Book-Inspired Cocktails: “The Devil’s Half Mule”

What do you get when you combine Wall Street trickery, corrupt politics, racial strife, gangs, and murder? New York in 1799!

So travel back to the turn of the 18th century with this week’s Pick Your Poison—where we create a cocktail inspired by a recently published mystery, thriller, or crime novel—“The Devil’s Half Mule” cocktail, inspired by Paddy Hirsch’s historical thriller, The Devil’s Half Mile!

The Devil’s Half Mile by Paddy Hirsch is a riveting historical thriller debut set in 1799 New York City.

Seven years after a financial crisis nearly toppled America, traders chafe at government regulations, racial tensions are rising, gangs roam the streets and corrupt financiers make back-door deals with politicians … 1799 was a hell of a year.

Thanks to Alexander Hamilton, America has recovered from the panic on the Devil’s Half Mile (aka Wall Street), but the young country is still finding its way. When young lawyer Justy Flanagan returns to solve his father’s murder, he exposes a massive fraud that has already claimed lives, and one the perpetrators are determined to keep secret at any cost. The body count is rising, and the looming crisis could topple the nation.

Read an excerpt from The Devil’s Half Mile!

PICK YOUR POISON

“The Devil’s Half Mule”

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Jim Beam Devil’s Cut
• 1 lime, cut into quarters
• 3-4 mint leaves, plus a sprig for the garnish
• 4 oz. ginger beer
• lime wedge (garnish)

How to make the cocktail:

1. Cut the lime into quarters
2. Add 2 lime quarters and the mint leaves to a mixing tin.
3. Muddle the contents well.
4. Add the whiskey and some ice.
5. Shake lightly to combine the flavors.
6. Pour into a copper mug and top with ginger beer and more ice.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig.

So have a few “The Devil’s Half Mule” cocktails and don’t forget to order your copy of Paddy Hirsch’s The Devil’s Half Mile today!