The Jerry Thomas Experience

You may not have ever heard of Jerry Thomas, but more than likely, your weekly forays into joyous inebriation are thanks, at least in part, to him. Of all his diverse and strapping trades (bare knuckle boxing, gold prospecting and art collecting to name a few) Jerry Thomas is best known for his role as the “father of American mixology.” Throughout the 1800’s Mr. Thomas pioneered the art of cocktail making, traveling the world, collecting recipes and eventually publishing them into a seminal manuscript that largely established the field of mixology. More than a century after his death Lebanon is helping to keep his memory alive with the launch of this new bar in Badaro.

The Jerry Thomas Experience has the kind of innovative edge that one expects but so often doesn’t find among expanding nightlife hubs. This bar strikes a respectable balance between cashing in on the trends of the day while offering up a novel twist. But is this return to the roots of mixology really new at all? One thing is for sure, the battle for the crown of the vintage motif will be harder to win with the launch of The Jerry Thomas Experience. The 1800’s theme is evident from the furniture materials to the decals on the ventilation duct, to the vintage shakers along the bar.

The source for most of venue’s cocktails is none other than an original copy of Jerry Thomas’s landmark book of recipes. 20 drinks from the antiquated manual have been brought back to life and are available for ordering. An additional 15 house cocktails, inspired by Thomas’s work, and 12 other vintage drinks from around the world can be found on the menu. Although the ingredients may appear straightforward they are fresh and mostly homemade, including liquor, syrups and bitters. Consumers should note that The Jerry Thomas Experience is intended for developed pallets (25 or older) that favor the tart flavors over the sweet. Popular drinks include the Saratoga, a staple of the 1880’s, the Twin towers with cumin syrup and vodka, and the gin towers, smoked with rosemary and mixed with thyme.

There is also a modest food section to the menu with salads and proteins of all varieties. So far the Jerry Thomas burger is selling well, which substitutes sauce for a wine reduction. Novelty however does come at a bit of a cost so this venue is well suited for the first stop of the night. This is especially true considering the happy hour from five to eight discounts all cocktails and drinks by 50%, except beer and wine.