Table of Contents
Introduction
Cowboys are often depicted in popular culture as heavy drinkers who spent their evenings in saloons, but what did they really drink? This question has been the subject of much speculation and debate, with some historians arguing that cowboys primarily drank whiskey, while others suggest that beer was the more popular choice. In this article, we will explore the drinking habits of cowboys in saloons and try to separate fact from fiction.
Whiskey
Cowboys and saloons are two things that are often associated with each other. The image of a cowboy walking into a saloon and ordering a drink is a common one in popular culture. But what did cowboys really drink in saloons? The answer is whiskey.
Whiskey was the most popular drink in saloons during the time of the Wild West. It was cheap, readily available, and had a high alcohol content. Whiskey was also easy to transport, which made it a popular choice for cowboys who were often on the move.
There were two types of whiskey that were commonly served in saloons: rye whiskey and bourbon whiskey. Rye whiskey was made from a mash that contained at least 51% rye, while bourbon whiskey was made from a mash that contained at least 51% corn. Both types of whiskey were aged in oak barrels, which gave them their distinct flavor.
The quality of whiskey varied greatly during the time of the Wild West. Some saloons served high-quality whiskey that was aged for several years, while others served low-quality whiskey that was often referred to as “rotgut.” Rotgut whiskey was made from low-quality ingredients and was often mixed with other substances to increase its alcohol content.
Despite the varying quality of whiskey, it remained the drink of choice for cowboys in saloons. Whiskey was often served straight, but it could also be mixed with other ingredients to create cocktails. One popular cocktail was the “Sazerac,” which was made with rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and bitters.
Drinking whiskey in saloons was not without its risks. Saloons were often rowdy places where fights and gunfights were common. Cowboys who drank too much whiskey were more likely to get into trouble, and many saloons had a reputation for being dangerous places.
Despite the risks, drinking whiskey in saloons was an important part of cowboy culture. It was a way for cowboys to relax and socialize after a long day of work. Saloons were also a place where cowboys could meet new people and hear the latest news and gossip.
In conclusion, whiskey was the drink of choice for cowboys in saloons during the time of the Wild West. It was cheap, readily available, and had a high alcohol content. While the quality of whiskey varied, it remained a popular choice for cowboys who were often on the move. Drinking whiskey in saloons was an important part of cowboy culture, but it was not without its risks. Saloons were often rowdy places where fights and gunfights were common, and cowboys who drank too much whiskey were more likely to get into trouble. Despite the risks, whiskey in saloons remains an iconic image of the Wild West.
Beer
Cowboys are often depicted in popular culture as rough and tough men who spent their days herding cattle and their nights drinking whiskey in saloons. However, the reality of what cowboys actually drank in saloons may surprise you. While whiskey was certainly a popular choice, beer was actually the most common drink consumed by cowboys in saloons.
Beer was a staple in the Old West, and saloons were often the only place where cowboys could find a cold drink after a long day on the trail. In fact, many saloons brewed their own beer on site, using ingredients like hops, barley, and yeast. These homemade brews were often referred to as “suds” or “gut-rot” and were known for their high alcohol content and questionable quality.
Despite the less-than-stellar reputation of homemade beer, cowboys still flocked to saloons to quench their thirst. Beer was a more affordable option than whiskey, which was often imported and therefore more expensive. Additionally, beer was seen as a more socially acceptable drink than whiskey, which was often associated with rowdy behavior and drunkenness.
One popular type of beer consumed by cowboys was known as “steam beer.” This type of beer was brewed using a unique process that involved fermenting the beer at higher temperatures than traditional brewing methods. The result was a beer that was slightly sweeter and had a distinct flavor that was popular among cowboys.
Another popular type of beer consumed by cowboys was known as “near beer.” This was a non-alcoholic beer that was brewed using the same ingredients as traditional beer, but with a lower alcohol content. Near beer was often consumed by cowboys who wanted to enjoy the taste of beer without getting drunk, as many cowboys were teetotalers who abstained from alcohol altogether.
