Remember the Mason
Continuing our month of Manhattans through the lens of Black History we present, a Remember the Mason. A riff on the Remember the Maine, the USS Maine which was sunk in Havana, Cuba, this version swaps out vermouth for our significantly preferred Averna and Absinthe for traditional bitters. The result is a light Manhattan with beautifully melded favors of cherry and anise against a light brown sugar back note. Enjoy as a pre-dinner cocktail through the summer.
Three Mason crewmembers admire their ship while she lies moored at the Boston Navy Yard, Mass., on 20 March 1944. The placards indicate that Mason’s sister ship John M. Bermingham (DE-530) and the tank landing ship LST-982 are fitting-out nearby. (U.S. Navy Photograph 80-G-218861, National Archives and Records Administration, Still Pictures Division, College Park, Md.) [Naval History and Heritage Command]
The USS Mason (DE 529) was one of two navy ships during World War II with a predominately Black crew. Out of a crew of 204, 160 of the USS Mason’s sailors were Black. While crew members were initially treated with poor accommodations and unequal treatment during training, the situation improved when the Mason’s officers stepped in and demanded the crew be treated like any other sailor in the US navy.
Despite discrimination, many of the crew were proud to serve and defend their country believing that protecting their country would later open doors for future generations.
Remember the Mason Recipe
2 oz New Dawn bourbon
1/2 oz Averna
2 bar spoons Cheery Heering
1 bar spoon Absinthe
Garnish: Cherry
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir till chilled. Strain into rocks glass with or without ice.
