I Want Some More Day – December 19th
On this day in 1968, Oliver! was released to the masses. The musical film was a British production, directed by Carol Reed and based on Lionel Bart’s 1960 stage production.
Oliver Twist has been Britain’s favorite tragic orphan since he first appeared in the novel by Charles Dickens in 1838. The story was a flashlight for the upper classes to reveal the harsh treatment of the poor and vulnerable souls trying to survive in Victorian London. When Oliver finishes his meager ration of gruel at the orphanage, he says, “Please, sir, I want some more.” The overseer’s response has become iconic as an expression of authority’s outrage over insolence. “What!? More!?”
For his audacity, Oliver is sold to an undertaker for seven guineas to work as a forced apprentice. From there, Oliver gets into even more trouble when he falls in with a gang of pickpockets on the streets of London. Oliver! was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won six of them, including best film and best director.
Music Du Jour: Oliver! London Palladium Cast Recording
Films Du Jour:
- Oliver! (1968)
- Oliver Twist (2007 Series)
Snacks du Jour: Tea sandwiches for your favorite guests and gruel for everyone else. If you want to geek out on the period, try making some Victorian recipes.
Cocktail Du Jour – Oliver’s Twist
This recipe is based on Chef Jamie Oliver’s signature drink.
- 1 oz gin
- 5 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1 teaspoon chili-infused honey*
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Up to 10 oz of beer (lager) to top it off
Combine gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and honey in a shaker. Add ice and shake for 30 seconds. Strain into a tall glass over ice. Add lager over the top as desired and stir. Garnish with a lemon twist.
*To make Chili Honey: At least 3 hours before you’re ready to serve drinks, halve a fresh red chili, place it in a small jar of honey and leave it to infuse. Stir honey before serving.
Mocktail Du Jour – Oliver’s Twist Mocktail
- 1 oz non-alcohol gin
- 5 oz elderflower syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili-infused honey*
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Up to 10 oz of beer (lager) to top it off
Combine gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and honey in a shaker. Add ice and shake for 30 seconds. Strain into a tall glass over ice. Add lager over the top as desired and stir. Garnish with a lemon twist.
*To make Chili Honey: At least 3 hours before you’re ready to serve drinks, halve a fresh red chili, place it in a small jar of honey and leave it to infuse. Stir honey before serving.
Beer Du Jour
Ales and Stouts were the most popular beers in the Victorian era.
Wine Du Jour
In the Victorian era, Tonic Wine was widely prescribed by doctors for multiple ailments, commonly made with fortified wine and herbs. It was promotional marriage between the medical and alcohol industries for decades. Tonic wine is hard to find in the U.S., but other fortified wines are plentiful like Port, Sherry, Madeira, and Marsala. There’s also a non-alcohol Magnum Tonic Wine from Jamica.
Not into fortified wines? Victorians also loved a Claret.
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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