The Father of the American Ghost Story?

Washington Irving died on November 28, 1859. I know what you're thinking: "Washington Irving, meh." I think we should all take another look at this hip guy. Did you know that he was the person who gave New York City the nickname Gotham? Hello, Batman. And, that there is a cocktail or two inspired by him (but not the actual word "cocktail" that some have credited him with- that was apparently disproved)?

And really, where would Halloween be without the Headless Horseman? I know I ask a lot of questions, but The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is often called one of the earliest pieces of American fiction and I say the first American spooky story. How can you not be wowed?

Let's go shopping.

Washington Irving Giclée Print fron ArtTalesandMagic

The Headless Horseman from HeadlessEnterprises

Washington Irving Doll from UneekDollDesigns

Then, let's make an Irving-inspired cocktail and raise our glasses to him. Because I said so.

The Knickerbocker

(named after Irving's nom de plum for a tongue-in-cheek history he wrote of New York in 1809)

2 1/2 oz of golden rum

1 1/2 tsp raspberry syrup

1/2 tsp of orange curaçao

1/2 oz of lime juice

Shake the rum, raspberry syrup, orange curaçao, and lime juice over cracked ice. Now for the crazy part- place the squeezed-out half lime in the bottom of a glass and pour the drink in with the ice. Add a few berries and ta-da! 

The Headless Horseman

2 oz Vodka

2 dashes of Angostura Bitters

4 oz Ginger Ale

Orange Slice for Garnish

Combine the Vodka and Bitters in an ice-filled Highball glass and then slowly pour in the Ginger Ale. Easy peasy.

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