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Arnold of Villanova
The Alchemical Legacy of Purification Arnold of Villanova (1240–1311), a physician, religious reformer, and visionary of his era, stood at the crossroads of science, spirituality, and medicine during the medieval period. Renowned as the personal physician to kings and...
The Saint Bernard Dog and Brandy
Saint Bernard Rescue Dogs and Their Brandy BarrelsThe image of a Saint Bernard rescue dog bounding through the snowy Alps with a small barrel of brandy tied around its neck is one of the most iconic and enduring legends in history. This tale, however, is rooted more...
America’s Oldest Drinking Club
The Schuylkill Fishing Company & Its Iconic Colonial Rum PunchIn the heart of 18th-century Philadelphia, a group of influential men sought refuge from the bustling city along the serene banks of the Schuylkill River. Their retreat, the Schuylkill Fishing Company,...
The Green Dragon
Revolution & Lifeline of Boston’s Rum TradeThe Green Dragon Tavern, an unassuming establishment nestled in Boston’s historic North End, became a symbol of revolutionary fervor in the 18th century. Established in 1714 by William Davis, a wealthy merchant, the...
Cocktails & American Political Imagination
How Cocktails Have Shaken & Stirred American PoliticsCocktails are an integral part of America’s cultural and political heritage. From the rum punch served in colonial taverns like Boston’s Green Dragon—where revolutionaries mapped the nation’s future—to the...
Drinks of Inauguration Day
Presidential Pours: Iconic Drinks of Inauguration DayInauguration Day has long been a symbol of renewal and celebration in American history. Over the years, these historic occasions have been accompanied by libations that reflect the cultural trends, political...
The Vodka War
A Spirited Battle Over Vodka HeritageIn 1977, an unlikely cultural conflict broke out between two nations deeply intertwined with the history of vodka: Poland and Russia. This "vodka war" wasn’t fought with armies or on battlefields, but in diplomatic halls and...
The Rauhnächte
A Journey into the Mystical Nights Beginning on December 26thOn the night of December 26th, a veil thins between the physical world and the unseen realms, marking the beginning of the sacred period known as the Rauhnächte. These twelve nights, stretching from...
A Cup Of Pharisees
The Pharisaer: A Drink Born of DeceptionThe story of the Pharisaer drink begins on the windswept island of Nordstrand, located in northern Germany, in the 19th century, a time and place deeply rooted in Christian traditions. The tale centers on Pastor Georg Bleyer, a...
All About Drinking Songs
The Timeless Tradition of Drinking SongsDrinking songs hold a unique place in human culture, intertwining camaraderie, revelry, and often a satirical or humorous tone. These songs, performed during the consumption of alcoholic beverages, are frequently structured as...
Vodka & Vampires
Eastern European Legends of Spirit ProtectionAs the long winter nights descended upon the villages of Eastern Europe, casting an eerie stillness over the land, people turned to more than just garlic to ward off dark forces. In a fascinating intersection of folklore...
Hygge And Pantsdrunk
Scandinavian Traditions of Cozy Comfort and RelaxationScandinavia has long been admired for its ability to thrive through harsh winters and long nights. Central to this success are two cultural traditions that have caught the world’s attention: the Danish concept of...
Thanksgiving and the Role of Alcohol
Raising a Glass: The History of Alcohol in Thanksgiving TraditionsThanksgiving, one of America’s most cherished holidays, is deeply rooted in gratitude, community, and abundance. As families gather around tables laden with turkey, stuffing, and pie, the beverages...
The Tiki Culture
The Origins of Tiki Culture & Its Prohibition-Era RootsTiki culture evokes images of tropical drinks adorned with tiny paper umbrellas, carved wooden idols, and a laid-back, escapist atmosphere. Behind the rum-fueled revelry lies a history deeply connected with...
The Highlander and the Devil
Tom Campbell and the Devil’s Dram: A Scottish Tale of Wit and WhiskyOnce upon a time, when the Scottish Highlands were wild and stories were spun as easily as the wind, there was a young man named Tom Campbell. Tom had the heart of an adventurer and the muscles of a...
The Rillaton Cup
The Rillaton Gold Cup: Legend, Mystery, and the Golden Relic of CornwallHidden within Cornwall’s windswept hills, a relic from the depths of Britain’s ancient past holds stories that blend history with legend. The Rillaton Gold Cup, one of the most mysterious Bronze...
Your Lips Must Touch The Toe
A Toast to Yukon's Mummified Toe TraditionThe Sourtoe Cocktail is a peculiar and unique drink that originated in Dawson City, Yukon, Canada. What makes this cocktail truly distinctive is the presence of a mummified human toe floating in the glass. The tradition began...
The “Master Draught”
A Legendary Toast To ResilienceThe Master Drought Festival in Rothenburg ob der Tauber (o.d.T.), Germany, centers around a legendary event where wine and a massive Humpen glass played a pivotal role in saving the town. Since 1881, this festival has been celebrated...
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