Creepy History

Happy creepy Halloween! Time to celebrate your favorite holiday and ours with two Halloween themed tales. Fraser starts things off with the true story of a man you might have heard of: Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracula. You may think you you know his story, but the truth is more complicated than you think. Then, Jen takes us to Halloween night 1957 for the weird tale of the Trick or Treat Murders. For our cocktail this week, it's a bloody New York Sour. Dig into that candy bag, pour yourself a cocktail, and join us! Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.New York Sour2 oz. Bourbon1 oz. Lemon Juice1/2 oz. Maple Syrup1 oz. Red WinePour everything except the wine into a shaker with ice. Shake, and strain into a glass with ice. Pour the wine in over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top.Garnish with a lemon twist.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

We are leaning into the Halloween spirit with a pair of extra creepy tales this week. Up first is Jen as she continues her theme of the true stories behind your favorite scary movies. This week: The Ring (or Ringu for you fellow J-Horror purists). Then, Fraser tells us all about the macabre Werewolf of Ansbach - with bonus werewolf tales for good measure. Our drink is a Between the Sheets, so mix one up and join us!  Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Between the Sheets1 oz. Cognac1 oz. White Rum1 oz. Triple Sec1/4 oz. Lemon JuicePour into a shaker with ice. Shake, and strain into a glass.Garnish with an orange twist.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

It's the Halloween season, and to get in the spirit, we've got some creepy tales for you. First up, Fraser takes us back to the 60's for a tale of murder and some seriously bad vibes at the free Rolling Stones concert at Altamont. Then, Jen reminds you to stay out of the water with the true stories that helped inspire Jaws. Our drink this week is Mick Jagger's personal favorite: the tequila sunrise. Fix one up and enjoy!Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Tequila Sunrise1 1.2 oz. Tequila3/4 oz. Orange Juice3/4 oz. GrenadinePour the tequila and OJ in a glass over ice. Stir. Add the grenadine by pouring in over the back of a spoon. Garnish with orange slice and cherry.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

We're back! And we missed you. Creepy History returns with new episodes every Thursday. This week, Jen starts us off with one of her all-time favorite party stories: famous body-snatchers Burke & Hare. Then Fraser tells of the twisted and weird journey of the corpse of Eva Peron. For our cocktail, it's the unofficial drink of Argentina, the Fernet con coca! Spoiler: it's... well, it's a thing.  Join us, pour yourself some fernet, and see what you think!Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Fernet con Coca 2 oz. Fernet6 oz. CokeJust pour over ice and stir. That's it. Enjoy?Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

This week, Fraser takes us back to the caves of Scotland for the... true story? Legend? The STORY of Scottish cannibal Sawney Bean, and his cave-dwelling brood. Then Jen digs into the world of premature burial with the sad story of Rufina Cambaceres, the girl who died twice.  For our cocktail we have the eggnog-esque Atholl Brose. Make yourself some oat water and enjoy!Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Atholl Brose Recipe2 spoons Honey1 1/3 oz Scotch1 oz Oat Water1/6 oz Drambuie1/6 oz Amaretto1/3 oz Half and HalfTo make the oat water, put 3 T oatmeal in half a mug of hot water. Let sit for 15 minutes, then strain and reserve the liquid.Put honey, scotch, and ice in a shaker. Stir together until honey is dissolved.Add all other ingredients to shaker.Shake to mix. Strain into a glass with no ice. Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

This week, Jen kicks things off by telling us the facts behind the curse of King Tut's tomb - we'll leave you to decide if the curse is real or not. Then Fraser takes us to 18th century London for a look at the not very sanitary state of surgery at that time, and a famously botched stone removal. For our cocktail, we have the light and refreshing sherry cobbler. Perfect for summer! Pour yourself a glass, sit back and enjoy.Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Sherry Cobbler Recipe4 oz Sherry0.5 oz simple syrup3 orange slicesFresh seasonal berries, mint, and more orange slices to garnishAdd sherry, syrup, orange slices, and ice to a shaker. Mix.Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice (seriously, FILLED)Add berries, orange, and mint to garnish. Serve with a straw.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

