Truth or fabricated?

Unless a cocktail’s provenance has been well documented – its origins documented in reputable cocktail books, for example – it’s almost impossible to determine the accuracy of claims to its creation. The disputed birth of the Bloody Mary cocktail, for example, is such a case. Its creation is normally ascribed to renowned barman, Fernand “Pete” Petiot, at the world-famous Harry’s New York Bar in Paris – though the date of his creation is unclear. However, comedian, songwriter and movie producer, George Jessel, had no doubts about its birthdate: he claims to have invented it as a hangover cure in 1927, though where exactly is similarly unclear. The fact is both versions are likely to contain elements of the truth. The version which Jessel concocted could likely have been a rudimentary mix of tomato juice and vodka, while  Petiot’s Bloody Mary combined those ingredients first with a pinch of salt and pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce – and later refined it further with the addition of lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and Tabasco sauce. Less clear is who created the famous White Lady cocktail. For this there are two main contenders, both world-renowned mixologists. Scotsman, Harry McElhone, claimed  he invented it in 1919 at the Ciro Club in London, though adapting it in Paris, four years later. Meanwhile, another famed barman, Harry Craddock of the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar, also claimed to be the originator and included the White Lady in the hotel’s famous cocktail book.