Truth is, I got so excited planning something for the coming weeks, that I forgot to actually make a drink for today. It happens, apparently. I don’t want to rush through things, but I am also tired and distracted and a poor host anyway. So, let’s skip the formalities as we stand and make the Wet Congress. 

I can’t find any information on the history or provenance of this drink. While searching I did discover that DC had a bootlegger that supplied the Congress with alcohol during prohibition and that the secret was so well known that senators could call up the “librarian” to deliver more “reading material” which was then stashed on a top shelf behind the congressional record. I was shocked, shocked to find that the Congress was subverting the laws they subjected the rest of the country to. Almost as shocked as when I found out there was gambling going on in Rick’s. Maybe Diogenes had the right idea. 

Anyway, grab a mixing pitcher and pop in 2 ounces of bourbon, I used Gentleman Jack; 3/4 of an ounce of creme de cacao, 1/3 of an ounce of green chartreuse and 2-3 stabs of Peychaud’s bitters. Add ice and stir to the gentle strains of “The Poison and the Antidote“ by The Congress. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with the tail of an orange lizard or an orange peel, whatever is easier for you to acquire. 

This one is tasty. I’m not thirsty tonight, actually feeling a bit under the weather, so the fact that I am enjoying this one at all is a pretty good indicator that it is yummy. The chocolate and the herbal thing are actually really nice with the bourbon. This drink is delightfully complex and kind of comes at you from the side, but I like it. Your mileage may vary. 

If anyone has any idea why it is called a Wet Congress, drop the rest of us a clue below. Why that adjective? When I think of Congress I can’t imagine anyone being wet. Not even moist. Clammy at best, honestly. Unless I’ve got the wrong definition. Maybe they mean congress instead of Congress? In that case, it totally makes sense and yes, this cocktail could certainly assist in turning up the humidity. I’m gonna take some time and ponder that. Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay sane, my friends.