Because freedom tastes better in a glass!
Ever wondered what fueled the debates, declarations, and dances of America’s Founding Fathers? Spoiler alert: it wasn’t just liberty and justice—it was also a generous pour of their favorite drinks.
As you gear up for the Red, White & Brew Pub Crawl, let’s raise a glass to history with these colonial-era cocktails—revamped for your modern tastebuds.
1. George Washington’s Cherry Bounce
The first president had a sweet spot for this fruity infusion—a blend of brandy, cherries, sugar, and spices. It was a favorite at Mount Vernon and reportedly traveled with him on long journeys.
Our Modern Twist Recipe:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz cherry liqueur
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Dash of cinnamon
- Garnish: cherry
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a cherry.
2. Thomas Jefferson’s Wine Spritzer
A Francophile with a refined palate, Jefferson adored imported wine—and often diluted it with water, as was fashionable in his day.
Our Modern Twist Recipe:
- 4 oz Sauvignon Blanc
- 2 oz soda water
- 1 oz fresh strawberry puree
- Garnish: sliced strawberry (optional)
Build over ice in a wine glass or stemless goblet. Stir gently and garnish.
3. Benjamin Franklin’s Cider
Franklin famously said, “In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” He often started his day with hard cider—because hydration, obviously.
Our Modern Twist Recipe:
- 6 oz hard apple cider
- 1 oz spiced rum
- Garnish: cinnamon stick
Pour cider and rum into a chilled glass. Stir gently and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
4. John Adams’ Madeira
Adams drank Madeira wine daily—sometimes even for breakfast. A fan of robust flavor and tradition, he was a loyalist to his glass.
Our Modern Twist Recipe:
- 3 oz chilled Madeira wine
- 2 oz tonic water
- Garnish: lemon twist
Serve over ice in a stemmed glass or tumbler. Garnish with a lemon twist.
5. Fish House Punch
This potent concoction of rum, brandy, and peach brandy was the go-to drink at elite gatherings like those hosted by the Schuylkill Fishing Company.
Our Modern Twist Recipe:
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz cognac
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Garnish: lemon slices
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a punch glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lemon slices.
6. Stone Fence
Rum and hard cider? A classic combo enjoyed by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys after capturing Fort Ticonderoga. Iconic behavior.
Our Modern Twist Recipe:
- 1 oz dark rum
- 6 oz hard apple cider
- Garnish: apple slice
Build over ice in a tall glass. Stir gently and garnish with a fresh apple slice.
7. Martha Washington’s Rum Punch
Martha had a recipe for a killer rum punch, mixing light and dark rum with citrus and sugar to keep guests smiling at Mount Vernon events.
Our Modern Twist Recipe:
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 2 oz orange juice
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Garnish: orange slices
Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice in a rocks or punch glass. Garnish with orange slices.
Raise a Glass to History
As you prep for the Red, White & Brew Pub Crawl, let the spirit of the revolution live on—one cocktail at a time. Whether you channel Franklin’s mischief or Washington’s leadership, you’ll be sipping in good company!
Ready to crawl like a patriot?
Grab your tickets now at DoTheCrawl.com