Bar Recreates One Of George Washington’s Favorite Drinks By Sticking A Red Hot Poker Into Beer

Photo: Cian Lahart

Everyone has a drink they like to unwind with at the end of a long day, even a Founding Father. In case you ever wanted to experience what a prolific figure like George Washington would order at a bar, one of his beverages of choice is now being recreated in the 21st century.

Porterhouse Brew Co. is offering the historical drink known as a Hot Ale Flip for a month at the New York Bar, located in the Financial District.

Made with molasses, egg whites, rum, and ale, the drink is completed by sticking a red hot fireplace poker straight into the concoction to warm it up. Though, as health precautions changed over the past few hundred years, the fireplace poker has since been replaced with an ale warmer loggerhead.

Originally served at the iconic Fraunces Tavern, sister restaurant to Porterhouse Brew Co., Hot Ale Flips were believed to be one of George Washington’s favorite orders back when he visited the Tavern and a was also a popular sailor’s drink that was served during the Colonial era.

Not sure how I feel about warm ale quite yet, but my curiosity is piqued.

The Hot Ale Flips will be available now through March 19 for anyone hoping to experience a taste of history to enjoy.