At The Park, our summer reading list has taken some unexpected turns. While others are diving into Ann Patchett and Maggie O’Farrell, we have been immersed in Jerry Thomas. The classic American cocktail — as a concept — was perhaps first codified all the way back in 1862 thanks to Thomas, who published The Bartender’s Guide. The julips, cobblers, toddies, slings, sours, slips — it’s all there, and all these years later, continues to inspire beverage directors (including our own Sean Kelly) around the globe. Thomas was an American legend…
Born in 1830 in Sackets Harbor, New York, he learned his trade in New Haven and then migrated to California during the Gold Rush period, dabbling in prospecting as well as mixing drinks. He worked all over the West Coast, including at the Occidental hotel in San Francisco, and according to lore, at one point he was earning more money than the Vice President of the United States.
This was due in part to his showmanship. Wearing diamonds, his signature blue blazer, and traveling with a set of sterling silver bar tools, he was also a gambler and ardent follower of prizefighting. He lost his small fortune speculating on Wall Street, and died of a stroke at age 55. He has had a renaissance during the mixology boom.
His spirit and joie de vivre is alive and well at The Bar at the Park, where our new drinks menu celebrates this rich tradition of American craft cocktails. Surely Thomas would have loved our Green Chili Paloma, with Tapatio Blanco tequila, California green chilies, grapefruit soda, and lime juice? Let’s toast to his memory.
Thomas’s spirit and joie de vivre is alive and well at The Bar at the Park, where our new drinks menu celebrates this rich tradition of American craft cocktails. Surely Thomas would have loved our Green Chili Paloma, with Tapatio Blanco tequila, California green chilies, grapefruit soda, and lime juice? Let’s toast to his memory.