On this day in 1953, Arthur Miller’s famous play, The Crucible, premiered on Broadway to mixed reviews. It was not considered a classic work until the 60s. The play is set in Salem, MA during the witchcraft trials of 1692.

Miller made suggestive parallels between the Congressional witch hunt in Washington D.C. at the time which accused people of “un-American leftist behavior” (the communist inquiries led by Senator McCarthy) and his play that covered the hanging of 19 innocent men and women in Salem during the trials by a Puritan-based community, plagued by fear and accusation.

Music Du Jour:

The Crucible theme song from the 1996 film sets an anxious mood for cocktail mixing. Also, Aretha Franklin’s Lady Soul album was released this day in 1968.

Films Du Jour:

• The Crucible (1996)
• The Crucible (1953) play
• The Covenant (2006)
• The Witch (2015)
• Salem (2014) Season 1
• Hocus Pocus (1993)
• Salem Witch Trials (2002) documentary

Miscellaneous:

• Stop by the Salem Witch Museum when you’re in town
• Explore the romance of Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller
• Etsy’s Salem Witch Shop
• Witches Be Sipping Shirt
• Cotton Mather on Witchcraft, first published in 1692, for the Salemphiles
• Need to channel your magic? Here’s a popular Spell Book for new witches

Snacks du Jour:

One theory on the symptoms of the Salem population was that their rye crops had been poisoned with Claviceps, a type of fungus that could explain the fits, pains, and hallucinations reported by townspeople. Here are some good rye bread recipes.

One of the proofs administered to dogs who were suspected of possession was the Witch Cake. If a witch cake (containing rye and the urine of someone supposedly afflicted) caused erratic behaviors in the dog, then that dog was likely possessed by the devil. Two dogs were executed during the Salem trials based on their failure to pass the test. Here’s a recipe for some witch hat cupcakes (urine optional).

Cocktail Du Jour – A Charm to Kill Goody Proctor

The Bag&Baggage Resident Acting Company in Portland created this drink for audiences during their performance of the Crucible:

• 2 oz gin
• 5 oz Green Chartreuse
• 25 oz fresh lemon juice
• 25 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white

Shake all ingredients thoroughly for 30 seconds in a cocktail shaker and strain into a coupe glass. Float a teaspoon of Chambord on the froth. Check Goody’s health every five minutes to see if it’s working.

Mocktail Du Jour – The Kept Poppet Mocktail

• 5 tablespoon imitation rum extract
• 75 oz lime juice
• 25 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz passion fruit puree
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz Sprite

Shake all ingredients except for Sprite in cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a coupe glass. Top with Sprite.

Beer Du Jour

Crucible Brewing labels (Everett, WA) or 3 Nations Haze Wizard American IPA

Wine Du Jour

Stories & Spells by Witching Hour Red Blend or Magic Box labels

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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Photo credit: “Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible'” by thegreatgonzo is licensed under CC BY 2.0