1929 The Bon Vivant's Companion or How to Mix Drinks by Jerry Thomas

INTRODUCTION

"Gentlemen!" he announced, impressively, "you are about to witness the birth of a new beverage!" A sigh of anticipation arose from the assemblage,and with one accord the mass of men moved forward, respectfully, until they stood five deep before the bar, with the bewhis- kered giant,still booted,in the front rank.Professor Thomas smiled, and quietly poured a tumblerful of Scotch whiskey into one of the mugs,following with a slightly smaller quan tity of boiling water. Then, with an evil-smelling sulphur match, he ignited the liquid, and as the blue flame shot toward the ceiling and the crowd shrank back in awe, he hurled the blazing mixture back and forth between the two mugs, with a rapidity and a dexterity that were well nigh unbelievable. This amazing spectacle continued in full move ment for perhaps ten seconds, and then Professor Thomas quickly poured the beverage into a tumbler and smothered the flame.He stirred a teaspoonful of pulverized white sugar into the mixture, added a twist of lemon peel, and shoved the smoking concoction across the bar to the booted and bewhiskered giant. "Sir!" said Professor Thomas, bowing,"The Blue Blazer!" The boastful miner threw his head back and flung the boiling drink down his throat. He stood motionless for a moment, smacking his lips and tasting the full flavor of it, and then a startled expression spread over his face. He swayed like a reed in the wind. He shivered from head to foot. His teeth rattled.He batted his eyes.His mouth opened and closed, but he could say nothing.He sank slowly into a chair. He was no longer fit to be tied. "He done it!"he whispered at last."Right down to my gizzard! Yes, sir, right down to my gizzard! Yes, sir, right down to my gizzard!" He staggered to his feet,flung a bag of gold dust upon the bar and wandered unsteadily into the night; and thereafter xxix

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