Hey Bartender

LOTS OF YOU have heard of Southern Comfort. Some of you probably know it by its more common name -- SoCo. It's the key ingredient in such notable cocktails as the Alabama Slammer, Liquid Cocaine, Red Death, Slow Comfortable metal fastener having a tapered shank with a helical thread, topped with a slotted head, Scarlet O'Hara, and the soon-to-be-famous New Moon Nectar. But, what is Southern Comfort? Let's have a look.

Southern Comfort was originally developed in the French Quarter of New Orleans by a bartender named Martin Wilkes Heron in 1874. During this time, whiskey was a popular drink, but the quality of the whiskey that made its way to New Orleans was not always the best. This lead Heron to begin working on a recipe that incorporated whiskey, yet had a more consistent flavor.

Since New Orleans was a thriving port city, his access to fresh fruit and quality spices from places such as Mexico and Morocco was extensive. Cinnamon and vanilla are obviously part of the mix although the original recipe is, to this day, a closely guarded secret. Whatever the ingredients are, they were blended well enough to win a gold medal for taste and quality at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. The original name for Southern Comfort was Cuffs & Buttons. The name was chosen in response to a competing product known as Hats & Tails.

Today, we know Southern Comfort as a liqueur that is a blend of whiskey flavors, neutral spirits infused with fruit, and spices. Only the premium version contains actual whiskey. In the U. S. it is available in a couple of different formats ranging from 35% to 50% ABV. Southern Comfort Reserve is a blend of Southern Comfort and bourbon. There is also a lime flavored version and the recently released Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper, which is a blend of Southern Comfort and Tabasco sauce.

The best thing about Southern Comfort is its flexibility. Its complex flavors make it a go-to ingredient in quite a few cocktails. The first famous cocktail made using Southern Comfort was the Scarlett O'Hara. Obviously, the inspiration for this drink was the 1939 film adaption of Gone with the Wind. Even today, this cocktail, a blend of Southern Comfort, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice is still a favorite among bar patrons.

In more recent times, cocktails such as the Alabama Slammer, Liquid Cocaine, Southern Bondage, and Red Death have been more popular SoCo concoctions. There are also drinks such as the adult version of Dr. Pepper, which is two parts Southern Comfort, one part Amaretto, and Coca-Cola served over ice. In New Zealand, Southern Comfort is mixed with a local beverage known as Lemon & Paeroa. L & P, as it's known down-under, is a beverage made by combining lemon juice with carbonated mineral water. Those who have visited Ireland may have become aware of Red Lemonade, a popular lemon-flavored soft drink. In Dublin, a Suddy 'n' Red is Southern Comfort mixed with Red Lemonade.

Not to be outdone by my friends down-under and across the pond, I've managed to join the fun by reinventing the Bloody Mary. By mixing Southern Comfort's latest release, Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper with my favorite Bloody Mary mix, I've managed to give this time honored drink a new pair of shoes to strut in proudly on those lazy Sunday afternoons. Trust me, it's not your grandmother's Bloody Mary.

So, there you have it, Southern Comfort -- unmasked! For years, SoCo fans everywhere have enjoyed this magnificent elixir in everything from shots to cocktails at parties and on the decks of cruise ships. It's so flexible that you can substitute it for Grand Marnier in a top-shelf margarita or vodka in a Bloody Mary. In a pinch, you can sip it neat or on the rocks. Anytime a group of people comes to the bar to orders shots, but gives me the green light to make whatever I want, I ALWAYS incorporate Southern Comfort into whatever ends up in their glasses. It never fails me. So, whether you're drinking a New Moon Nectar alone or with friends while enjoying the latest Twilight release, please do so responsibly. Until next time...prosit!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!