Al Capone Day – October 18th

Al Capone is known as one of the most successful and most violent organized crime bosses in American History. He grew his Chicago empire with the help of the city mayor’s office and the police department. Because of this, it was thought that he could not be personally convicted of any crime. A special Federal task force created by Elliot Ness was able to find evidence to charge him on 22 cases of tax evasion.
On this day in 1938, Al Capone was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Early in his sentence, Capone showed signs of neurosyphilis. He became increasingly debilitated during his stay at Alcatraz.

Films Du Jour:
The Untouchables
Capone (2020)
Dillinger and Capone (1995)
Capone (1975)
The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre
Snacks Du Jour: Top 10 Untouchables recipes, including a link to Al Capone’s favorite sauce.

Cocktail Du Jour – The Chicago Cocktail
We’re substituting the brandy for rye in honor of Al Capone.
1 oz Rye
0.5 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
0.25 oz Orange curacao
0.25 oz Maraschino liqueur
1 oz sparkling wine
Shake all ingredients (except for sparkling wine) with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a coupe glass and add sparkling wine to top. Garnish with lemon twist. Capone’s favorite booze was Templeton Rye, which is still available today.

Mocktail Du Jour – The Chicago Cocktail Mocktail
1 oz Ritual Whiskey Alternative
0.5 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 long dash of orange bitters
0.25 oz grenadine
1 oz nonalcoholic sparkling wine
Shake all ingredients (except for sparkling wine) with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a coupe glass and add nonalcoholic sparkling wine to top. Garnish with lemon twist.

Beer Du Jour
These brews stayed alive during prohibition due to their owners’ success at selling non-alcohol products to keep them afloat: Busch, Coors, Miller, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Yuengling.

Wine Du Jour
Nero d’Avola or any other Sicilian wine.