Behind The Cocktail

“Each cocktail tells a story about the 1920’s Prohibition Era, how we were inspired to craft the cocktail, and a hint of what’s to come in yours”

Treasure Island

This cocktail, inspired by the famous novel and award winning 1920’s film, Treasure Island seeks to bring you the long lost and hunted treasure that the crew set out to find on the island. Is the treasure Gold? Money? Alcohol? Or is the treasure in the chest a perfectly crafted and balanced Island rum cocktail dug up from beneath the sand on Treasure Island?

Midway Carnival

Step right up! Step right up! Experience the enchanting world of the Midway Carnival in the 1920s, a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations that captures the spirit of an era bursting with excitement and innovation. As dusk falls, the Midway comes alive under a canopy of colorful lights, illuminating the rows of bustling stalls and attractions that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The air is thick with the tantalizing aromas of cotton candy, popcorn, and roasted peanuts, wafting through the crowds of eager carnival-goers. Families and friends gather, laughter mingling with the lively tunes of jazz bands and the exuberant calls of barkers beckoning patrons to try their luck at games of skill and chance. The rhythmic clatter of moving rides, such as the whirling Ferris wheel and the exhilarating carousel and merry-go-round invites thrill-seekers to take a spin, their joyous screams punctuating the night.

Exotic animals, including daring tigers and striking peacocks, circus clowns and visual art performers alike all line up for the merry-go-round which captivate visitors, while the tantalizing allure of carnival queens hearkens to the glamorous ideals of the Roaring Twenties. The most popular staple at the carnival? The famous Caramel dipped apple. Let us take you back into the long lines of the oh so spoken Midway Carnival and await the perfect cocktail creation to revive the infamous caramel dipped carnival apple.

Autumn in New York

The cold air and the leaves gracefully changing to a vibrant crimson means only one thing. Fall and early winter is upon us. In New York however, it’s different.

The city’s iconic parks, especially Central Park, become a vibrant tapestry of colors. The lush greens of summer fade to brilliant shades of crimson red, marigold orange, and canary yellow, creating a picturesque backdrop against the skyline.

Pumpkin fields are in excess, and so arises a new tradition in which we continue to uphold to this very day, PUMPKIN CARVING!  The finest bakeries construct the finest Pumpkin pies and other flavored treats, while street vendors sell hot cider and roasted chestnuts, warm Cinnamon & Nutmeg, adding to the seasonal charm.

Autumn in New York is a season filled with beauty and celebration.

We give you the chance to embrace the essence of fall and early winter with our Chef inspired Pumpkin cocktail made with only real pumpkin and spices, mirroring a hot pumpkin pie on a still Autumn Night. A vibrant homage to the changing leaves and seasonal warmth. This delightful cocktail blends the rich, earthy flavors of pure pumpkin puree with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, capturing the cozy spirit of autumn and the start of an early winter.

Carve your Pumpkin or drink it in the form of a perfect Pumpkin Pie, either way, it’s Autumn in New York.

Mrs. Dead Hands

Widowed Women were unfortunately a common phenomenon in the 1920’s. There was a lot going on. World War 1 had just come to an end, the influenza pandemic wiped out millions, and The Great Depression are just a few things which made it just about impossible to not worry about what the next thing to stress about was. There is a tale, however, that particularly stands out about a widow from the 1920’s. A story of a woman named Charolette Hutch. Charolette, who was married to an ex-soldier during WW1 had tended to her husband’s care but he had eventually succumbed to his wounds during battle. In around the early twenties, due to a lack of financial support, she turned to the dark path of prostitution. During this time, men would abuse her physically and mentally. Something that she couldn’t handle and was too horrific to simply forget about. Trying to leave her troubled life behind, Charolette asked her closest friends and family for support, but with no luck. One morning, she woke up and so began a new chapter of her life. Vengeance. One by one, she took revenge for all those who mistreated her. At first, seducing her victims with her perfume and later haunting them. One story of a survivor remains where Charolette had invited a man back to her apartment in Chicago for dinner. The man described everything as being off. There were black candles lit, black roses on the dinner table, black plants in the background, and Charolette in her black dress with her netted widow weeping veil worn over her head and face. An entire layout which signified death. She later became known as “Mrs. Dead Hands”. The cocktail in which you are about to indulge yourself in compliments perfectly with the tale. Sweet and seductive Saffron infused Gin with the slightest touch of romantic honey – side by side with the fire charred dark and bold rosemary. Enjoy this one and hope you’re not next on her list.

