Food and beverage writer Don Cazentre is set to share his research on the Mamie Taylor and other Upstate-connected cocktails in his book Spirits and Cocktails of Upstate New York: A History, on November 15th at 7 pm at the Rome Historical Society.
Upstate New York has held its place in cocktail history for centuries, beginning with the term “cocktail” itself. The word is believed to have first appeared in an 1806 Hudson Valley newspaper, when an editor described a cocktail as “a stimulating liquor composed of spirits of any kind – sugar, water, and bitters – it is vulgarly called a bittered sling and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, inasmuch as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head.”
While there is still speculation over the origin of the word and the origins of some other historic cocktails, New York State can claim itself the home to a number of drink-related milestones, including the creation of a drink called the Mamie Taylor.
Much like the Cosmopolitan, the Mamie Taylor soon became the celebrity-endorsed drink of its day. It spread nationwide over the course of a few years, but unfortunately dissipated from bar menus just as quickly.
Food and drink writer Don Cazentre will share stories of New York’s spirited past and sign copies of his book Spirits & Cocktails of Upstate New York. Cazentre is also author of New York Breweries, about area breweries, brewers, and beer.
The Rome Historical Society is located at 200 Church Street, Rome. For more information, call (315) 336-5870 or visit their website.
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