Sloppy Joe’s Bar opened in Havana in the 1930s. It was frequented by Earnest Hemingway, Errol Flynn, Alec Guinness and many other celebrities. I recently came across their cocktail recipe book online and tried a few. They’re kind of fruity and tropical which makes them perfect on a hot day.
Sloppy Joe’s Cocktails
Mary Pickford
1 ½ oz. white rum
1 ½ oz. pineapple juice
1 tsp. Grenadine
1 tsp. Luxardo
Shake with ice and serve in a flute.
Rumba
Juice of ½ lime
1 oz. white rum
1 oz. Italian vermouth
1 oz. Apple Jack
1 tsp. grenadine
Shake with ice and serve in a cocktail glass.
Green Fizz
Juice on 1 lemon
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. green crème de menthe
1 egg white
1 ½ oz. gin
Shake with ice and serve in a flute. Typically, a “fizz” is topped off with some club soda, but not this one.
There’s a fairly simple rule about when to shake and when to stir a cocktail. If there’s any fruit juice (even that mere ½ ounce like in the Oh Gosh), cream or egg, you shake. If all of the ingredients are clear, you stir – like the Martinez below. I can’t imagine why James Bond would ask a bartender to shake his Martinis but what the hell – he’s 007.
The Oh Gosh Cocktail – shake
Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled coupette.
Martinez Cocktail – stir
Place all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Stir with a bar spoon until thoroughly chilled. Strain into the chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Welcome, fellow enthusiasts, to the captivating world of Nick and Nora glasses—a realm where elegance, style, and a touch of mystery converge in a mere three ounces. In this guide, we’ll delve into the charm and history behind these iconic glasses, inspired by the classic duo Nick and Nora Charles. Join us as we explore the allure of these vintage gems and unravel the threads of their cinematic legacy.
A Sip into Nostalgia
Picture this: the glitz and glamor of old Hollywood, embodied by William Powell and Myrna Loy in the timeless classic “The Thin Man.” As a passionate fan of steak houses, my journey into the world of Nick and Nora glasses began with a cinematic revelation. In this black-and-white masterpiece, the husband-and-wife detective team, Nick and Nora Charles, set the stage for a bygone era of sophistication and intrigue.
The Thin Man and the Nick and Nora Glass
Set against the backdrop of New York between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, “The Thin Man” unfolds a tale where solving a murder takes a backseat to the indulgence of finely crafted cocktails. It’s in one pivotal scene that the magic happens, as Nora Charles orders six Martinis in those exquisite little cocktail glasses—now affectionately known as “Nick and Nora Glasses.” These glasses became synonymous with refined indulgence, forever linked to the suave and charming Nick and Nora Charles.
The Anatomy of a Nick and Nora Glass
Unlike the hefty vessels found in modern steak houses, a Nick and Nora glass holds a modest three ounces. This size ensures that your drink remains refreshingly cold until the last sip, allowing you to relish every nuanced flavor. The smaller capacity also presents the opportunity for a continuous, unhurried experience—order another, or perhaps another six, and let the evening unfold with a touch of old-world charm.
A Closer Look at “The Thin Man”
For those eager to immerse themselves in the charm of Nick and Nora Charles, “The Thin Man” is readily available on Netflix. The film captures the essence of an era where wit, style, and a hint of mischief ruled the screen. Watching this classic not only provides a delightful cinematic experience but also serves as an inspiration to start or enhance your own Nick and Nora glass collection.
The Quest for Nick and Nora Glasses
If you’re feeling inspired to bring a piece of this cinematic magic into your own home, a simple Google search for “Nick & Nora Glass” will open up a world of possibilities. From vintage finds to modern reproductions, there’s a diverse array of options to suit every collector’s taste. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek lines of Art Deco designs or the timeless elegance of crystal, your journey to acquiring these coveted glasses begins with a click.
Building Your Collection
As a fellow enthusiast, I understand the joy of curating a collection that reflects one’s passion. Start your journey by exploring reputable sources, both online and offline, that specialize in vintage glassware. Attend auctions, visit antique shops, and connect with fellow collectors to uncover hidden gems and gain insights into the rich history of Nick and Nora glasses.
My Aunt Lena made a few bottles of this once a year around Christmas time. She always sent some to my elementary school’s convent. The Sisters of Charity loved this stuff. We didn’t get the recipe from my aunt before she died but after some trial and error Bridget & I managed to come up with it.
Make double strong espresso (10 heaping teaspoons / 850 milliliters water) and filter twice with paper filters. Heat in double boiler until it’s reduced to half.
Combine: 450 milliliters of 190 proof alcohol with 300 milliliters of syrup and stir.
Add 380 milliliters of coffee concentrate and stir. It’s ready as soon as it cools.
The end result should be about 70 proof
Pomegranate Liquor
Bridget & I made this one up.
Filter the juice of 6 medium pomegranates (about 500 plus milliliters)
Reduce in a double boiler to 475 ML
Add 300 milliliters of 190 proof alcohol and 160 milliliters of simple syrup for about 70 proof.
Scotch Bonnet Infused Tequila
This is meant to be sipped and savored, un-mixed and no ice. It’s very HOT.
Pour 1 liter of tequila into a wide mouth bottle or jar. Take 8 Scotch Bonnet peppers and pierce with a knife and add to the jar. Set aside one month and strain into a bottle.
Maraschino Cherries
Pick through and wash the cherries and put them in a jar. Heat the Luxardo and fill the jar to the brim. Wait two weeks. Done.
* It’s really better with pit but remove them if you’ve got time on your hands.
Simple Syrup
Sugar cane
Cane sugar
Using syrup makes mixing cocktails much easier.
1 part water / 2 parts sugar
Heat until clear
Pinot Noir Punch
This was adapted from Duffy’s 1956 edition of the Official Mixers Guide
Mix and chill first 5 ingredients and pour into a punch bowl over a *block of ice with citrus fruit slices frozen inside and add chilled Pinot Noir (or Burgundy). Add chilled club soda just before serving.
*Slice some lemons, limes and tangerines and put them into 4 sandwich size zip lock bags. Add water and freeze. When frozen, put the frozen contents of the bags into a large zip-lock, add more water and freeze. This should leave you with a colorful block of ice to keep the punch chilled.
Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Sprinkle with fresh ground nutmeg.
There’s a kid’s version that my father used to make for his grand children – use a little more cream, a little less Crème de Cacao and a lot less Cognac.
The following drinks were adapted from a 1932 recipe book called The Art of Mixing by James A. Wiley and Helene M. Griffth.
Milk Punch
Shake with ice, pour in a rocks glass with no ice and float a tablespoon of dark rum on top.
Jack Rose
Shake with ice and strain into cocktail glass.
Clover Club
Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.
Night Cap
Shake thoroughly and strain into cocktail glass.
Elk’s Own Cocktail
Shake with egg white & a little bit of simple syrup.
Simple Syrup = 1 cup sugar & 1 cup water, heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is clear.
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