WWDDD: Whiskey Buck

WWDDD being the acronym for the pop culture reference to What Would Donald Draper Do?, or in this case, What Would Donald Draper Drink?

Donald Draper prefers the darker spirits like scotch, bourbon, and rye, and generally orders an Old Fashioned, but today he’s having a Whiskey Buck. An ideal cool weather cocktail, the Whiskey Buck’s big ginger flavor and bright citrus notes pairs perfectly with the sweet, warm caramel tones and deep smoky palate of aged bourbon.

Buck and mule, are slightly antiquated names for a family of historic mixed drinks that involve ginger ale or ginger beer, citrus juice, and a variety of spirits. Revived interest in “historic cocktails” may be attributed to disenchantment with the times, a desire to return to what we view as simpler days, the cultural phenomenon surrounding AMC Network’s Mad Men, baby boomer nostalgia, or simply the need for a good stiff drink.

To quote Sam Jacobs who, two years ago, wrote about Mad Men being the catalyst for proper cocktails:

“For many years bartenders got away with mixing rum and Coke, vodka and tonic, Apple-tinis, and the vile Red Bull mixed with anything, calling them cocktails, and the public accepted this. The past few years, however have given way to the term Mixologist; glorified bartenders who specialize in the resurgence of the classic, proper cocktail as well as many new classically inspired concoctions. The popularity of Mad Men has undoubtedly been a major catalyst in the cocktail revolution, and personally I couldn’t be more grateful.”

To set the mood,  a vintage cocktail server from my small collection of retro barware; like Don Draper, I have no problem drinking alone – but this classy tortoise-shell circa 1960’s tray offers service for 6 – so drop by sometime 🙂

Cheers to Friday, friends! In case you haven’t seen the WWDDD flowchart by The Oatmeal, click on the screenshot – laughing is good for your health 🙂