Drink & Learn Podcast

Elizabeth Pearce

Join drinks historian Elizabeth Pearce and bartender extraordinaire Abigail Gullo as they discuss booze history and culture with a little drinking advice thrown in for good measure. Best way to learn, ever. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Absinthe
Oct 18 2020
Absinthe
Elizabeth and Abigail explore the rich and complex history of absinthe's popularity, especially in 19th century France, and offer ways to use it in cocktails today. Mentioned in the show:Hideous Absinthe: A History of the Devil in a Bottle by Jad AdamsAbsinthe Frappè Sheet MusicAbsinthe Frappè lyrics From the 1904 Broadway comic operetta 'It Happened In Nordland'Music by Victor Herbert (founder of ASCAP)Lyrics by Glen MacDonoughVerseWhen Life seems grey and dark the dawnAnd you are through,There is, they say, on such a mornOne thing to do:Rise up and ring, a bell-boy callTo you straight-way,And bid him bring a cold and tallAbsinthe frappè! ChorusIt will free you first from the burning thirstThat is born of a night of the bowl,Like a sun 'twill rise through the inky skiesThat so heavily hang o'er your soul.At the first cool sip on your fevered lipYou determine to live through the day,Life's again worthwhile as with a dawning smileYou imbibe your absinthe frappè. VerseThe deed is done so waste no woe o'er yestereen.Nor swear to shun a year or so the festive scene.Remorse will pass, despair will fade with speed awayBefore a glass of rightly made absinthe frappè! ChorusIt will free you first from the burning thirstThat is born of a night of the bowl,Like a sun 'twill rise through the inky skiesThat so heavily hang o'er your soul.At the first cool sip on your fevered lipYou determine to live through the day,Life's again worthwhile as with a dawning smileYou imbibe your absinthe frappè.
Blender Drinks
Jul 13 2020
Blender Drinks
Elizabeth and Abigail get you ready for summer. Learn about the history of the blender and get some advice on making your best frozen drinks including daiquiris of all kinds, ice cream based concoctions, and frosé !Here are some links/recipes referenced in the episode:Fix the Pumps by Darcy O'Neil (about the history of soda fountains)https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Pumps-Darcy-S-ONeil/dp/0981175910Brix Refractometer (measuring sugar content)https://www.amazon.com/Brix-Refractometer-ATC-Dual-Scale/dp/B01LW2ZU6RFred Waring and Pennsylvanianshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFFPrM7bxWMMint Syrup1 cup water1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup fresh mint leavesIn a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the water and sugar just to a boil, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Add the mint leaves. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, without stirring, until the syrup is slightly reduced and syrupy, about 10 minutes.Transfer the syrup to a small metal bowl and let stand to cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Discard the mint leaves. You can use the syrup immediately, or let it cool to room temperature. Store in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator for up to six months.Frozen Margarita for Two4 oz Blanco Tequila 2 oz fresh Lime Juice 2 oz Triple Sec 2 oz Agave Nectar Generous pinch of salt 4 cups of ice Mix all ingredients in a blender and then blend to desired consistency. Serve immediately. — PRO TIPS — Start blender on lowest setting and then work your way up to high Chill all ingredients beforehand Increase liquid ingredient portions to prevent excessive dilution.