Key West’s heritage is visible in its many historic sites and landmarks. For example, there’s the Little White House, where President Harry Truman spent nearly six months of his 1945-52 administration; the Civil War-era Fort West Martello, the picturesque home of the Key West Garden Club; and Building 1, the first permanent brick structure constructed by the U.S. Navy on the island, which still symbolizes the military’s pivotal presence.
Traditional Cuban and Bahamian foods, served in scores of local restaurants, also salute the region’s intriguing early days. So too do attractions like the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, which contains artifacts from the sunken vessel Isaac Allerton and spotlights the long-ago shipwreck-salvage industry.
Most island residents and frequent visitors are aware of these heritage sites and touchstones. Yet far fewer realize that Key West’s history is reflected in cocktails available at popular local spots. Among them are the craft concoctions offered at Bar 1, located in Building 1 at 291 Front St., where both the décor and the cocktail menu honor the island’s colorful past.
Topping Bar 1’s offerings are two versions of the old-fashioned that have a strong Key West connection. The original old-fashioned, reportedly dating back to the early 1800s, featured spirits (typically whiskey), sugar, bitters and water — with many variations developed later.
Bar 1’s Curry old-fashioned, named for 19th-century warehouse owner William Curry (who became Florida’s first self-made millionaire), is a variation distinguished by its base of dark rum instead of whiskey. Other ingredients include house-made cherry syrup and orange bitters. A dash of tobacco bitters commemorates Curry’s lucrative business of renting warehouses to local Cuban cigar factory owners, who used them to store and dry their tobacco leaves.
Another Bar 1 variation is the Truman old-fashioned, named for the former president who governed the United States from Key West during 11 working vacations. The recipe was inspired by Truman’s documented fondness for bourbon, particularly Old Grand-Dad, and its straightforward simplicity reflects his forthright nature. A heavy shot of Old Grand-Dad, house-made simple syrup and a few dashes of Angostura bitters completed the POTUS’ potion.
Yet even a drink called the old-fashioned can receive a modern-day makeover. The newest variety on Bar 1’s cocktail menu is dubbed the Illegal old-fashioned, possibly because its primary ingredient of mezcal has a notorious past involving smuggling — as does Key West, providing yet another heritage connection.
It’s easy to enjoy drinks in scores of island establishments, but a spirited libation tastes even better when it carries the spirit of yesterday’s Key West. So why not raise a glass and toast the island’s “old-fashioned” roots today?
Last Call
Drink of the month: Illegal old-fashioned. This variation on the classic cocktail contains mezcal, ginger demerara, Angostura bitters and orange bitters. According to cocktail fans, it tastes so good that it should be illegal.
Discover Key West’s favorite historic dessert. Learn to prepare the perfect Key lime pie, a delicacy born in 1800s Key West, while enjoying a slice. For more information about the luscious lime treat, and a schedule of pie-making demonstration classes, visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305-294-COOK.
