15 December

RIP Jerry Thomas

Tom & Jerry

So we are drinking a...

Tom & Jerry

The godfather of modern bartending, author of the first known cocktail book, and the most famous bartender of his era, Jerry Thomas died in New York on this day in 1885, aged only 55. The New York Times recorded that he had died of "apoplexy", either a stroke or cardiac arrest, soon after returning from work at the Hotel Brighton.

A bartending impresario par excellence, complete with diamond tiepin, pet white rats and jewelled bar tools, he cultivated the image of a creative professional. Jeremiah P. Thomas toured not only America but parts of Europe as a travelling bartender and was especially famous for his signature Blue Blazer, made with streams of blazing whisky.

Jerry seems to have claimed, at least when asked, that he was the inventor of the Tom & Jerry cocktail, the creamy seasonal blend that traditionally marks the winter season in the United States. And, while he did not invent the drink - the Tom & Jerry appears in books and diaries from before Thomas' birth in 1830 - we would like to raise a glass of it in his honour. We hope you join us.

It's also the anniversary of Gone With The Wind's premiere

Back on 15 December 1939, Clark Gable starred in this classic film playing notorious rogue, Rhett Butler. During filming, Gable, who was a real-life rogue - took two days off to elope with Carole Lombard, marrying in a little Arizonan chapel and having a reception of sandwiches and coffee in his agent's car!

If, like Rhett Butler, and you "don't give a damn", then fritter away this evening with a couple of hedonistic Rhett Butlers.

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