“Coow woow” was an Indian term for rum, and this makes sense since  most of the drink is rum.  The history of the Coow Woow is a bit murky but the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA claims it dates back to the early days of 1664 making it one of if not the first cocktail served in America.  The recipe is simple, mix 2 parts rum and 1 part brandy, or 3 parts rum and 2 parts brandy, or depending on where it is served some other proportions, the bottom line is you fortify brandy with rum.  No matter what ratio you use when you mix the drink, this is one potent drink—all alcohol, no mixers.

Recipe:

  • 3 Ounces Chilled White Rum
  • 2 Ounces Chilled Brandy (ideally Ginger Brandy)
  • ice

You make a Coow Woow in the same manner as a martini.  Put the rum and brandy in a shaker with ice and vigorously shake then strain out the liquor from the ice and serve cold.  (Wayside insists it should be stirred not shaken… perhaps they have never seen or read James Bond 😊).


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Published by Michael Carver

My goal is to bring history alive through interactive portrayal of ordinary American life in the late 18th Century (1750—1799) My persona are: Journeyman Brewer; Cordwainer (leather tradesman but not cobbler), Statesman and Orator; Chandler (candle and soap maker); Gentleman Scientist; and, Soldier in either the British Regular Army, the Centennial Army, or one of the various Militia. Let me help you experience history 1st hand!