Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. Thus spoke our beloved Benjamin Franklin. No doubt many of you find this quote satisfying, even vindicating — after all, coming from Mr. Kite-and-Key himself, it looks like a good origin for that whole “Social Ivy” thing. So while we’re at it, let’s take a look at some other intelligent, talented, and respected literary notables whose similar feelings led to their association with particular adult beverages. We are confident Throeau (see facing page) would approve.
JAMES BOND — Vesper Martini
“Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?”
Bond specified this cocktail when ordering at a bar in Casino Royale (1953); he later named it after love interest Vesper Lynd, but never ordered it again. Purists note that Kina Lillet and Gordon’s have both changed since 1953, and they suggest adding orange bitters, using 100-proof Stoli vodka and substituting Tanqueray gin for Gordon’s to more accurately recreate the original flavor.
3 oz. Gordon’s gin
1 oz. vodka
½ oz. Kina Lillet
WILLIAM FAULKNER — Mint Julep
“Civilization begins with distillation.”
A Southerner through and through, it figures that Faulkner’s drink of choice is the one that all good Derby-watchers sip while lounging in their seersucker suits. Although this drink may look quaint, don’t let the mint sprigs fool you — it’s essentially just cold bourbon. But for a man who frequently drank straight whiskey, it must have gone down easy as lemonade.
3 oz. bourbon
½ oz. simple syrup
7 sprigs mint
ERNEST HEMINGWAY — Papa Doble
“Don’t you drink? I notice you speak slightingly of the bottle.”
Hemingway enjoyed many a daiquiri while living in Cuba — so much so that he invented his own version. He had it served in a double portion (thus the “Doble”) so he could more efficiently impress visitors with his massive alcohol tolerance. Gentlemen, if you ever need an excuse to indulge in a “girly drink,” here it is.
2 oz. white Cuban rum
1 oz. lime juice
¼ oz. Maraschino liqueur
¼ oz. grapefruit juice
Mix ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake well and serve in a chilled glass filled 1/3 with ice.
WINSTON CHURCHILL— Whiskey, Martinis, Champagne …
“I have taken more from alcohol than it has taken from me.”
In South Africa during the Second Boer War, Churchill developed his own version of a highball: in order to make the water potable, he mixed it with whiskey in hopes of sterilization. Later in his career, he and Stalin became drinking buddies who drunkenly attempted to change each others’ political beliefs.