While beer was the most common drink consumed by cowboys in saloons, it was not without its risks. Many saloons were known for serving beer that was contaminated with bacteria, which could lead to illnesses like typhoid fever and dysentery. Additionally, some saloons would add dangerous chemicals like strychnine to their beer in order to increase its potency, which could lead to serious health problems or even death.
Despite these risks, beer remained a popular drink among cowboys in saloons throughout the Old West. Today, beer continues to be a beloved beverage around the world, with countless varieties and styles to choose from. Whether you prefer a light lager or a hoppy IPA, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this classic drink. So the next time you raise a glass of beer, remember the cowboys who came before you and the role that this drink played in their lives.
Gin
Cowboys are often depicted in popular culture as rough and tough men who spent their days herding cattle and their nights drinking whiskey in saloons. However, the reality of what cowboys actually drank in saloons is a bit more complex than this stereotype suggests. While whiskey was certainly a popular choice among cowboys, it was not the only alcoholic beverage available to them. In fact, gin was also a common drink in saloons during the cowboy era.
Gin is a clear spirit that is made by distilling grain and then infusing it with juniper berries and other botanicals. It has a distinct flavor that is both herbal and slightly bitter, and it is often mixed with tonic water to create a refreshing cocktail known as a gin and tonic. While gin is now associated with sophisticated cocktail culture, it was actually a popular drink among cowboys in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
One reason for gin’s popularity among cowboys was its relatively low cost. While whiskey was often expensive and considered a luxury item, gin was more affordable and accessible to working-class men. Additionally, gin was often sold in saloons that catered to a more diverse clientele than those that exclusively served whiskey. This meant that cowboys could socialize with people from different backgrounds and enjoy a wider variety of drinks.
Another reason for gin’s popularity among cowboys was its medicinal properties. Gin was often touted as a cure for various ailments, including stomach problems and respiratory issues. This made it a popular choice among cowboys who spent long hours on horseback and were exposed to the elements. Additionally, gin was sometimes used as a disinfectant for wounds, making it a valuable addition to a cowboy’s first aid kit.
Despite its popularity, gin was not without its detractors. Some cowboys viewed it as a “girly” drink and preferred the more masculine image associated with whiskey. Others were put off by gin’s bitter taste and preferred sweeter drinks like beer or wine. However, for many cowboys, gin was a welcome alternative to whiskey and a refreshing way to quench their thirst after a long day on the range.
In conclusion, while whiskey may be the drink most commonly associated with cowboys, gin was also a popular choice in saloons during the cowboy era. Its affordability, accessibility, and medicinal properties made it a valuable addition to a cowboy’s drinking repertoire. While the cowboy era may be long gone, gin remains a popular spirit today and continues to be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Whether sipped neat or mixed into a cocktail, gin is a versatile and flavorful drink that has stood the test of time.
Brandy
Cowboys are often depicted in popular culture as rough and tough men who spent their days herding cattle and their nights drinking whiskey in saloons. However, the reality of what cowboys actually drank in saloons is a bit more nuanced than this stereotype suggests. While whiskey was certainly a popular choice among cowboys, it was not the only drink available to them. In fact, many cowboys preferred to drink brandy instead.
Brandy is a type of distilled spirit that is made by distilling wine. It is typically aged in oak barrels, which gives it a distinctive flavor and aroma. Brandy is often associated with sophistication and elegance, and it was a popular drink among the upper classes in Europe during the 19th century. However, it was also a favorite of cowboys in the American West.
One reason why cowboys may have preferred brandy over whiskey is that it was seen as a more refined drink. Whiskey was often associated with rowdy behavior and drunkenness, while brandy was seen as a more sophisticated choice. This may have appealed to cowboys who wanted to distance themselves from the rough and tumble reputation that whiskey drinkers had.
Another reason why cowboys may have preferred brandy is that it was often seen as a medicinal drink. In the days before modern medicine, brandy was often used as a remedy for various ailments. It was believed to have a warming effect on the body, which made it a popular choice for those who were feeling under the weather. Cowboys who spent long hours in the saddle may have appreciated the warming effect of brandy on cold nights.
