A true crime and history podcast featuring an amazing cocktail related to our stories.
While drinking the Bronx we talk New York. Shelley describes the tragic Happyland nightclub fire while Bekah discusses the origins of Batman and the man behind him. Drinking: The Bronx 2 oz gin ¼ oz dry vermouth ¼ oz sweet vermouth 1 oz orange juice 2 dashes orange bitters Orange slice Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice. Shake and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange slice.
While sipping on the smoky cocktail, Bekah examines Winston Churchill's heritage including his parents Jennie Jerome and Lord Randolph. Shelly opens the files of Churchill's spy legacy. Drinking: Churchill 1.5 oz. scotch whisky .5 oz. sweet vermouth .5 oz. orange liqueur .5 oz. fresh lime juice Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
While sampling this rockin' drink, Shelley examines the "payola" scandal of the 50's and 60's while Bekah describes the original Woodstock Festival. Drinking: Rock 'n' Rolla 1 ½ oz. high proof bourbon 1 oz. apple juice ¾ oz. lemon juice ½ oz. maple syrup ¼ oz. allspice dram 2 dashes angostura bitters Ground nutmeg Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a lowball glass with ice. Garnish with ground nutmeg.
While sipping on the fruity, bourbon-forward Capricorn, Shelley examines the high profile Zodiac Killer case. Bekah explores Benjamin Franklin's love of astrology and how it contributed to the date of our nation's independence. Drinking: Capricorn 1 oz. bourbon ½ oz. apricot brandy ½ oz. lemon juice 2 oz. orange juice Place all ingredients into shaker filled with ice. Shake to mix and pour into an old fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange slice.
In a clear case of tailoring a drink to a topic we wanted to talk about, Bekah examines the fascinating life of William Randolph Hearst. Shelley details the kidnapping of Patricia "Patty" Hearst and the subsequent events that took place. Drinking: Hearst Martini 2 oz. dry gin 1 oz. vermouth 1 dash orange bitters 1 dash aromatic bitters Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into chilled glass. Garnish with orange zest twist.
This Creole version of Crime and Time has us talking about the infamous Madame LaLaurie and the fascinating Marie Laveau. Thank you to listener James for the drink suggestion. Drinking: Creole Scream 1 ⅓ oz. light rum ⅔ oz. dry vermouth 1 dash Angostura bitters ⅓ oz. grenadine Mix the rum, grenadine, vermouth, and Angostura. Shake with ice. Strain into martini glass. Add an olive.
After trying this strange cocktail, we talk guillotines. Bekah gives a summary of France's Reign of Terror, while Shelley examines the infamous Vampire of Dusseldorf. Drinking: The Guillotine 1 oz. Mezcal ¾ oz. Scotch Whisky ¼ oz. Banana Liqueur ¼ oz. Honey Syrup Lemon Peel Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a snifter with ice. Garnish with a lemon peel.
After a major recording snafu, we talk journalists. Bekah explores the rise of "yellow journalism" while Shelley explains the horrible case of Macedonian journalist Vlado Taneski. Drinking: The Journalist ¾ oz. gin ¼ oz. dry vermouth ¼ oz. sweet vermouth ¼ oz. orange curacao ¼ oz. lemon 1 dash angostura bitters Shake all ingredients together with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Space. The final frontier. That's what we're talking about. Shelley talks about the much covered story of astronaut Lisa Nowak and her obsession gone wrong. Bekah gives a rundown of the Mercury 7 astronauts. Drinking: The Astronaut 1 oz. Light rum 1 oz. vodka 1 oz. lemon juice Dash of passion fruit juice Lemon wedge Add rum, vodka, lemon juice, and passion fruit juice into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and then strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon wheel.
While drinking the famous hurricane cocktail, Bekah talks about five hurricanes that changed history. Shelley retells the account of Rubin "hurricane" Carter and his supposed wrongful convitiction. Drinking: HURRICANE 2 oz. light rum 2 oz. dark rum 1 oz. lime juice 1 oz. orange juice ½ oz. passion fruit puree ½ oz. simple syrup 1 tsp. Grenadine Add the light and dark rums, lime and orange juices, passion fruit puree, simple syrup, and grenadine into a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled. Strain into a large hurricane glass over ice. Garnish with an orange half-wheel and cherry.
While enjoying a lovely Southside cocktail, Shelley tells the not so lovely story of the Southside Strangler. Bekah explores George Pullman's vision of a utopian company town. Drinking: The Southside 1.5 oz. Gin infused with butterfly pea flower .75 oz. fresh lemon juice .75 oz. simple syrup 8-10 fresh mint leaves Muddle mint leaves gently in mixing glass. Add remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with mint sprig.
