The Buffalo Jones
The Seattle Times last week explored the history of “The Last Word,” a gin based cocktail that some are calling the definitive Seattle cocktail. After reading about the green concoction, it got me wondering … what is Tacoma’s definitive cocktail? What’s our official drink?
I made a little tweet expecting nobody to listen. Then, I received word (via Facebook) that a Mr. Anthony Witecki had an answer. Witecki works for Microsoft by day and, from what we hear, knows a thing or two about the discerning cocktail palate. His answer:
The Buffalo Jones
1 oz Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
3/4 oz Drambuie
Juice from 1/2 Meyer Lemon
Pour ingredients over ice, fill with Jones Soda Pure Cane Cola.
From the mixologist:
“Although Jones soda is local, none of the other ingredients are specifically Tacoman, but hear me out. Scotch + Drambuie make up the classic drink, the Rusty Nail. Swapping Scotch for Bourbon and you get the Tacoma Screw. Plus, Tacoma is a blue-collar town, and the Jack & Coke cocktail mentality is maintained by the simplicity of the drink. Finally, the Meyer lemon is a lot like Tacoma. It looks like it’s going to be sour, but turns out to be pretty sweet.”
Do you agree? Does this represent our city’s soul? If not, what does?
25 comments
T tom waits March 18, 2009
Rockstar + vodka in the parking lot.
A altered Chords March 18, 2009
Had my 1st red bull and vodka a few months ago. It was vile.
I’m favoring Manhattans, Martinis and Margaritas (the 3 Ms)
There is no specific drink that I can think of that says “Tacoma” to me. I live in, work in and drink in Tacoma so in a sense, wine, beer and the 3 Ms all say Tacoma to me.
But according to a recent article by Daniel Blue, it is hip to drink no alcohol now.
So, the soul of the city has been distilled into this ubiquitous drink: Tacoma Tap Water.
M Melanie March 18, 2009
Pabst Blue Ribbon…in a tall can.
C CA March 18, 2009
Melanie you beat me to it. PBR.
B broadweezy March 18, 2009
I would go for 1 part bourbon & 1 small frisco freeze chocolate malt
T tom waits March 18, 2009
the hippest drink is no drink? that’s too postmodern for me. you know that if there is a tacoma drink, it would have to have some kick.
but it somehow seems un-tacoman to choose a tacoma drink. it should be chosen for you, like when people go into a bar and just order “beer” or you go to party and drink whatever the person next to you hands to you.
although i can’t help but suggest it should be whatever is left in your alley by the neighborhood disenfranchised from the night before.
M Mofo from the Hood March 18, 2009
Dang. That Buffalo Jones and a game of 8-Ball sounds real invitin’.
And for dessert a bourbon & Frisko Freeze Chocolate Malt. Burp.
40oz.PBR in a bottle is standard equipment.
J Jbal March 18, 2009
The REAL Tacoma drink is a mini bottle of Champagne spilled in your lap, and a gin and tonic, in honor of an incident at a certain upscale Asian restaurant downtown in which said bubbly was spilled on my companion’s lap by the server, who said sorry and didn’t offer to take the drink off our bill. My companion then told her she’d let her buy her a gin and tonic, which she did. Try it sometime. It really feels like you’re in Tacoma.
T Thorax O'Tool March 19, 2009
The Tacoma Drink:
Almond Roca Schnapps.
B Buffalo Jones March 19, 2009
Mr. Witecki not only has a great taste in alcohol (he really does!) but he also has a great taste in bands.
Buffalo Jones. The official band of Eastern Tacoma… Spokane! All the of the angst, a third of the traffic.
J jamie from thriceallamerican March 19, 2009
Constructing a proper Buffalo Jones (the drink) will require a trip to the liquor store (but it sounds rather tasty). On the other hand, no need to wait to check out Buffalo Jones (the band), and I’m digging them. Those guys should move here, a bit of traffic and drizzle never hurt anyone. (Also loving “Eastern Tacoma”…hee.)
