Since its settlement 200 years ago, Key West has been the richest city per capita in the United States, a center for rum smuggling during the 1920-1933 Prohibition era, the site of President Harry Truman’s “vacation White House,” and home to some of the most influential writers of the 20th century.
While many books and online sources chronicle these historic highlights, it’s also possible — and enjoyable — to learn about them through the craft cocktails at Bar 1, located inside the Key West Cooking School.
Both in its décor and offerings, the new emporium salutes Key West’s colorful heritage. Patrons are surrounded by island city memorabilia: vintage fishing gear for deep-sea adventures, century-old “demijohn” bottles used for shipping contraband liquor, and other tangible reminders of the past.
“Spirited” reminders include a cocktail menu that highlights Key West history in a glass. Three cocktails in particular honor people and elements that helped shape the island’s contemporary character.
First there’s the Curry Old Fashioned, commemorating the 19th-century wrecking industry that brought tremendous wealth to the seafaring city. While wreckers rescued survivors and cargoes from ships sinking on the reef, William Curry bought warehouses and rented them for the storage of salvaged goods.
Subsequently, Curry rented his warehouses to owners of the island’s Cuban cigar factories for storing and drying tobacco leaves. Thanks to his business skill, he became known as Florida’s first self-made millionaire.
The cocktail named for Curry features the rum favored by seafarers, Bar 1’s own cherry syrup, and tobacco bitters and torched orange zest that recognize his cigar-industry connection.
During Prohibition, when the U.S. government banned alcohol, Key West was home to a less lawful industry: rum-running. Scores of islanders piloted boats to Cuba and the Caribbean, dodging the authorities and bringing back rum and other liquid contraband.
Bar 1 features the rum runner as a nod to those smugglers. Bold and vibrant, the cocktail has several conflicting origin stories. But instead of debating them, just enjoy Bar 1’s drink made of two rums, banana and blackberry liqueurs, house-crafted cherry syrup and fruit juices.
Patrons can also sample a libation that recalls Key West’s most eminent repeat visitor: President Harry S. Truman, who spent 11 working vacations during his 1945-1952 administration in the residence dubbed the Little White House (Florida’s only presidential home). While he relaxed by taking long walks, fishing and playing poker, Truman also ran the country from Key West.
In his honor, the bar menu features the Truman Old Fashioned, a blend of Old Grand-Dad bourbon whiskey, house-made simple syrup, and Angostura bitters that offer a spicy herbal kick.
Local history in liquid form is available at Bar 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, upstairs at 291 Front St. at the Key West Cooking School — and bartenders are happy to share tales and cocktails that celebrate Key West’s unique past.
Last Call
Drink of the month: Harry’s Breakfast (also called “Harry’s Heart Starter”). Reputedly, Truman began his days with a beverage that provided both Vitamin C and a “spirited” wakeup call: a glass of fresh orange juice and Old Grand-Dad. It’s not just for breakfast at Bar 1.
Helpful bar hack: When crafting cocktails like the Curry Old Fashioned, stir the iced ingredients with a bar spoon to provide a gentle yet thorough dilution. Generally 30 to 35 revolutions will ensure proper blending and chilling.
Thirsty for more? Visit keywestcookingschool.com.
