Presidents and First Ladies Trivia

[L Verge]

(10-31-2017 06:09 PM)Steve Wrote:  It was Bill Clinton and the drink was called a "Snakebite". He was refused because the pub owner incorrectly claimed that it was illegal to sell in the UK.

You are correct, Steve, but actually, I believe that it was/is illegal in parts of the UK (this incident was in the Old Bell Tavern in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, in 2001) because of its high potency. In the UK, it is half dry apple cider and half Stout or lager beer served in a pint glass without ice or chillling. You can also get it with a dash of blackcurrant liqueur added. It is the called a Snakebite black.

The descriptions of it say that one glass can cause a person to pass out. My guess is that that pub's manager wasn't taking any chances with his famous customer passing out or becoming ill. Also, personally, my guess is that Mr. Clinton would have downed it and asked for another one!

In Canada and the U.S., the Snakebite is made differently. It is a shooter of Yukon Jack, which is a honey-based, sticky sweet Canadian whiskey cut with lime juice. It, too, is very potent, and some bars refuse to serve it.

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(10-31-2017 06:49 PM)L Verge Wrote:  

(10-31-2017 06:09 PM)Steve Wrote:  It was Bill Clinton and the drink was called a "Snakebite". He was refused because the pub owner incorrectly claimed that it was illegal to sell in the UK.

You are correct, Steve, but actually, I believe that it was/is illegal in parts of the UK (this incident was in the Old Bell Tavern in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, in 2001) because of its high potency. In the UK, it is half dry apple cider and half Stout or lager beer served in a pint glass without ice or chillling. You can also get it with a dash of blackcurrant liqueur added. It is the called a Snakebite black.

The descriptions of it say that one glass can cause a person to pass out. My guess is that that pub's manager wasn't taking any chances with his famous customer passing out or becoming ill. Also, personally, my guess is that Mr. Clinton would have downed it and asked for another one!

In Canada and the U.S., the Snakebite is made differently. It is a shooter of Yukon Jack, which is a honey-based, sticky sweet Canadian whiskey cut with lime juice. It, too, is very potent, and some bars refuse to serve it.

Some testimonials:

As students we would, if very broke, mix cheap cider and lager together in a flagon. This mixture was known colloquially as lunatic soup, because of the reaction to it. Mixing fruit alcohol and grain alcohol is generally considered to be a bad idea.
Richard Long, Dublin, Ireland

Having worked behind a bar for many years, I know nothing of chemical reactions, but plenty about people's reactions, and snakebite seems to have the power to intoxicate quicker and more potently than your average brew. In order to avoid the odious task of what we call "vom-mopping" or more descriptively "carrot-picking", certain drinks such as snakebite (with or without black) or over the top cocktails are banned. This ban has the added bonus of keeping out goths and people with dogs on string.

I used to work in a pub in West Ealing where this hell's angel would come in and drink pints of snakebite 50/50 lager and cider, and he was a big fan of Tuinol (barbiturates, sleepers, the original yellow submarines, I believe) And he, not surprisingly, was extremely docile. Used to dribble a lot, though.
Dave Corbett, Bilbao Spain

I''m fairly certain that snakebite has been banned in many pubs throughout the UK. However, having been told repeatedly by numerous British customers/backpackers here in Australia, that it is "Illegal back home" it is more than likely a reason any self respecting publican would give to ensure they don''t end up with mop in hand at closing time.I have served and consumed many snakebites in my time and it would be fair to state that people who drink it have every intention of becoming intoxicated to the point of collapse.Let''s face it, it''s not the best tasting drink available. I would also doubt that by mixing the two drinks the alcoholic content increases, as there can only be the same amount of alcohol. It is generally consumed in large quantities by people who are out on a bender and are attempting to get "leathered"
Adam, Melbourne Aus

Me again -- I think I'll stick to my weak Jack and Gingers...