While sipping a luxurious cocktail, the gals talk fashion. Shelley details the downward spiral of Andrew Cunanan culminating in the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace. Bekah takes a look at the fascinating fashion icon Coco Chanel. Drinking: Coco Chanel Martini 3 oz. coconut vodka 1 oz. elderflower liqueur Add the coconut vodka and elderflower liqueur into a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass.
While trying to enjoy the Blarney Stone cocktail, Bekah details the history of the Blarney Stone and myths surrounding this iconic rock. Shelley describes the tragic murders of Texas DA Mike Mclelland, his wife Cynthia, and Prosecutor Mark Hasse and their connection to Blarney Stone Way. Drinking: The Blarney Stone 2 oz. irish whiskey 1 oz. creme de menthe 1 oz. green chartreuse Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.
While putting back a few long island iced teas, Shelley explores the origins of the Amityville Horror story with the brutal murders of the Defeo family. Bekah details the bewitching of Elizabeth Gardner and the subsequent witch trial. Drinking: Long Island Iced Tea .5 oz. vodka .5 oz. rum .5 oz. gin .5 oz. tequila .5 oz. triple sec 1 oz. sweet and sour mix 1 oz. cola 1 lemon slice Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, and sour mix over ice; cover and shake. Pour cocktail into a Collins or hurricane glass; top with splash of cola for color. Garnish with a lemon slice.
While sipping on a refreshing libation, the gals talk horse. Bekah gives us the definitive (for us) history of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs. Shelley outlines the successful kidnapping of Secretariat's mother Fanfreluche. Also, we open a fan gift from our awesome listener Justin!! Drinking: Mint Julep 2.5 oz. kentucky bourbon whiskey 1.5 tsp. Sugar 10 Mint leaves plus sprig for garnish Seltzer Water Place the mint leaves in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass and top with the sugar. Muddle these together until the leaves begin to break down. Add a splash of seltzer water, fill the glass 3/4 full with crushed ice, and add the bourbon. Top with another splash of seltzer, stir, and garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.
Shelley enlightens us on the "Soft Drink Beauties" of the Filipino film industry and the sad life of Pepsi Paloma. Bekah examines the life of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and his push for Mexican Independence. Drinking: The Paloma 2 oz. Tequila 4 oz. Grapefruit Soda ½ oz. Lime Juice Salt for rim Rim a collins glass with salt. Begin by wetting the rim with a lime wedge, then roll it in a small dish of salt. Fill the glass with ice and add the tequila and lime juice. Top it off with grapefruit soda and enjoy.
While trying the 2021 drink of the summer, Bekah heads south to talk about the strange and interesting former queen of Mexico while Shelley talks about a hometown serial killer. Drinking: Corona Sunrise 1 bottle Corona Extra 1.5 oz. Tequila 1.5 oz. Orange Juice .5 oz. Grenadine Lime Wedge Drink or pour out half of the bottle of Corona down to the top of the label. Pour all ingredients into the bottle. Plug the top of the bottle with your thumb, and tip upside down to shake all ingredients.Squeeze the lime and place in the mouth of the bottle
The girls sit back and talk Kentucky. Shelley examines the hilarious Tansy Book Heist as made famous by the motion picture "American Animals," while Bekah takes a look at a dark day in Louisville known as Bloody Monday. Drinking: The Kentucky Buck 2 Strawberries, hulled .5 oz. simple syrup 2 oz. Kentucky Bourbon .75 oz. fresh lemon juice 2 dashes Angostura bitters 3 oz. ginger beer Gently muddle the strawberries with the Simple Syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters, then fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. Double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice and top with the ginger beer. Garnish with a fresh strawberry.
While sipping a classic, Shelley tells us about the heroic and tragic story of Kiki Camarena. Bekah details the fascinating life of starlet Rita Hayworth. Drinking: MARGARITA 1.5 oz. blanco tequila 1 oz. orange liqueur .5 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice Salt for rimming Lime wedge Salt your glass: Pour some kosher salt into a wide bowl or small dish. Take a wedge of lime and generously rub it around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim into the salt. Fill glass with ice. Place tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for 10 seconds and strain into a prepared cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Sipping on a new twist on an island cocktail, we go back to Victorian era Hawaii. Bekah recounts the life and times of Queen Liliuokalani while Shelley describes the last days of Jane Stanford. Drinking: The Royal Hawaiian 1.5 oz. Empress 1908 Gin 1 oz. pineapple juice .5 oz. fresh lemon juice .5 oz. orgeat syrup Pineapple slice Shake all ingredients except gin with ice. Strain into collins glass with crushed ice. Layer gin on top. Garnish with pineapple slice.
