Shaw’s Tavern Cocktail List with Awesome History Included

520 Florida Ave, NW

I just saw the new cocktail list on the Shaw’s Tavern Facebook page. I’m digging all the history:

54th Regiment Cocktail
The 54th Regiment convened at Camp Meigs, MA in 1863 as one of the first all-African American units in the Civil War. Former slaves freed by the Emancipation Proclamation composed the majority of the unit. In short order, the 54th became one of the most legendary groups of men to fight for the US.

Jim Beam Rye Whisky, Dry Vermouth, Celery Bitters, Peychaud’s Bitters

Shaw’s Fizz
In 1863, 25 year old Robert Gould Shaw was tipped to lead the 54th Massachusetts, one of the first all-black regiments in the US military. He led them in a fateful assault on Ft. Wagner, S. Carolina, in which he died and was buried in a mass grave with his soldiers. Nobility at its finest!

Hangar Raspberry Vodka, Lemon, Triple Sec, Soda

Beacon St. Stomp
On May 28, 1863, Shaw led the 54th on a parade down beacon street to Boston Wharf where they departed to join the war down south. Along the way raptours crowd cheered them on. This drink commemorates that celebratory moment as this legendary group marched into battle.

Sparkling Wine, Tequila, Pomegranate Molasses

$7 Cocktail
Though promised equal pay to white soldiers – $13 per month – the men of the 54th only received $7. C Eighteen months after entering the war, Congress finally granted equal pay to black soldiers.

Jim Beam Rye, El Dorado 5 Rum, Orange Bitters

Ft. Wagner Mission
On July18, 1863, Shaw led the 54th on a fateful mission to capture Ft. Wagner, S. Carolina. Almost assured of defeat, the troops fought heroically. It was a bittersweet moment: despite losing the battle and suffering heavy casualties, the regiment was celebrated for its bravery. Their action led to the further mobilization of black troops , tipping the war in the Union’s favor.

Citrus Vodka, Habanero syrup, Lemon, Cassis, Soda

Carney’s Courage
During the Ft. Wagner mission, the 54th’s flag-bearer was killed. 23 year old Sgt. William Carney grabbed the flag and with his body riddled with bullets, managed to return the flag to Union lines, saying “boys, the old flag never touched the ground.” Carney later received the Medal of Honor for courageously protecting the flag.

Bols Genever (aka Dutch Courage), Lemon, Honey, Wheat Beer, Angostura

Glory
First Sgt. Robert Simmons stated that he joined the 54th to fight “for glory.” Thereafter, the 54th became known as the “Glory Regiment,” a testament to their courage, heroism and determination to win in fierce battle.

Sparkling Wine, Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout, Cassis