The Cocktails of Mad Men The New York Times 8.12.09

Food is a distant relative who barely comes to visit compared to liquor on this show. And since booze is such a crucial in-office prop—maybe second only to cigarettes—the drinks had better be authentic.

This article in today's Times notes that the creators of the show made a big mistake in Season 1, having Don Draper guzzle Fielding beer, which was not available in the United States at the time.

Well, they've cleaned up their act (when it comes to accuracy, at least). Cocktail experts like Dale DeGroff, who, by the way, also worked at an ad agency in the 1970s, weigh in on the authenticity of the show's drinks, from the labels on the bottles to the type of whiskey Don Draper prefers.

• Read the article: Sixties Accuracy in Every Sip

Nora has covered many classic cocktails in her Straight Up column. Check them all out here, and stay tuned for a special tutorial on gimlets (Betty Draper's favorite) tomorrow.

Are you making any classic 60s cocktails in honor of Mad Men? AMC has a guide to the cocktails seen on the show, including the Pink Squirrel Martini...

• Mad Men Cocktail Guide

(Images: AMC)

Sadly, no HBO, but just finished the netflix in a two DVD marathon and then went to the Draperish suburbs to visit family. Mad Men seemed to be everywhere, especially in fashion influence. I've wondered if a complete riding habit was required for day to day hacking at even the swankiest barns so I'm guessing the fashion is somewhat exaggerated. But so much fun to see. I am craving a cigarette and I almost never smoked.

posted by Kate (NC) on August 12th 2009 at 3:01pm
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Mad Men is on AMC! : D

posted by miniminx on August 12th 2009 at 3:34pm
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I'm loving this idea! Looks like a Mad Men cocktail party is on.

posted by cloves and cream on August 12th 2009 at 6:44pm
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I just got my Mom into Mad Men. We watched all the episodes in a marathon weekend.

If either of us drank I would make something but maybe I can make a mocktail instead

posted by witchbaby on August 12th 2009 at 10:11pm
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Kate, it's not on HBO. It's on AMC!

Can't wait for Sunday!

posted by mimiz on August 13th 2009 at 11:08am
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Gimlets are my go-to drink and when Betty ordered one I pretty much squealed like a little girl (especially since I've been told several times that it's an old man drink LOL!)

posted by jkpenny on August 13th 2009 at 2:15pm
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Does it count if I've been drinking Manhattans all along, without referencing any show?

So sad I'll be out of town for the premiere, but am thanking god for TiVo right now! TiVo and bourbon.

http://www.abreadaday.com

posted by eprewitt on August 13th 2009 at 4:55pm
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