While sipping on a festive tax day cocktail Shelley enumerates famous tax cheats and illustrates why you shouldn't mess with the IRS. Bekah takes it to another level and explains the reasons and foundation of how the Internal Revenue Service was formed. Drinking: Income Tax Cocktail 1 1/4 oz.. gin ¾ oz. fresh orange juice ¼ oz. sweet vermouth ¼ oz. dry vermouth 1 dash angostura bitters. Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
We whip up a tasty minty concoction and talk grasshoppers. Bekah, after a short interlude about grasshopper swarms, talks about the author of famed fable The Ant and the Grasshopper. Shelley tells the story of the theft of the famous Golden Grasshopper of Faneuil Hall in Boston. Drinking: The Grasshopper 1.5 oz. heavy cream 1 oz. creme de menthe 1 oz. creme de cacao Chocolate for garnish In a cocktail shaker half full of ice, combine cream, creme de menthe, and creme de cacao. Shake until shaker is frosty. Strain into martini glass. Grate chocolate over one side of cocktail with fine grater. Optional, blend first three ingredients and garnish with grated chocolate.
We sip on a delightful cocktail named after a delightful woman. Shelley recounts the horrendous murder committed at the hands of star Spade Cooley. Bekah brings us back to the lighter side with the life of remarkable Dale Evans and her life married to cowboy Roy Rogers. Drinking: Dale Evans 2 oz. grapefruit and rose vodka 2 oz. grapefruit juice 1 oz. lime juice Soda water In cocktail shaker mix the first three ingredients. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Top with soda water. Add honey in the shaker if you prefer a sweeter sip.
We get gritty and talk about "the City." Bekah describes Manhattan's most disastrous decade. Shelley talks about the deaths of Nancy Spungen and Sid Vicious. Drinking: The Manhattan 2 oz. bourbon or rye whiskey ½ ounce sweet vermouth 2 dashes Angostura bitters Maraschino cherry Combine whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a cocktail mixing glass. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Kicking it Ivy League style with the Yale Cocktail! Shelley talks about John Hinkley Jr. and his connection to Yale through actress Jodie Foster. Bekah digs deep into the either fraternal order or secret cabal known as the infamous Skull & Bones Society. Drinking: The Yale Cocktail 2 oz. dry gin ¾ oz creme de violette ¼ oz maraschino liqueur ¼ oz dry vermouth Dash of orange bitters Lemon twist Place all ingredients in a mixing glass half-filled with ice. Stir briskly until well chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.
While sipping on this lively citrus and botanical cocktail we talk all things lavender. Shelley explores the fascinating story of "Lavender Doe" and how a group of web sleuths ultimately identified her. Bekah takes on the women's lib movement with the important and interesting tale of the Lavender Menace. Drinking: Lavender Lemon Drop Lavender Lemon Drop 2 oz. lemon vodka 1 oz. fresh lemon juice Lavender sprigs 1 tsp. Simple syrup In cocktail shaker, lightly muddle lavender and simple syrup. Fill shaker with ice, add vodka and lemon juice. Shake well and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lavender sprig.
We drink Shelley's favorite sandwich. Bekah talks about the fascinating and inspiring George Washington Carver. Shelley gives us the zany tale of a jailbreak that happened with the help of peanut butter. Drinking: Peanut Butter & Jelly Martini 2 oz. Skrewball Whiskey 1 oz. Chambord Shake the Skrewball with ice. Pour into cocktail glass over large ice cube. Float Chambord on top.
Brrr...we are frosty! Drinking a frozen Rose and talking about cold days and cold hearts. Bekah describes the winter of 1880-1881, one of the harshest in recorded history. Shelley tells the story of Kristin Rossum and the American Beauty style murder. Drinking: Frozen Rose
We are exploring Cape Cod. Apparently most Americans are within driving distance, so Bekah recounts the history of the cape. Shelley talks about the unsolved Lady of the Dunes case. We snack on some Cape Cod brand chips. Drinking: Cape Cod Vodka Cranberry Juice Squeeze of Lime Mix according to your preferred proportions over ice. Enjoy!