If you're like us and you just can't get enough Poe, no worries! We've got you covered as Fraser details the unexplained mystery of the Death of Edgar Allan Poe. After that, Jen brings us what might be our weirdest story to date: Mary Toft, also known as the woman who gave birth to rabbits. Yes, rabbits. Get ready for this one. For our cocktail we bring you the classic Sidecar. Pour yourself one and enjoy!Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Sidecar Recipe1.5 oz Cognac0.5 oz Cointreau0.5 oz lemon juice freshly squeezedSugar for the rim and orange peel twist to garnishA note: this is a very alcohol forward drink, so it's worth getting higher quality ingredients.Wet the rim of your glass and push rim into sugar to garnish.Add all ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass without ice.Add orange twist to garnish.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)  

It's all very X-Files this week, with a pair of unexplained mysteries. Jen is up first with an intriguing question: did Edgar Allen Poe's Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym predict the future? Hear the strange case of The Mignonette and decide for yourself. Then Fraser tells us the Russian tale of the Dyatlov Pass Incident, and how the team behind Frozen (yes, Frozen) helped solve the mystery. The cocktail this week is a fun one - the Harvey Wallbanger. Buy that giant bottle of Galliano and enjoy! Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Harvey Wallbanger Recipe1.5 oz Vodka4 oz Orange Juice freshly squeezed0.5 oz Galliano1/2 lime freshly squeezedOrange slice and cherry to garnishMix vodka and OJ in a glass with ice.Pour in the galliano over the back of a spoon.Garnish.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

Welcome to episode 3 as we tackle some of our most intense stories to date. First, Fraser tells us about Timothy Stoen and how his battle for custody led to the tragic Jonestown Massacre. Then Jen lightens things up with the gruesome serial killer Leonard Cianciulli, better known as the Soap-Maker of Correggio. Have an amaretto stone sour and get ready for this one! Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Amaretto Stone Sour Recipe1.5 oz amaretto1.5 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice1.5 oz sweet & sour mixOrange slice and cherry to garnishStart by making the sweet & sour mix. To do so, combine 1 part sugar, 1 part water, 1 part fresh lime, 2 parts fresh lemon. Mix together, heat to boiling, stir until dissolved, and let cool completely.Stir all ingredients into a glass and add iceAdd garnish to topEnjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

It's an episode of disappearances here. First Jen takes us into South America with Percy Fawcett... never to return. Then Fraser returns to colonial America to wrap up the story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. For this week's Creepy Cocktail, we present another favorite of the American colonial days - the Stone Fence. Or more specifically, Martha Stewart's Apple Brandy and Cider, which is a sort of riff on the Stone Fence. Drink up! Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod."Stone Fence" Recipe4 oz Apple Cider4 oz Applejack1 oz dry vermouth2-3 dashes orange bittersOrange twist for garnishCombine ingredients in a shaker over ice and shake. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Add twist to garnish.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

We are back for season 2! And yes, we missed you. To kick off our second season, Fraser presents part one of a two-parter looking at the lost Roanoke Colony, while Jennifer tells us the tale of three notorious female con artists, or, as Jen preferes, "lady con artists." All that, plus a Rattle-Skull to drink and to, well, rattle your skull. Join us! Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Rattle-Skull Recipe12 oz Porter1.5 oz Dark Rum3/4 oz Fresh Lime1/2 oz Brown Sugar SyrupNutmeg to garnishTo prepare the syrup, combine 2 parts brown sugar and 3 parts water in a small pot. Bring to boiling and stir for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until sugar is all dissolved. Remove from heat and cool.To serve, add porter to a glass, pour in other ingredients and stir gently. Add nutmeg to the top. Personal recommendation: skip the lime. If you want to go traditional, include it. But if you want an actually palatable drink, omit.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

One word: Necropants. Join us for this special short episode as Jen tells us the story of Icelandic sorcery and necropants. Be warned: they are totally gross and weird. And gross. Catch up on season 1 now, and stay tuned for more special short episodes before season 2 debuts in March.Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