Despite its popularity among cowboys, brandy was not always easy to come by in the American West. Most brandy was imported from Europe, which made it more expensive than other types of alcohol. This meant that it was often only available in saloons that catered to a more upscale clientele. However, some saloons did carry brandy, and it was often served in small glasses known as snifters.
In addition to being a popular drink among cowboys, brandy also played a role in the culture of the American West. It was often used as a gift or a token of appreciation between cowboys and their employers. For example, a cowboy who had done a particularly good job might be rewarded with a bottle of brandy from his boss. Similarly, cowboys who were leaving a ranch or a job might be given a bottle of brandy as a farewell gift.
In conclusion, while whiskey may be the drink most commonly associated with cowboys in saloons, brandy was also a popular choice among these rugged men of the American West. Its association with sophistication and refinement, as well as its perceived medicinal properties, made it an appealing choice for cowboys who wanted to distance themselves from the rough and tumble reputation of whiskey drinkers. While it may not have been as readily available as other types of alcohol, brandy played an important role in the culture of the American West and remains a popular drink to this day.
Rum
Cowboys are often depicted in popular culture as rough and tough men who spent their days herding cattle and their nights drinking whiskey in saloons. While it is true that cowboys did frequent saloons, the idea that they exclusively drank whiskey is a myth. In fact, cowboys had a variety of alcoholic beverages to choose from, including rum.
Rum was a popular drink among cowboys for several reasons. For one, it was readily available in many saloons. Rum was also relatively cheap compared to other spirits like whiskey and brandy. This made it an attractive option for cowboys who were often paid in cash and didn’t have a lot of money to spend on drinks.
Another reason why cowboys enjoyed rum was its versatility. Rum could be mixed with a variety of other ingredients to create different cocktails and drinks. For example, cowboys would often mix rum with fruit juices or soda to create refreshing drinks that were perfect for hot summer days. Rum was also a key ingredient in many classic cocktails like the daiquiri and the mojito.
One of the most famous rum-based drinks that cowboys enjoyed was the rum and coke. This simple cocktail consists of rum, Coca-Cola, and a wedge of lime. It was a popular drink among cowboys because it was easy to make and tasted great. The sweetness of the Coca-Cola helped to balance out the strong flavor of the rum, making it a drink that was both refreshing and satisfying.
While rum was a popular drink among cowboys, it was not without its dangers. Like other alcoholic beverages, rum could be addictive and lead to alcoholism. It was also often made in unregulated distilleries, which meant that it could be contaminated with harmful chemicals or impurities. This could lead to serious health problems for those who drank it regularly.
Despite these risks, cowboys continued to enjoy rum throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In fact, rum remained a popular drink in the American West well into the 20th century. Today, rum is still enjoyed by people all over the world and is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails.
In conclusion, while whiskey may be the drink most commonly associated with cowboys, rum was also a popular choice among these rough and tumble men. Its availability, affordability, and versatility made it an attractive option for cowboys who were looking for a refreshing drink after a long day on the range. While there were certainly risks associated with drinking rum, cowboys continued to enjoy this spirit throughout the American West and beyond. Today, rum remains a beloved drink that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Q&A
1. What did cowboys typically drink in saloons?
– Cowboys typically drank whiskey or beer in saloons.
2. Did cowboys drink other types of alcohol besides whiskey and beer?
– Some cowboys also drank gin, brandy, or rum, but whiskey and beer were the most common.
3. Were there any non-alcoholic drinks available in saloons for cowboys?
– Yes, saloons also offered water, coffee, and sometimes milk or buttermilk.
4. How much did a drink cost in a cowboy saloon?
– The cost of a drink varied depending on the location and quality of the saloon, but it could range from a few cents to a dollar or more.
5. Did cowboys ever get drunk in saloons?
– Yes, it was not uncommon for cowboys to get drunk in saloons, especially after a long day of work or during celebrations.
Conclusion
Cowboys in saloons drank a variety of alcoholic beverages, including whiskey, beer, and wine. Some saloons also offered non-alcoholic options such as coffee and soda. The exact drinks consumed varied depending on the region and availability of ingredients. Overall, saloons were a popular gathering place for cowboys to socialize and unwind after a long day of work.