While sipping on the rising sun, we both harkened back to Japan. Bekah talks about the decadent, poetic, and emo court of Japan. Shelley gives us another heist with the 300 Million Yen incident. Drinking: Rising Sun 1.5 oz mezcal ¾ oz fresh grapefruit juice ½ oz fresh lime juice ½ oz maraschino liqueur Pinch of salt Lime wheel to garnish Combine mezcal, juices, and maraschino in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with lime wheel.
Bekah wraps up her in-depth two part story on Catherine the Great. Shelley tells the story of a very brazen heist of the Empress Sisi Star. Drinking: Empress Gin & Tonic It's a gin and tonic, use Empress Gin and add your tonic of choice.
After getting numerous targeted ads for Empress Gin, we dive head first into some fascinating ladies. Shelley talks about the mysterious disappearance of actress Marie Empress while Bekah gives us part 1 of her examination into the incredible life of Catherine the Great. Drinking: Empress Gin Sour 2 oz. Empress Gin ¾ oz. lemon juice ¾ oz. simple syrup ¾ oz. egg white Place all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and shake to combine. Double strain into a coupe glass. Suggested garnish: purple pea flower.
Dragon's are one of the most common mythological creatures. Shelley tells the tales of murders that have been attributed to the popular role playing game, Dungeons & Dragons. Bekah examines the many myths surrounding dragons and their possible explanations. Drinking: Dragon's Heart 3 lime wedges ¾ oz. elderflower liqueur 5 dashes Angostura bitters 1.5 oz. rum 3.4 oz. mezcal ½ oz. ginger liqueur 1.5 oz. blood orange juice Garnish: blood orange slice In cocktail shaker, add lime wedges, elderflower liqueur, and 3 drops of bitters, muddle well. Fill the shaker with ice, and add the rum, mezcal, ginger liqueur, and blood orange juice. Shake vigorously. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with 2 drops of Angostura bitters and a blood orange slice.
While fancy-sipping some French 75 in beautiful Waterford Crystal Flutes, Shelley describes the life and times of infamous terrorist Carlos the Jackal. As a bonus she also recounts the time famed cyclist Eddy Merckx was punched during the Tour de France. Bekah talks about one of the lesser-known stories of pre-revolution France, The Flour War of 1775. Drinking: The French 75 1 oz gin ½ oz fresh lemon juice ½ oz simple syrup 3 oz champagne or sparkling wine Add all ingredients except champagne into shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into champagne flute. Top with champagne. Garnish with lemon twist.
We talk boxing and mafia in this episode while sipping on Champagne Citrus Punch. Bekah explores the history of Cassius Clay and his evolution into Muhammad Ali. Shelley explains how the lemon industry gave rise to the mafia in Sicily. Drinking: Champagne Citrus Punch 1/2 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice 1/2 oz. orange juice 1/2 oz. simple syrup 3 oz. champagne Splash of grenadine Combine grapefruit juice, orange juice, and simple syrup in glass. Stir to combine. Top with champagne and a splash of grenadine. Garnish with citrus slice or fresh edible flowers.
The drink is a little bitter and so are our stories. Shelley tells the harrowing tale of the Chowchilla bus kidnapping which changed the lives of dozens of children forever. Bekah explores the history of the greyhound as a dog breed and examines the legacy of racing and betting that the dog is known for. Drinking: The Greyhound Vodka Grapefruit Juice Combine in an ice filled glass. The ratio is up to you!
On this last weekend of summer we drink the Endless Summer we talk heatwaves. Bekah recounts some historic heat waves that shaped how we deal with excessive heat to this day. Shelley tells the story of Jack Roland Murphy, or 'Murf the Surf.' Drinking: ENDLESS SUMMER 1 oz gin 1 oz pineapple juice ¾ oz sweet vermouth ¾ oz campari Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a lowball glass with ice.
While sipping on this sea plane inspired cocktail, Bekah talks about Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose. Shelley details the elaborate scheme to forge an autobiography of Hughes by writer Clifford Irving. Drinking: Spruce Goose 1 ½ oz gin ¾ oz honey ¾ oz lime juice ¼ oz angostura bitters 2 oz tonic water Combine all ingredients but tonic water into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain and pour over ice into a collins glass. Top with tonic water.
We go dark with the Dark and Stormy cocktail. Bekah gives us a brief history of the island of Bermuda, ghost ships, shipwrecks, and the Bermuda Triangle mystery. Shelley examines the timeline of events that led to Natalie Wood's death and the aftermath including naming Robert Wagner a person of interest. Drinking: Dark and Stormy 2 oz. dark rum 1/2 tbsp ginger syrup or simple syrup 3 to 4 oz. ginger beer 2 lime wedges 1 or 2 slices fresh ginger (optional) Fill an old fashioned glass with ice. Add fresh ginger. Add the rum and simple syrup and stir. Top with ginger beer. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in.