A altered Chords March 19, 2009
The drink sounds good but I’d prefer no cola. That would make the drink stronger (grittier) and would suit Tacoma better.
I think we need to have an official drink taste off similar to the Frost Park Chalk off.
I recommend we have it on Friday April 17th at 5:30.
Any suggestions as to place? Tempest, Crown, Top of Tacoma, Others?
We would need an event organizer – perhaps the “Tacoma Urbanist”
P P March 19, 2009
I’m not sure what I think of the drink. I’m open minded. I’d try it.
I really like the band. Headphones on now.
Can somebody come up with a different cocktail as a possible alternative?
E Erik B. March 19, 2009
We would need an event organizer – perhaps the “Tacoma Urbanist”
Thanks Altered Chords.
The above are pretty brutish drink with bulk sweeteners. Tough to choke that stuff down anymore.
The (former) Monsoon Room and Primo Grill do the drinks best with fresh ingredients.
The ultimate is the Gin Julep: Bombay Sapphire Gin, fresh squeezed limes, splash of Cointreau and then muddled with mint served as a martini.
Complex with the various drink components balanced out.
Just say no to bulk mixers.
A altered Chords March 19, 2009
That Gin Julep sounds great. Where do we get them? I’m playing at Woody’s tomorrow night. Do you think they would make one?
T torinaga March 19, 2009
I would hit that drink.
My vote wouldn’t be for a specific drink, but the combination of brown liquor in one hand and a beer in the other.
T Tk March 19, 2009
Rainier tall boy. Case closed.
E Erik B. March 19, 2009
That Gin Julep sounds great. Where do we get them? I’m playing at Woody’s tomorrow night. Do you think they would make one?
I think I have had one there.
Fresh limes and mint are needed. A lot of bars will try to slop in Rose’s instead of lime juice but then it tastes little different than something someone would drink at Red Robin.
Gin Julep from Primo Grill:
J jdub March 19, 2009
Erik at #14 . . .” the former Monsoon Room . . . .do the best drink with fresh” well, rumor mill runs wild. That room will be back with a different name but the same barkeep who mashed those beautiful drinks. I can’t wait for another . . . .
E Erik B. March 20, 2009
That room will be back with a different name but the same barkeep who mashed those beautiful drinks
Nice.
I have seen some activity there on and off. We can only hope. The Monsoon Room was one place that knew what fresh ingredients were and delivered.
Key word : Muddler
J jdub March 20, 2009
I think it’s going to be called Lazarus, with a christian /monster truck theme. The signature drink being secretly worked on is, of course, The Lazarus, a potent concoction of PBR, tomato juice, and mashed acai berry. Early testings are rapturous.
M Mr. Witecki March 20, 2009
@ Erik B and Altered Chords
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Don’t forget Maxwell’s. I think they are actually a little better than Primo.
I like the idea of a drink competition. Anyone know whether a restaurant wants to host 9 of its competitors in a drink challege? Would we have judges? What about doing taste flights and letting the common folk vote? I’d have to sit it out, having let my food handler’s permit expire years ago.
J jdub March 20, 2009
my bad. Lazarus is not. In fact, there will be no there there. no door, maybe an address, maybe not. Word comes back if you show up, it may not be there. So beyond new york, its no new york.
S Squid March 21, 2009
Count Squid in on any drink competitions please. I like that Buffalo Jones mix a lot. In fact I think there is much to be said for reconstructing classics with artisianal products like the Jones soda.
Then again, there is much to be said for Mr. Mofo’s 40 oz PBR. Reminds me of Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet. “Heineken? F$%@ that s#%&! Pabst. Blue. Ribbon!”
Now Blue Velvet may be the official Tacoma movie. If we aren’t Lumberton, I don’t know who is.
J Jim March 24, 2009
The Tacomatini:
2 parts gin
1 part dry vermouth
Pickled sweet garlic garnish (can be found at Korean groceries in the kimchi section.)