The "Declaration Cocktail" - Just In Time For Independence Day

Declaration Cocktail
by James MacWilliams, Canlis Restaurant, Seattle

I read somewhere once that while writing the Declaration of Independence our forefathers drank eight barrels of beer, wine and spirits. They consumed more alcohol and with less discrimination than we do today. The average was eight ounces of alcohol per person per day. With breakfast they drank beer and wine, with dinner it was claret and cognac. And they drank rum all the time. Beer replaced water even for kids.

So with the thought that July 4th is really a celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776 (since, after all, Independence was won on July 2nd) and that for two days Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton and a crew of others drank and debated, and were most likely stupefied by the time it was over, I give you the Declaration Cocktail. To be consumed like you have wooden teeth.


And when you have finished two or three of these true American libations and inspiration has struck, toast this fine and proud land!

The Drink:
In 12 oz glass, mug or boot pour
· 1oz Pyrat rum. Any fruity rum will do but we did commit mutiny after all.
· .75oz Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey. High proof and spicy.
· .75oz brown sugar syrup
· 6oz Ale. I like something malty with some body. Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale is my choice, is close to beer Jefferson might have brewed himself.