“‘Drink took to me,’ said Simple. ‘Whiskey just naturally likes me but beer likes me better.’”
— Langston Hughes
Hey Hep Cats,
What kind of backwards, Bible Belt bum would I be if I didn’t hand you, my of-age-adult-backer, a Tasty Cocktails 101 to toast this book and your unwavering support. The juice mixes in these pages have been christened, taste-tested and received the Harlem Unbound stamp of approval.
Harlem Unbound-ized names as well as common names are listed for all you big shots. When you drop the word to get into the club, saunter up to the bar in The Cotton Club or at a hopping rent party packed to the gills, you’ll know the right lingo. While a warbler pours out their soul on stage, a quick word about one of these babies, and you’ll avoid strange glances from the regulars. No finks or pounders here.
Thanks again for your help in making this dream come true and keep an eye out for what we do next.
Cheers,
Chris (AKA The Crooner)
Tasty Cocktails 101:
Juices to Delight the Senses
Baker’s Dozen (AKA Bee's Knees)
Josephine Baker was underestimated, much like this simple classic cocktail. Both surprised the world with their versatility and lasting appeal. Baker was an entertainer, activist and French Resistance fighter, and lived up to the meaning of the cocktail era’s slang name: The Best.
2 oz. Gin
.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
.5 oz Honey
Bonus – A dab of Prosecco will make this cocktail even more Jake.
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker, strain and serve in a chilled glass with a lemon twist.
Wisdom and Hughes (AKA The Perfect Manhattan)
Much like Langston Hughes, this tasty cocktail will seduce you with its allure and leave you spellbound with what is the standard of cocktails. Hughes represents the Harlem Renaissance to so many and often is the first person who springs to mind.
2 oz. Rye (or bourbon for that Southern feel, or Canadian whiskey if you’re looking to replicate prohibition availability)
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
½ oz. Dry Vermouth
2-4 Dashes of Angostura bitters
Pour all ingredients into a glass, stir vigorously, and then pour into a chilled glass and serve with a maraschino cherry.
Their Eyes Were Watching Zora (AKA The Boulevardier)
The Boulevardier is a powerful and complex drink that comes at you head-on, like Zora Neale Hurston, and once you have experienced it, you will keep coming back. For Zora, the power of her words are unquestionable, as was her drive for telling stories and traveling the darker path, no matter the danger.
2 oz. Rye (or bourbon for that Southern feel, or Canadian whiskey if you’re looking to replicate prohibition availability)
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
Pour all ingredients into a glass, stir vigorously and strain into a chilled glass. Add a twist of lemon for rye or a slim slice of orange for bourbon or Canadian whiskey.
CHEERS!
- Chris & Jill