The Great Fire

It’s been over 100 years since one of the worst wildfires in Ontario’s history. In the fall of 1922, uncontrollable flames killed 43 and displaced thousands. The then very prosperous communities of Thornloe, Pearson and Uno Park were practically wiped off the map. A large number of residents were evacuated from the affected towns to escape the advancing flames but the scars of the fire remained. Houses, businesses, parks and precious peach farms were mostly burnt to ashes and the ones which still stood had burnt char remains to tell the story. Although the towns recovered, it was a long journey to rebuilt what was lost. The intense agave of the Tequila Reposado compliment flawlessly with the toasted cinnamon and brown sugar. As for the peaches which were once burned down to the ground, they are now resurrected in this incredible cocktail. Allow us to put this fire out for you.

St. Valentines Massacre

A notorious event that took place on February 14, 1929, during the Prohibition Era. It involved the murder of seven members of Chicago’s North Side gang, led by George “Bugs” Moran, and is widely seen as a turning point in the gang wars of the time.

The massacre occurred in a garage located at 2122 North Clark Street, which was used by Moran’s gang. On that day, several men posing as police officers entered the garage and ordered the gang members against the wall as if they were going to conduct a raid. Once they were lined up, the gunmen opened fire, using Tommy guns (submachine guns) and shotguns, killing all seven men.

The identities of the gunmen were never conclusively established, but it is widely believed that the massacre was orchestrated by rival gang leader Al Capone A.K.A Scareface, though he was in Florida at the time and denied involvement. The attack was a result of escalating gang rivalries in Chicago, particularly between Moran’s North Side gang and Capone’s South Side gang. The only things which remained were the empty bullet shell casings and a haze of smoke from the barrels which they were fired from along side the mango souffle pie the victims couldn’t finish as they met their fate.

The violence and brutality of the massacre shocked the public and drew significant media attention, bringing further scrutiny to organized crime and Prohibition. Despite the publicity and the ensuing investigations, no one was ever convicted for the murders, and the case remains officially unsolved.

The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre has since become an iconic symbol of the violent mob wars of the Roaring Twenties, and it has been immortalized in various films, books, and other cultural representations. The smokiness of the Mezcal combined with the fresh mango puree re-creates the fateful evening which made headlines.

Gatsby’s Coffee

Every morning, Mr. Gatsby wakes up with a sense of purpose and determination that fuels his relentless pursuit of wealth, success, and ultimately, the love of his life Daisy Buchanan. After waking, Mr. Gatsby likes to read his morning newspaper with his Whiskey spiked coffee along with a side of pancakes with Maple syrup, waiting for the day to unfold. Do you like your morning coffee like how Gatsby likes it?

Old Jazz Record

New York, 1920. Jazz has never been more popular. The Roaring Twenties saw the emergence of jazz, a revolutionary genre of music defined by its syncopated rhythms, improvisation, and infections energy that captured the spirit of the era with its vibrant and exuberant melodies. Whether it be sipping a smooth stiff cocktail by the fireplace or at an extravagant party, the Old Jazz vinyl on the record always seemed to be the main feature of any mood.

Mobsters Roulette

Enter the Roaring 20’s. Drinks were always flowing, gals and gents always dancing, and Speakeasies were packed…but so were casinos. Underground casinos were often a part of speakeasies. Blackjack and poker were popular but Roulette was usually the go too choice, especially amongst the mobsters. The thrill of winning or loosing money while the ball jumps over the colours and numbers. The high profile bosses who ran the underground casinos sat quietly in the king chairs with their classy cocktails, smoking luxurious cigars, suited up while others would drink and gamble away at their establishment. Will it land on black or red? What if it lands on both in the perfectly paired and balanced cocktail? In that case you’ve really won the jackpot.

