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The Tiki Culture
The Origins of Tiki Culture & Its Prohibition-Era RootsTiki culture evokes images of tropical drinks adorned with tiny paper umbrellas, carved wooden idols, and a laid-back, escapist atmosphere. Behind the rum-fueled revelry lies a history deeply connected with...
The Highlander and the Devil
Tom Campbell and the Devil’s Dram: A Scottish Tale of Wit and WhiskyOnce upon a time, when the Scottish Highlands were wild and stories were spun as easily as the wind, there was a young man named Tom Campbell. Tom had the heart of an adventurer and the muscles of a...
The Rillaton Cup
The Rillaton Gold Cup: Legend, Mystery, and the Golden Relic of CornwallHidden within Cornwall’s windswept hills, a relic from the depths of Britain’s ancient past holds stories that blend history with legend. The Rillaton Gold Cup, one of the most mysterious Bronze...
Your Lips Must Touch The Toe
A Toast to Yukon's Mummified Toe TraditionThe Sourtoe Cocktail is a peculiar and unique drink that originated in Dawson City, Yukon, Canada. What makes this cocktail truly distinctive is the presence of a mummified human toe floating in the glass. The tradition began...
The “Master Draught”
A Legendary Toast To ResilienceThe Master Drought Festival in Rothenburg ob der Tauber (o.d.T.), Germany, centers around a legendary event where wine and a massive Humpen glass played a pivotal role in saving the town. Since 1881, this festival has been celebrated...
The Drink of Nobility
Likör, An Aristocratic ElixirLikör, or liqueurs, stand as historical symbols of prestige and opulence, once exclusively savored by the elite and nobility of Europe. The rich and intricate history of these spiced and sweetened spirits is intertwined with the luxury of...
The Apple in Celtic Mythology
The Symbol of Magic, Immortality, and the OtherworldIn Celtic mythology, the apple holds a place of profound significance, symbolizing much more than just a fruit—it represents immortality, wisdom, and the connection between the mortal world and the divine. The apple...
The Rowdy Mayor Of Atlanta
The Rowdy Legacy of Atlanta’s First MayorA “rowdy” is described as “a person who behaves in a rough, disorderly fashion,” and it might surprise you to learn that the first Mayor of Atlanta embraced this very label with pride. Moses W. Formwalt (1820 – May 26, 1852)...
The Puss & Mew
Gin & Ingenious Invention in 18th Century LondonThe 18th century in London was marked by an unparalleled obsession with gin, sparking a societal crisis often referred to as the "Gin Craze." To tackle this issue, the British Parliament enacted the Gin Act of 1736,...
Bloody Mary
The Cocktail That Thrived Despite ProhibitionThe Bloody Mary is much more than a savory brunch favorite; it traces its roots back to one of the most pivotal eras in American history—Prohibition. This iconic cocktail emerged in the 1920s, when Americans had to get...
The Great Boston Molasses Flood
The Purity Distilling Company's molasses storage tankIn 1919, Boston stood as a hub of rum production in North America, with the Purity Distilling Company's massive molasses storage tank symbolizing the city's industrial prowess. However, on January 15th of that year,...
Sumbel
The Role of Boasts and Oaths in the Sumbel TraditionThe *Sumbel* or *Symbel* is a rich ceremonial tradition rooted in ancient Germanic culture, where the Old English term *Symbel* and the Old Norse *Sumbl* both translate to "feast" or "banquet." This gathering was...
Luck of Edenhall
Guardians of Fortune: The Fascinating Story of the Luck of EdenhallAmidst the realm of cultural artifacts, few objects evoke as much mystery and fascination as Luck beakers—fragile glass vessels thought to protect the fortunes of their owners. Among these relics, the...
Maria-Louca
Brazil's Prison Moonshine In the shadowy confines of Brazil’s prison system, a unique and illicit form of aguardiente known as *Maria Louca* (or "Crazy Mary") emerges. This homemade spirit, first highlighted in Dr. Drauzio Varella’s *Estação Carandiru*, not only...
The Three Chimneys
A Legacy of British Colonial Enterprise and PreservationThe Three Chimney Distillery site is a significant landmark in American history. Also known as the Three Chimneys Sugar Mill, Oswald's Swamp Settlement, and the Henry Yonge Plantation, it stands as the oldest...
The Imperial Eagle Beaker
Symbolism in 16th Century Drinking CultureA Humpen glass, often referred to as a Humpen or Reichsadlerhumpen, is a significant artifact of European decorative arts and drinking culture from the Renaissance to the Baroque periods. These large cylindrical beakers...
The Drunken Bakerman
The Remarkable Tale of the Drunken Bakerman on the TitanicAmong the many harrowing and heroic stories of the Titanic, the tale of Charles Joughin, the Drunken Bakerman, stands out for its unique blend of resilience, fortitude, and an unexpected ally: alcohol. Born in...
The Same Old Moses Saloon
A Pioneering Legacy in Oklahoma's Liquor HistoryIn the heart of Oklahoma's storied past lies The Same Old Moses Saloon, a historic establishment that played a significant role in the state's early days. This iconic saloon, opened by Moses (Mose) Weinberger, has a rich...