It's summer, we're drinking Spaghett. Shelley talks about London's infamous Spaghetti House Siege while Bekah examines the fascinating life of Lucrezia Borgia. Drinking: Spaghett 1 bottle of Miller High Life (The Champagne of Beers) 1 oz. Campari 1 oz. Lemon Juice Pour out approximately two ounces of beer from the bottle. Add an ounce of Campari and an ounce of lemon juice. Drink.
While enjoying the refreshingly blue concoction, we talk toilets. Shelley recounts the strange story of the gold toilet heist and other lesser known toilet heists, while Bekah examines the very important history of the toilet. Drinking: Toilet Water 2 oz. vodka 1 tsp. Triple Sec 1 oz. blue Powerade 3 oz. lemon lime soda pour first three ingredients into a highball glass with ice. Top with lemon lime soda.
While drinking the Smith & Wesson Cocktail, the girls talk guns. Bekah discusses infamous Smith & Wesson gunslingers including the famed James-Younger gang. Shelley describes the hidden past of former Smith & Wesson CEO James Minder. Drinking: Smith & Wesson Cocktail 1 oz vodka 1 oz kahlua 2 oz half and half Club soda or pepsi Pour vodka, kahlua,and cream into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top the drink with club soda or pepsi. Make sure the top is full of bubbles.
Grab yourself a cup of joe and have a listen. Shelley recounts the murder of Mirna Salihin in which her friend Jessica Wongso was convicted. Bekah gives us an early history of coffee and the origins of coffee houses. Drinking: a Coffee Cocktail Add your favorite libation to a hot or iced coffee and enjoy!
After suffering a technical issue, we decided to release our super late x-mas gift exchange. So grab yourself a boozy eggnog and give it a listen.
While sipping on a classic whisky sour, Bekah talks about the 1811 German Coast Slave Uprising, which was born out of the sugar industry. Shelley recounts the fanciful true story of Attila Ambrus, the Hungarian Whisky Robber. Drinking: Whisky Sour (Bekah's special recipe) Whisky Powdered Sugar Lemon Juice Club Soda Over crushed ice, put a heaping teaspoon of powdered sugar on top of the ice. Pour a shot (or more) of whisky. Add lemon juice until the glass is about 3/4 full. Top with club soda and mix.
Sipping on the classic Screwdriver, the girls delve into the tragic murder of Dawnia Dacosta by likely serial killer Lucious Boyd. They also discuss the fascinating history of one of the world's most versatile fasteners...the screw (and the screwdriver). Drinking: Screwdriver Vodka Orange Juice You choose your ratio of the above ingredients. Fill a glass with ice, add vodka and orange juice. Stir with a screwdriver if you dare.
We record remotely during the stay-at-home order. This time we are talking about the Coors Family. Bekah discusses the fascinating family history, while Shelley describes the tragic kidnapping of Adolph Coors III. Drinking: Coors, The Original Banquet Beer
While drinking the Call Me a Cab cocktail, the girls discuss the murders of two Houston cab drivers by killer couple Danielle Hudson and Chaz Blackshear, then detail some history of the cab industry. Drinking: Call Me a Cab 6 oz. lemonade 1 oz. vodka 2-3 oz Cabernet Sauvignon Pour vodka into ice filled glass, add lemonade. Stir gently. Slowly pour on the Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy!
While under shelter-in-place orders, we talk quarantine. Shelley talks about the rampage killing by Elliot Rodger, while Bekah goes classic and details the infamous Typhoid Mary. Drinking: Quarantini Just a regular martini but you drink it alone at home 2.5 oz. gin or vodka 1/2 oz. dry vermouth garnish Rinse cocktail glass with dry vermouth, discard any extra. Stir or shake (your preference) the gin or vodka with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with your choice of garnish; olives, pearl onions, twist of lemon.
For the first time ever, we take a shot (well kinda). Bekah talks about the development of the workhorse B52 bomber. Shelley recounts tales of lost and exploded nukes throughout the Cold War and beyond.
We drink the Kurant Affair...ish. After striking out in locatin Absolut Kurant vodka, we sip on what is basically a raspberry martini and talk about the Dreyfus Affair as previewed in our previous episode on the Tour de France. Then we discuss the little known story of Suzanna Gubasheva. Drinking: Kurant Affair 2 1/4 oz. Absolut Kurant vodka 3/4 oz. Chambord Chill over ice and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.