Military

The Cure for the ‘Rona: When All Else Fails, Alcohol

April 28, 2020Tim Becker
The Cure cocktail is strong but slightly sweet. Photo by Jeremiah McCarthy/Coffee or Die.

The Cure cocktail is strong but slightly sweet. Photo by Jeremiah McCarthy/Coffee or Die.

The coronavirus pandemic has created a world wracked with worry and panic. Restaurants and bars have closed, people are stuck at home, and alcohol sales are up. Whether it’s wine o’clock or quarantini time, people have taken day drinking to a whole new level due to social distancing and pandemic fears. But with so many people afraid of being sick, why not skip all that and go straight for The Cure?


The Cure cocktail is inspired by the famous Long Island Iced Tea, which is known for its mix of multiple liquors, starting bar fights, and erasing Spring Break memories. Incidentally, the history of the Long Island Iced Tea is steeped in some small mysteries (maybe the creator had one too many?).


the cure cocktail coronavirus COVID-19 gas mask
Photo by Jeremiah McCarthy/Coffee or Die.

The first instance of something like a Long Island Iced Tea appeared in the 1920s. A man named Old Man Bishop concocted a drink called, fittingly, the Old Man Bishop, which involved all the staple liquors of a Long Island. It included rum, vodka, gin, and tequila, but instead of triple sec, it featured whiskey and was sweetened with maple syrup. This version of the Long Island is the one that inspired The Cure.


To keep this cocktail timely, we’re going to use alcohol that highlights a few of the primary countries being affected by COVID-19: China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Italy.


the cure cocktail coronavirus COVID-19 gas mask
Photo by Jeremiah McCarthy/Coffee or Die.

And we’re starting off right where COVID-19 did: China. Baijiu is the national liquor of choice in China, but it hasn’t quite taken off around the world — which means it’s kind of hard to come by. But its flavor profile is similar to whiskey, so you can substitute if necessary.


Representation from the U.K., the U.S., and Italy are fairly standard — gin (Tanqueray), vodka (Tito’s), and limoncello, respectively. Rum is an international booze, so choose your favorite, but make sure to keep it light as to not overpower the drink — something like Flor de Cana is perfect.


The Cure cocktail is strong but slightly sweet. Photo by Jeremiah McCarthy/Coffee or Die.
Recipe by Tim Becker/Coffee or Die. Photo by Jeremiah McCarthy/Coffee or Die. Graphic by Erik Campbell/Coffee or Die.

After you’ve put all the liquor into a shaker filled with ice, add the grenadine and lemon juice, then shake well. Strain the mixture over ice in a highball glass (or, you know, whatever you have on hand). Top with Sprite and garnish with a lanced cherry and lemon wedge.


The drink should come out red to pink in color, slightly sweet, and very strong — if you have enough, you might just forget all about the coronavirus!



Tim Becker
Tim Becker

Tim Becker is a freelance journalist and journalism student at Florida Atlantic University. Tim has a diverse set of interests including gaming, technology, philosophy, politics, mental health, and much more. If he can find an angle to write about something, he will. Aside from his interests journalism is his passion. He wants to change the world with his words and photography. Tim writes for a variety of publications including the GoRiverwalk Magazine, the FAU University Press, and his personal blog on Medium.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Coffee Or Die Photo
Get Your Viking On: The Exclusive 30 Sec Out BRCC Shirt Club Design

Thirty Seconds Out has partnered with BRCC for an exclusive shirt design invoking the God of Winter.

Grizzly Forge BRCC shirt
Limited Edition: Grizzly Forge Blades on an Awesome BRCC Shirt

Lucas O'Hara of Grizzly Forge has teamed up with BRCC for a badass, exclusive Shirt Club T-shirt design featuring his most popular knife and tiomahawk.

BRCC Limited Edition Josh Raulerson Blackbeard Skull Shirt
From Naval Service to Creative Canvas: BRCC Veteran Artist Josh Raulerson

Coffee or Die sits down with one of the graphic designers behind Black Rifle Coffee's signature look and vibe.

Medal of Honor is held up.
Biden Will Award Medal of Honor to Army Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight

Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.

dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

Ouija Board aircraft carrier
Low-Tech ‘Ouija Boards’ Have Helped Aircraft Carriers Operate for Decades

Since the 1920s, a low-tech tabletop replica of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck has been an essential tool in coordinating air operations.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2024 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved