Special thanks to Airships.net and full credit to the work they have done in this area providing research and inspiration for the article.
40ml Kirsch
10ml Dry Vermouth
Dash of Grenadine
SHAKE
I’m not sure why the grenadine was included, but I think the touch of sweetness just takes the edge of the extreme dryness of the kirsch. This is a very dry “Martini”, but it still seems balanced. It is very clean and quite smooth, with a finish of dry cherries and a touch of cream. The warmth of the drink builds as you sip. I’ve never tried this before, but I shall certainly have it again.
#2) Old Fashioned
Another cocktail known to be served on the Hindenburg was the Old Fashioned; these typically preceded the passenger’s evening meal . This recipe comes from The Last Supper Club:
Dissolve a small lump of sugar in a little water in a whiskey glass.
Add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters.
Add an ice cube, a piece of lemon peel and one jigger whiskey.
Mix with a small bar spoon and serve, leaving the spoon in the glass.
Excellent for stimulating the appetite it’s obvious why these were served before dinner. Smooth with a hint of sweet and smoke. Sipping one of these while floating across the Atlantic would be the height of luxury.
#3)Maybach 12
There was a cocktail called the “Maybach 12” that was served on the Hindenburg the recipe of which has been lost to history. Here is my recipe inspired by the bar on the Hindenburg. In the two paintings of the smoking room (and the photo of the bar) a bottle of Benedictine is clearly visible, so it could be argued that this was a popular drink on board. The gin and kirsch come from the story of cocktail #1.
20ml Adler Berlin Gin (Dry Gin)
20ml Kirsch
10ml Benedictine
Add ingredients to an old-fashioned glass, add a large ice cube and stir.
It took a little time to get the balance of the Maybach 12 right; initially, I used equal parts, but it was too sweet. The final result is a light golden liquid that start of slightly bitter and then quickly moves to being sweet and herbal, finishing up with the dryness of the juniper and kirsch. There is a long finish of dry cherry and a faint hint of sugar.
The Maybach 12 Cocktail would make a great aperitif, as it really increases your appetite.
30ml Adler Berlin Gin (Dry Gin)
30ml Orange Juice
Add crushed ice and ingredients to an old-fashioned glass.
Finally here are some pictures of the bar itself.
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