were open as always. But now that you mention it, there were an aweful lot of passwords those days…”
I suppose we just celebrate our blatant disregard and disdain for un-Americanism. This means you, Blagojevich.
I absolutely hate it when someone sends me a box full of sex toys in the mail. Sure, it might sound like fun to some of you (you know who you are), but receiving a big box of free sex is much more trouble than it’s worth. Believe me. So I get a [...]
A few years ago I posted some thoughts about why Americans should celebrate the anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition, and since then people from all over the country have written to tell me about the events they’re organizing, the celebrations they’re planning, and the parties they’re throwing.
20 Nov 2008 at 1:18 pm 1. Jeff - ScienceSays
Got no event planned yet, but as I mentioned, I’m going to be at Founding Farmers on Pennsylvania Ave. for Old Fashioneds and Juleps. You are, of course, invited.
20 Nov 2008 at 1:29 pm 2. SeanMike
I’ve already got my two tickets for the Repeal Day event! Now I just need a date…
20 Nov 2008 at 1:31 pm 3. Jeffrey Morgenthaler
You’re not using my website to trawl for a date, Mister.
20 Nov 2008 at 1:53 pm 4. napplegate
We’re planning a Repeal party in Milwaukee. We’re hoping to have around 100 or so people attending with a bourbon barrel tapping and full 1930’s dress. I hope your event in DC goes just as well.
20 Nov 2008 at 1:55 pm 5. napplegate
correction on the website :/
20 Nov 2008 at 2:12 pm 6. SeanMike
Who said anything about trawling? I’ve just been trying to narrow it down…:)
20 Nov 2008 at 2:31 pm 7. Jeffrey Morgenthaler
Atta boy, SeanMike.
20 Nov 2008 at 3:29 pm 8. Tiare
No such things here..but i`m gonna go with a tiki frind to imbibe cocktails.
20 Nov 2008 at 3:58 pm 9. Jamie
For Repeal Day I’m going to Eugene Oregon to loot what should be an empty house, as I suspect that the owner may be unaware and across the country, half (or fully) blitzed on free whiskey.
20 Nov 2008 at 4:10 pm 10. Jeffrey Morgenthaler
Good luck with that, Jamie, I’ve been couch surfing since September. But you’re right again: whenever there’s free booze to be had, there I will be found.
20 Nov 2008 at 4:19 pm 11. Jenny Adams
I don’t think we have anything going on in Alabama … obviously, since I didn’t organize anything. It’s kinda tough being the only cocktail nerd in your city some days.
I think i’ll go eat mexican and drink beer – because I can … cheers to repeal!
20 Nov 2008 at 4:42 pm 12. Jeffrey Morgenthaler
Adams, I wish you were joining us in DC, it’s been way too long since we had too many drinks together. Really. What’s it been, two whole weeks?
20 Nov 2008 at 5:39 pm 13. Jenny Adams
I think it may be the two week mark – damn! time sucks when we aren’t together getting wasted
What’s going on in DC? Are you with Janet?
20 Nov 2008 at 6:06 pm 14. Jeffrey Morgenthaler
I’m just there with the folks from the DC Guild, but Janet will be there, and Emma, and I’m sure a few other surprises! Wish you were coming, doll, it’s always fun when you’re there.
20 Nov 2008 at 10:19 pm 15. Reese
The Cocktail Hackers are throwing a small party with cocktails and homemade pizza. There will be drinking of course but clearly it will only be in the spirit of our freedom.
20 Nov 2008 at 11:29 pm 16. Foliosus
I’ll be hosting a repeal/holiday party (should we really repeal the holidays…) and serving Devonia Cocktails. Delightful!
21 Nov 2008 at 1:43 am 17. Tristan
I will be making festive cocktails at the Gordon Ramsay Taste Event in London on the Spirit and Wine Stage.
In fact i’ll be doing it for 4 days.
21 Nov 2008 at 1:44 am 18. Christian
Hosting a little repeal-party too. Just need the savoy cocktail book…
21 Nov 2008 at 5:46 am 19. Oscomp
I guess i´ll have a Artillery Cocktail with TBT Repeal Bitters
http://www.drinkology.de/webshop/bitters/the-bitter-truth-repeal-bitters.html
21 Nov 2008 at 11:41 am 20. juliana
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/20/WI61147OL0.DTL
Either at Bourbon & Branch or Elixir, probably. B&B has the whole speakeasy thing, but Elixir is more awesome and also has the 150-year history. Or I could go off the range to Nopa, where they’re uncorking their house single-barrel Redhead Rye. Too many choices, man!
