In the February issue of Sauce we suggested 1860s Genuine American Vodka as a new-to-the-Lou liquor for vodka lovers. The five-times distilled vodka is a project by a pair of locals Todd McGowan and Max Burton, owner of 1860 Saloon and Hardshell Café in Soulard. Being that Soulard will be the hub of Mardi Gras revelry this weekend, we couldn’t think of a better spirit to pull off the shelves than one conceived in a bar on S. Ninth Street.
The 1860 Saloon rightly stocks 1860s Genuine American Vodka behind the bar, but this Saturday imbibing options at 1860 South Ninth St. (and every other drinking establishment in the ‘hood) will be limited due to the Mardi Gras Grand Parade. You can still make 1860 Saloon your party headquarters. Plunk down $65 for their tent package, which includes in-and-out admission to a heated tent with food buffet; six drink tickets good for beer, hurricanes and shots; live music; door prizes; and, for the nitpicky, access to private porta-potties. Purchase tickets at 1860smardigraspartytent.ticketleap.com.
Celebrating at home? Use 1860sGAV to throw back a Soulard Monkey, then recover on Sunday with a Bloody Louie. The vodka is available at numerous select liquor stores, including Provisions and all The Wine and Cheese Place locations.
1860sGAV Soulard Monkey 1 oz. 1860s Genuine American Vodka
3/4 oz. Banana Liquor
Chill and serve in tall shot glass.
1860sGAV Bloody Louie
1 1/2 parts 1860s Genuine American Vodka
2 parts tomato juice
1/2 parts fresh lemon juice
Worcestershire and hot sauce to taste
Celery stick
Lime Wedge
Olives
Shake first four ingredients over ice, strain into ice-filled glass and garnish with celery, lime and olives.
This article appears in March 2011.