In a recent episode of KCRW’s "Good Food", hosted by Evan Kleiman, the focus was on the captivating world of cocktails in Hollywood. Historian Hadley Meares explored how classic films portrayed cocktail culture, detailing the deeper meanings behind iconic drinks like the French 75 featured in "Casablanca".
Additionally, journalist Aaron Goldfarb gave insight into the burgeoning sport of vintage spirits collecting, illustrating how bottles from Prohibition and classic liquors have become treasures among enthusiasts. Sociologist Nicola Nice contributed by examining the pivotal role women played in bringing cocktails into the home, heralding a cultural shift in drinking habits.
Lesley Jacobs Solmonson took listeners on a historical journey, tracing the transformation of liqueurs from an apothecary’s preserve to a staple of mixology. Meanwhile, Evan Rail delved into the shadowy tale of an absinthe enthusiast turned con artist, highlighting the blend of fascination and deception that can surround the world of spirits.
The episode is rich with stories that weave together the cinematic portrayal of cocktails, historical evolution, and contemporary trends in the world of spirits.
For more on the episode, you can explore the discussions on:
- How Old Hollywood made cocktails look cool
- How Pappy Van Winkle helped turn vintage booze collecting into a sport
- From pre-Civil War Virginia to ‘Mad Men,’ women guided the modern cocktail craze
- How a medieval alchemist brought liqueur to the liquor cabinet
- How did an absinthe conman get away with a massive fraud?