21 Nov 2008 at 12:04 pm 21. Alex
I’m hoping to have a more well planned, less disastrous repeat of the bar crawl I did last year.
For folks in San Francisco the Chron just did a roundup of places that are having festivities.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/20/WI61147OL0.DTL
I knew the possibility of retro cocktail pricing was on the table at Cantina, but I didn’t think the crazy bastard was going to do it. That is going to be some delightful mayhem right there. I also can’t recommend enough anybody in the area get themselves down to NOPA to try the Redhead Rye. That business will blow your mind.
21 Nov 2008 at 12:12 pm 22. Sonja
We’re throwing two bashes in Chicago – details available on our blog here:
http://lupecchicago.blogspot.com/2008/11/party-like-its-1933-repeal-day-in.html
Thanks so much for the Repeal Day website and for spearheading all of this. We’re trying to do our part in Chi-town to make this a real celebration.
22 Nov 2008 at 7:08 am 23. The Brotherhood of Appreciating Repeal Day
In western Pa, The B.O.A.R.D will host their 2nd Repeal Day event. Details here:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CluCw5G4B4g/SP0uJIU9QbI/AAAAAAAAAKI/Ur34hVgXZ4U/s1600-h/RepealDay-poster%232.JPG
23 Nov 2008 at 8:16 am 24. 21st Amendment Brewery
Mark your calendar for December 5, the 75th anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition. On Dec. 5, 1933, after 13 long years of bad homebrew and bathtub gin, the states ratified the 21st Amendment, which abolished the 18th Amendment, ending prohibition in America. To celebrate this momentous day, we’re hosting a Repeal Week Celebration at the 21st Amendment Brewery.
The 21st Amendment is located at 563 2nd St, San Francisco, CA
23 Nov 2008 at 7:11 pm 25. heckler
wow. so many patriots motivated to honor the memory of heroes from days gone by. it’s so gosh darn touching…if only jimmy stewart were alive to play jeffrey “bottoms up” morgenthaler, genuine american patriot.
one if by land
two if by sea
make it a double
is all right be me!
jeffrey “paul revere” morgenthaler
true american spirit
23 Nov 2008 at 11:45 pm 26. Emmabrap
Hello, we are celebrating Repeal Day in the UK this year also, without it, your wonderful bartenders wouldn’t have travelled to Europe and brought their craft with them. Our Repeal Day event is at Miller’s Academy and is an evening hosted by Clive Aslet and Martin Miller’s Gin on the 3rd December (had to do it early as the Martin Miller’s team will then be travelling to DC).
24 Nov 2008 at 10:49 am 27. Kevin Erskine
DISCUS is throwing a party in New York..invite only for “industry people”. If you have a DISCUS contact…hit them up.
I am throwing my own private party to celebrate.
25 Nov 2008 at 6:40 am 28. TikiTender
I am organizing a party at the restaurant I work in. Golden Lion in Flagler Beach, Florida. Woohoo!
25 Nov 2008 at 1:12 pm 29. Matt Robold (RumDood)
Unaware of any big events here in the LA/OC area to which I’m invited, so I’m arranging an excursion to the Edison.
25 Nov 2008 at 7:49 pm 30. laura
i dont know what is going down in new orleans that night.my plans so far is work than get a drink after perhaps at Swizzle or Loa if they stay open late that night.
27 Nov 2008 at 10:47 pm 31. John Claude
The Brown University Library for Digital Initiatives has an amazing online repository of material scanned in on subjects concerning alcohol, temperance, and prohibition. Very much worth taking a look at! Some pretty funny reading.
28 Nov 2008 at 8:08 am 32. Philip Duff
At door 74 here in Sunny Amsterdam, we’re gonnig to host a stealth Repeal Day party. We will dress like gentlemen, serve large amounts of strong, classic cocktails and talk of horseracing, boxing and (if no ladies are in earshot) ladies.
Actually, tat’s what we do all the time, but this time we’ll have Repeal Bitters and maybe raise a toast around midnight if we don’t get distracted and forget. Can you say “half-assed Repeal Day celebration”? We can!
Cheers,
Philip.