It's the holiday season, and Creepy History is wrapping up Season 1 with two creepy takes on Christmas. First up, Fraser tells us the origins and mythology behind Santa's creepy, evil assistant Krampus. Then, Jen takes us to Texas for the Santa Claus Bank Robbery and one of the wildest capers you will ever hear about. For today's Creepy Cocktail: Eggnog. And not just any Eggnog, it's the traditional Coffeen family Eggnog. Drink up, listen up, and be nice so Krampus doesn't stuff you in his sack. Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Eggnog Recipe6 eggs, whites and yolks separated*Beat whites until stiffAdd 1 c powdered sugar to whitesIn separate bowl, whip yolks until frothy (a lot!)Fold whites into yolksGently stir in:1 pt. whiskey**1 c. white rum**1 pt. milk1 pt. cream (or half and half)Stir all together in a punch bowl.Serve in individual glasses, and sprinkle on nutmeg.Enjoy!*Yes, you're eating raw eggs. No, it's not exactly safe. Consume at your own risk.**OK, I'm just giving you the recipe here, but let's be honest, this is a LOT of booze. I typically half this, and then adjust to taste.Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

Episode 9 is a single story from Jen and it's a good one. Learn the story of the only successful, unsolved airline hijacking in US history, and the mystery behind the man known (erroneously) as D.B. Cooper. Jen has all your D.B. facts, plus some theories on who this mystery man might be. For our Creepy Cocktail we have a riff on the drink Cooper ordered on his flight: a Bourbon Rickey. Spoiler, it's... a lot. Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Bourbon Rickey Recipe2 oz Bourbon4 oz Club Soda1/2 lime freshly squeezedPour the bourbon in a glass over ice. Top with soda and lime juice.Stir lightly and drop the lime in.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

For Episode 8 we focus on one single story as Fraser introduces us to, yes, a creepy doll. Robert the Doll to be more precise - the creepy and haunted doll that may have inspired The Conjuring's Annabelle among others. Jen closes things out with a brief creepy tidbit and a look at the possible link between Lincoln and Kennedy. Our Creepy Cocktail takes us to Robert's hometown of Key West for the Rum Runner (plus a little bonus history on notorious Rum Runner Capt. Bill McCoy). Pour yourself a glass and enjoy some Creepy History with us!Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Rum Runner Recipe1 oz Dark Rum1 oz White Rum1/2 oz Creme de Banana1/2 oz Chambord1 oz Orange Juice1 oz Pineapple Juice1/2 oz Lime Juice1/2 oz GrenadineMix all together and shake well over ice.Strain into a glass filled with ice, and garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

Just in time for Thanksgiving, it's a new Creepy Short. This time, we are taking a look at the creepy tales of two Thanksgiving traditions - one that is still with us today, and one that's been lost to history. First, Fraser takes us to early 20th century New York for that long lost Thanksgiving tradition called Ragamuffin Day and the creepiest kids costumes you'll find. Then Jen looks at the top balloon disasters in the history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, including a police attack on Barney the Dinosaur. Have some turkey and join us!Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

Episode 7 kicks off with a story from Fraser that no one expected, as we visit the Spanish Inquisition and learn the sad story of The Holy Child of La Guardia. Jen follows that up with a primer on Spontaneous Human Combustion. Is it real? You listen and be the judge. For our Creepy Cocktail, we're going to just pretend we are in Spain on a hot summer day and enjoy some Sangria. Pour yourself a glass and enjoy some Creepy History with us!Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Sangria Recipe1 bottle red wine (Pinot Noir is a good choice)1 Orange1 Lemon1 cup seasonal fresh fruit (we used Granny Smith apples)1/2 cup Brandy2 T Simply SyrupCut the orange in half. Juice half the orange into a pitcher. Slice the other half into thin slices and add to pitcher.Cut apple and lemon into thin slices and add to pitcher.Add syrup and brandy, followed by wine.Mix well, and refrigerate for 1-4 hours before serving over ice.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

