April 24

The Armenian genocide began on this day in 1915 when the Ottoman army executed several hundred Armenian intellectuals. Shortly thereafter, they began the mass killing of able-bodied males, then ordinary Armenians (women, children, the elderly, and the infirm) were turned out of their homes and sent on death marches through the desert without food or water. The number of Armenians who died has been a major point of contention. Estimates range from a minimum of 300,000 up to 2,000,000 deaths.

The Ottoman government denied that massacres of Armenians had occurred, and claimed that Armenians had colluded with the enemy, which forced them to treat Armenians in their territory as enemies—the Republic of Turkey still denies that the Armenian mass killings amounted to genocide. The Ottoman Empire, which had lasted more than 600 years and had once controlled most of the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and Red Sea, was dissolved in 1922 after losing World War I in their alliance with Germany. The Allied Powers divided their lands were divided. 

April 24 has been commemorated as a Remembrance Day and is observed by Armenians around the world. In 2021, President Biden officially recognized the massacre of Armenians during World War I as a genocide.

Music Du Jour: The sound of Armenian Pop Music playlist; Cher top hits playlist

Films Du Jour:

• Armenian genocide: survivors recall events
• Women of 1915 (2016)
• Armenia Uncovered (2019)
• The Promise (2017)
• Intent to Destroy (2017)
• Lost and Found in Armenia (2013)

Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband to tennis star Serena Williams, owns an Armenian fine-brandy distillery called Shakmat.

Some other western celebrities of Armenian descent:

• Andre Agassi
• Eric Bogosian
• Cher
• Mike Connors
• David Dastmalchian
• The Kardashians
• Andrea Martin

Snacks du Jour: 7 best Armenian recipes

Cocktail Du Jour – Armenian Dream

This recipe is based on a cocktail from Belladrinks​ (Tony Bellavia)

• 5 oz gin
• 5 oz sweetened Sicoly® apricot puree (you can also use blended apricot halves)
• 5 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 25 oz Rosemary syrup* (or add more to taste)

Mix all ingredients with crushed ice in a blender until smooth. Serve in coupe glass. Garnish with sprig of rosemary.

*Rosemary syrup: Heat one cup of sugar in one cup of water on the stove until dissolved, without boiling. Add one large sprig of fresh rosemary to a mason jar and pour sugar solution over it to cover. Lid and store at room temperature for 24 hours. Filter out rosemary.

Mocktail Du Jour – Armenian Dream Mocktail

• 5 oz non-alcohol gin
• 5 oz sweetened Sicoly® apricot puree (can also use blended apricot halves in syrup)
• 5 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 25 oz Rosemary syrup* (or more to taste)

Mix all ingredients with crushed ice in a blender until smooth. Serve in coupe glass. Garnish with sprig of rosemary.

*Rosemary syrup: Dissolve one cup of sugar in one cup of water on the stove without boiling. Add one large sprig of fresh rosemary to a mason jar and pour sugar solution over it to cover. Lid and store at room temperature for 24 hours. Filter out rosemary.

 Beer Du Jour

Armenia is on record for brewing beer since 400 BC. Kilikia and Kotayk brands are usually available in the U.S. Here’s a link to your Armenian Beercation.

Wine Du Jour

Armenia’s Areni region has the oldest known winery, dating back 6,000 years. You can affordably special order Armenian wine.

 Use freshly squeezed citrus in your cocktails and mocktails when called for – It makes such a difference! Here’s a reliable and inexpensive juicer.

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© 2023, The Beverage Du Jour, TRH Online, LLC. Some links may be affiliate links. BDJ original AI art by Wonder, “Armenian Genocide Day.”