The mystery of Jimmy: a 1930s cocktail identity lost to time
In short: In the golden age of Prohibition, some of our most enduring drinks were penned by shadows. The Bijou cocktail appears in a 1930 Canadian book by a man named Jimmy, whose true identity remains a historical enigma despite his prestigious connections to London's elite nightlife.
The Bijou cocktail serves as a fascinating case study in the evolution of mixology and the preservation of recipes. While it appears in 'Cocktails By Jimmy,' published in Canada in 1930, its lineage stretches back even further. The recipe is essentially an iteration of a drink first mentioned in a Harry Johnson book in 1900. The primary distinction between these historical versions lies in the addition of orange bitters; the 1930 Bijou notably omits them.
The provenance of 'Jimmy' adds a layer of intrigue to the recipe. He is linked to Ciro’s, a prominent and sophisticated cocktail club in London. While Harry McElhone was the original bartender there—authoring the 'ABC of Cocktails' before moving to Paris—Jimmy took over his position. However, historical records are hazy regarding Jimmy's actual identity. Some researchers suggest he may be Jimmy Charters, who later bartended in Monte Carlo and Deauville, but this remains unconfirmed.
A unique challenge for modern mixologists recreating these 1930s recipes is the lack of technical guidance. The book provides ingredient lists but often fails to specify whether a drink should be shaken or stirred, how much ice to use, or even how to garnish it. For instance, while some recipes include serving notes, others leave the method entirely to the bartender's judgment. To bridge this gap, contemporary guides suggest standardizing these historical drinks by squeezing a lemon peel over the top and adding a cherry.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 1930 Bijou Cocktail - Cocktails After Dark - Glen And Friends Cooking - Old Tom Gin Cocktail Recipe
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