We have gone all month without thanking those who have helped us through this pandemic. I am only aware of one in our midst who qualifies as a front line worker, Ryan Cummings. While he appears to be a fan of nice Italian Red Wines, it seemed appropriate to look back to 1918 to find out what he would have been drinking then.
According to History.com, Bootleg Whiskey was the ticket. Not only as an adult beverage, but also as a “respectable medicine”. On November 3, 1914 Washington State passed prohibition, five years before the country as a whole. By 1918 Ryan would have been pretty thirsty and most likely had an illegal still somewhere.
Option #1:
Corpse Reviver – Cognac, Calvados and Sweet Vermouth stirred over ice and strained in to a chilled glass. Consumption recommended before 11 AM or “whenever steam or energy is needed”.
Option #2:
“One brave soul from Nova Scotia recommended 14 straight gins in quick succession as a cure for the Spanish Flu”.
Option #3:
Bovril Tea – meat paste in a jar made in to beef tea. Florence Nightingale said (?) in 1860 that “the tea had great nutrient power in sickness”.
- But Bovril Tea doesn’t contain alcohol? Yup, but the story is too good.
- Do any of these work? According to the advertising, 100% effective. Effective for what I don’t know.
- Do I plan on trying any of these? Well I have consumed Cognac, Calvados, Sweet Vermouth and Gin at some point in my life but not Bovril. Doubtful it will be added to the list.
Let us all raise our glasses and thank those who are on the front lines during this pandemic. THANK YOU!