1895 Mixed Drinks by Herbert W Green

72

MIXED DRINKS.

land from malt liquors and given the flavor of French brandy by artificial means. Eum has always been eminently an American pro duct, the most esteemed varieties being made in the West Indies and named for the place of manufacture; as,Jamaica rum,Granada,Antigua or Santa Cruz rum. It is also made in New England and other sections where sugar cane is cultivated. The spirit is distilled from the juice of the cane,or the refuse left after sugar- making,and often from the pure molasses. Whisky seems to be the most favored drink in America for purposes of stimulation and in uncertain moments when one is undecided as to what to take. Though beer, iced wines,fancy mixed drinks, etc., are often taken to quench thirst or merely for sociability, whisky is generally regarded by steady drinkers as the purest and most reliable drink. They appear to know good whisky by the taste of it. The name whisky oi-iginated with the Celtic inhabi tants ofIreland and Scotland who called it uisge-beatha, usquebaugh, (water of life.) It is said to have first been known in England during the reign of Henry II., but it was probably introduced into Ireland from India many years previously. The Red Book of Ossory,com-