Snakebites and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

For some reason I was thinking of London and remembering the time the pub cleaner let us in even though it was after 11pm and at that time all pubs closed at 11pm. I still recall the drink that the pub sweeper introduced us to. It’s called the Snake Bite Black. Maybe you’ve heard of a Snake Bite. It’s half lager and half cider. The Snake Bite Black adds a splash or two of blackcurrant cordial. In my opinion, the blackcurrant adds a lot to the flavor of the drink.

So, to get the ingredients to make your own Snake Bite Black, I recommend the following:

• ½ pint of Harp Lager
• ½ pint of Strongbow or Woodpecker Cider
• a splash of Blackcurrant Syrup

It’s a tasty drink, and it’s very easy to make. Ah, yes, memories of London. You don’t necessarily have to go to the U.K. to enjoy this drink. You’ve got the recipe. Now go to it!

While you’re having fun with your friends drinking a Snake Bite Black, you’ll probably want to listen to some music. For some strange reason, I’d recommend Voodoo Jive: The Best of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, which I happened across at the public library earlier tonight. I still remember the first time I heard “I Put A Spell On You” and “Alligator Wine.” Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was a true original. Crazy, man, crazy!