Welcome to episode 6! Jen starts things off today with the story of the Disappearance of Dorothy Arnold - a Manhattan socialite who left home one day in 1910 and never returned. After that, Fraser brings us the true story behind one of history's most mysterious figures: the occult-practicing seer Nostradamus. In honor of Nostradamus, our Creepy Cocktail takes us back to France (kind of) for the French 75. Join us... because Nostradamus foretold that you would. Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.French 75 Recipe1 oz Gin1/2 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice1/2 oz Simple Syrup3 oz ChampagneAdd gin, lemon juice, and syrup to a mixer with ice. Shake, and strain into a glass.Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)

Episode 5 brings us two new excitingly creepy tales from the past. Fraser is up first as he presents the tale of the Manhattan Well Murder, featuring none other than Alexander Hamilton. Then, Jen gives us the history behind Doppelgangers, including stories of those who have sworn to meet their double, and what that means for them. All this plus a Creepy Cocktail: the classic Manhattan. Join us - and remember: do not talk to your Doppelganger! Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Manhattan Recipe2 oz Rye Whiskey1 oz Vermouth2 dashes Cherry BittersStir all ingredients in a mixer with ice.Strain into a glass over ice. Top with a maraschino cherry (or two, or whatever - you do you!).Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)

We are back with our second Creepy History Halloween episode! First up, Jen has the true story that became the hit book and movie The Exorcist. Then, we travel to Haiti as Fraser presents the tale of Clairvius Narcisse - history's only documented zombie. All that and a Creepy cocktail straight from Haiti: the classic rum punch. Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Rum Punch Recipe1 1/4 oz Light Rum1 1/4 oz Dark Rum2 oz Pineapple Juice1 oz Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice1/4 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice1/4 oz GrenadinePour all ingredients in a mixer with ice. Shake well. Strain into a glass over ice. Top with a cherry.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Note: This was originally mislabeled as episode 1.5. It is actually 1.4. We apologize. Blame the Rum Punch.

Join us for our first ever Creepy Short! In this mini-episode, we correct our mistakes from Episode 3 and tell the real story behind Candyman, including the source material from Clive Barker and the original film, plus the urban legends and creepy real life murder that served as inspiration. Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Creepy Cocktail RecipeToday's Creepy Cocktail: Beer.Recipe: It's a beer. Pour it into a glass (or not, no judgment!) and drink it.Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)

Halloween is just around the corner, so this week, it's an extra creepy pair of stories! First up, Fraser has the tale of Mercy Brown, then Jen presents the full, true story of Lizzie Borden and her famous ax. For our Creepy Cocktail this week, it's a [Redacted] Kiss Martini. Grab your ingredients, and join along. Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Creepy Cocktail Recipe2 oz Vodka1 oz Chambord2 oz ChampagnePour vodka and half of the chambord into a martini glass. Top with champagne.Add the remaining chambord by pouring over the back of a spoon.Enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)

Episode 2 brings us two new creepy tales from history - what you wish you had learned in Social Studies class, but never did! Up first, Jen has the story of Ludger Sylbaris, the man who survived a volcano. Then Fraser takes us to Scotland for a look at the Cave Dwellers of Wick. Our creepy cocktail this week is the Rusty Nail; get the recipe below. Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.Rusty Nail Recipe1.5 oz blended Scotch (not single malt)0.75 oz DrambuiePour over ice, stir, and enjoy!Credits:Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

Welcome to the first episode of Creepy History! Every week, we take a look at two creepy tales from history - the kind of stuff you always wished you studied in school, but never did. Today's episode takes us to France as Fraser presents the story of Charlotte Corday and the French Revolution, while Jen tells us all about Waterloo Teeth. Our creepy cocktail this week is the French Revolution, so check the recipe below and join in. Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPodFrench Revolution Recipe2 oz Brandy1/2 oz Framboise Raspberry Liqueur3 oz champagnePour brandy and liqueur into a mixer with ice and mix well. Strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne.