Jeremiah Thomas and The Blue Blazer,Born in 1830, Jeremiah P. Thomas is now better known as the &ldq

Jeremiah Thomas and The Blue Blazer,Born in 1830, Jeremiah P. Thomas is now better known as the “father of modern mixology”.  Originally learning the art of bartending in New Haven, Connecticut, Thomas honed and refined his skills serving miners during the California gold rush in 1849.  By 1851 he had earned enough money to buy his own saloon in New York City.  While the saloon was located in a great business area, below Barnum’s America Museum, it was his skill as a mixologist that would bring him fame and fortune.  While running his saloon Thomas developed new methods for mixing drinks that would become the foundation for mixology today.  As well as a bartender, he was an entertainer and a showman.  He often wore flashy clothing and used jewel studded mixing tools made of silver.  He also developed elaborate techniques for mixing drinks, often juggling bottles, cups, and mixers. At a time when most customers preferred a beer and a shot, the showmanship and genius of Thomas was vital in popularizing the cocktail among American palates.By the 1860’s Thomas owned four saloons and had become a worldwide celebrity.  He toured the US and Europe, acting as head bartender for dozens of the most high class joints on the planet.  Perhaps his greatest contribution to mixology was The Bar-Tenders Guide, which was published in 1862.  A book containing recipes for popular cocktails of the day, as well as a number of his own creations, The Bar-Tenders Guide was the first drink book ever published in the United States.  Before Thomas the techniques and recipes of bartenders were passed down through oral tradition.  Thomas was the first to codify those methods and principles he discovered worked best, many of which are still commonly used today.  Jeremiah Thomas’ most popular drink was “The Blue Blazer”, which was a drink of his own creation as well as his signature drink .  Possibly the first flaming cocktail, it was listed as No. 195 in The Bar-Tenders Guide,(warning: use extreme caution as mixing of this drink can be dangerous)Use two large silver-plated mugs, with handles.1 wine-glass of Scotch whiskey1 dry ounce (28.35 grams) of boiling water1 teaspoon of pulverized white suger1 lemon slice peelPut the whiskey and the boiling water in one mug, ignite the liquid with fire, and while blazing mix both ingredients by pouring them four or five times from one mug to the other, as represented in the cut. If well done this will have the appearance of a continued stream of liquid fire.Sweeten with one teaspoonful of pulverized white sugar, and serve in a small bar tumbler, with a piece of lemon peel.The “blue blazer” does not have a very euphonious or classic name, but it tastes better to the palate than it sounds to the ear. A beholder gazing for the first time upon an experienced artist, compounding this beverage, would naturally come to the conclusion that it was a nectar for Pluto rather than Bacchus. The novice in mixing this beverage should be careful not to scald himself. To become proficient in throwing the liquid from one mug to the other, it will be necessary to practise for some time with cold water. -- source link

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