Sinatra’s Black Tuxedo

A signature part of his iconic style and image, international legend Frank Sinatra was always known for wearing a charcoal black tuxedo at his shows and performances, becoming synonymous with elegance and sophistication. Sinatra remains to this day the most well recognized jazz legend, capturing the hearts of all when those would indulge in his music. Jazz just wouldn’t be jazz without Sinatra coming on stage with a gin cocktail in his sharp black tuxedo, ready to stun the crowd. Imagine what it would be like to step back in time to witness that at your table first hand…

Tweety Bird

One of the first cartoons in the black & white film age. The bright yellow bird in his cage is an inspiration to kids but can also teach us adults a valuable lesson, that life can be sweet but also sour, at times. If the two are well balanced, it creates something to remember. That should remind you of this cocktail perfected after the little bird.

Moonlight in Vermont

To this day, Moonlight in Vermont remains arguably one of the most popular jazz songs of all time. Originally written in the early 1900’s by a fellow by the name of Ethan, the song was aimed towards describing a love one can only dream of. He set up his saxophone near a rustic wooden bridge, beneath the luminescent moon, and started playing the magical tune which we know today. Remastered by the Jazz worlds biggest names like Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and others. Ethan composed a new melody inspired by his love journey with a woman named Lily, ensuring that his song would forever live on through music. Fast forward more than 100 years and Moonlight in Vermont still depicts a love story which we can only hope to experience atleast once ourselves. Creamy personalities, delicate yet charismatic spice, and the perfect hint of sweetness is what we all dream of in an ideal relationship, and even more so in a cocktail. Luckily you get to fall in love with our flawless concoction.

Speakeasy Keymaster

William “Big Bill” Thompson A.K.A the most corrupt mayor of Chicago in the 1920’s not only knew about Al Capones illegal speakeasy operations, but also had the keys to many of them. He was bought out with lavish bribes and also earned the nick name of “Speakeasy Keymaster” from the Prohibition Era Mob. He sat high within the mobs payroll, feeling like a king with a crown. Considered a ballsy individual with a spicy character, mixing bitter blood with his work. Like his boldness, we create an exquisite cocktail combining tequila, matcha, and hot chili spice, all combined into one to match this dirty mayors personality.

CAPABLANCA’S CHECKMATE

Also known as the 1920’s most intelligent and strategic chess player, Jose Raul Capablanca was the world chess champion from 1921 – 1927, smack in the prime of the Prohibition Era. From Havana Cuba, Capablanca was fond of sipping his rum during his historical chess games. Before his chess matches? A fresh fruit breakfast of champions consisting primarily of fresh coconut, kiwi, and other fruits native to Cuba. He was more than just a renown chess player. Capablanca’s strategic skills were so respected that the presidents army generals frequently consulted him for army combat plans because of how tactical he was. A cultural icon in Cuba and Latin America, the “Cuban Lion” has inspired us to create you a knockout cocktail checkmate with his favorite refreshments.

JAN. 17, 1920

The day where everything went underground. The gavel bangs on the judges desk and just like that, it is PROHIBITED to sell alcohol in any way, shape, or form. The biggest upset in economical history. Although this was the day the law was passed to ban alcohol, it didn’t stop people from living their best rebellious life. As a result, speakeasies were born and the best cocktails known to man were perfected. Barreled whiskey was stored in the safest places and people got real “peachy” and crafty about finding ways to scoff down drinks despite their illegal title. Tonight, be just as rebellious as those that repealed against the dreadful Prohibition Law passed on January 17, 1920. Sip your whiskey, cheers loud, and get wild while the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited!

DAISY’S GARDEN 

Daisy Buchanan, a beautiful woman who is still madly in love with Gatsby despite being remarried. She is concerned with many things in life, but two things take priority over everything for her. Her social status and most importantly, her garden. The same garden where Gatsby and Daisy shared their first kiss. Every morning, she waters her vibrant oasis of a garden where flowers bloom and blossom from every direction, but she pays special attention to her Lavender flowers. Here, we create you an unforgettable cocktail inspired straight from the lush garden of Mrs. Buchanan. Aromatic Lavender, Sweet honey and a foam just as smooth and cloudy as the sky above her garden.