PS – Jeffrey, please say hello to the esteemed Jake Parrott from me, when you see him Friday – he visited us last night and was one of the coolest guests in ages, in a bar full of cool guests.
28 Nov 2008 at 10:34 am 33. Martin
As mentioned above in the SF Chron:
Forbidden Island will pay tribute to Cuba, the drinking destination of choice during Prohibition, with cocktails like the El Presidente, Mary Pickford and daiquiris. 1304 Lincoln Ave. (at Sherman), Alameda; (510) 749-0332, forbiddenislandalameda.com.
Come see us if you get a chance!
29 Nov 2008 at 6:31 pm 34. AOH Chicago
The event is listed in Metromix
http://chicago.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/bar_club_event/whiskey-rebellion-sheffield-de-paul/795255/content
Whiskey Rebellion
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Legalization of Whiskey
Kelly’s Webster and Sheffield
5:30 – 8:30 Friday December 5, 2008
Fundraiser for the Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Division # 1
Requested Contribution is $33 includes $2 beer and well drinks
For further information please email St.Patricks@ameritech.net
30 Nov 2008 at 2:56 pm 35. Phil Gomes
Leaving for Asia on a business trip… Otherwise I’d be indulging my Libertarian tendencies by holding another blind tasting here at the Gomecile.
30 Nov 2008 at 6:53 pm 36. Renee Davidson
I’ll be celebrating with 21st Amendment Brewery in San Francisco. Repeal Prohibition Parade starts at 4:00 p.m. at Justin Herman Plaza. Post prohibition party continues at 21st Amendment Brewery, with a password-only speakeasy. Password clues go out Dec. 1 on: http://twitter.com/21stamendment
01 Dec 2008 at 1:34 pm 37. Patrick
I’ll be at a holiday party at work trying Glögg, which I understand to be a form of mulled wine.
02 Dec 2008 at 5:59 am 38. Kevin Langmack
Repeal Day party on Summit Ave. @ Sun Liquor and the Summit Tavern.
Sun Liquor
607 Summit Ave
Seattle Wa. 98102
03 Dec 2008 at 11:41 am 39. Sean Wilson
We’re celebrating Repeal Day by raising money for our new brewery! It’s sheer coincidence, really…but what better way to boast of our freedom to drink than to help create a new brewery?
Fullsteam Brewery, Durham N.C.
http://fullsteam.ag
05 Dec 2008 at 5:11 am 40. Rico Suave
I’ll be mixing the most incredible drinks on the west coast (second to yours, i suppose…)
05 Dec 2008 at 8:13 am 41. Natalie
RICO- We’ll come see you for our cocktail needs tonight-it’s Jim’s birthday as well as Repeal Day! And await Jeff’s breathless DC tales.
05 Dec 2008 at 11:20 am 42. Frederic
I’ll be resting my tummy after having a blast last night at Eastern Standard’s Repeal Day Gala (about 2 hours of it was today)…
http://cocktailvirgin.blogspot.com/2008/12/eastern-standards-prohibition-repeal.html
05 Dec 2008 at 12:01 pm 43. Ian
One Word:
Winter Beer Fest in Seattle!
05 Dec 2008 at 12:12 pm 44. Vodka Rob
What better place to celebrate repeal day then at a distillery. We are shutting down the stills early today and hosting a party in our tasting room for all who are involved with our distillery.
Cheers,
Rob
05 Dec 2008 at 12:13 pm 45. Blair, aka Trader Tiki
I’ll be mixing up Prohibition Era cocktails at Acadia, and using your site for free publicity!
A winner is all of us. Have fun with Jacob at the Cato!
05 Dec 2008 at 4:06 pm 46. Jac
Just going to have a few with the folks. And it’s whiskey weather, so I’m gonna mix up a few (Great and Powerful) Manhattans.
It would be kind of nice to have an event to attend, like y’all have in them big cities (don’t get many cocktail parties in rural Arizona :) ), but there’s also something to be said for a quiet round with family.
11 Dec 2008 at 1:29 pm 47. Rick C
Here in Chicago, most of us never realized there was such a thing as prohibition. Ask any old-timer: they simply say “What now? A ban!? Well I certainly don’t recall–seems to me that the bars were open as always. But now that you mention it, there were an aweful lot of passwords those days…”
I suppose we just celebrate our blatant disregard and disdain for un-Americanism. This means you, Blagojevich.