Presenting the (Unofficial-Please-Don't-Sue-Us) Festivus Cocktail

Presenting the (Unofficial-Please-Don't-Sue-Us) Festivus Cocktail

In this season of incessant “gift ideas,” sales on jacked-up prices and glitzy glitter spread over all corners of the visible world, sometimes you want an escape. Happily, there’s now a day that eschews all of the above, and it’s becoming more renowned each year (there’s even a book and website dedicated to it). Of course, we’re talking about Festivus, the holiday “for the rest of us.”

The pseudoliday first gained recognition when it was featured during the ninth season of Seinfeld. Based on actual childhood experiences of sitcom writer Daniel O’Keefe (whose father supposedly plucked the nom d'evenement from a 1966 book on obscure holidays), the episode has the crew gathering at George’s father’s to celebrate the unorthodox winter occasion.

As demonstrated by the bare aluminum pole put up in lieu of a decorated tree, Festivus is not at all like Christmas. Instead of exchanging niceties with dinner guests, there’s a ceremony called “The Airing of the Grievances,” in which folks tell others what really annoying things they did during the year. While not exactly the antithesis of the highly-commercialized, religion-based holiday, it’s certainly something like the inverse of it [or contrapositive? any socioeconomic-logic experts out there? – Ed.].

The food traditionally served at Festivus is spaghetti and meatballs (if one follows the Costanza canon), but there does not appear to be a traditional drink to go along. On TV, the only imbibing shown is a swig from a hip flask by George Costanza’s boss, Mr. Kruger. The Drink Nation has set out to remedy this, with our official Festivus Cocktail.

We tasted, tested, hemmed and hawed, and came up with the following recipe. It suits the lowbrow nature of the day while still incorporating a seasonal element (and bitters – Festivus has plenty to do with being bitter). Plus, it will get you pleasantly tipsy. Let us know if you try it!

The (Unofficial-Please-Don’t-Sue-Us) Festivus Cocktail

10 oz Christmas ale (or other winter warmer beer)
1 oz Bourbon
3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

Pour beer in glass, add whiskey, add bitters, swirl with your pinky. Enjoy!

Top image via Web Page About Nothing

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close