America’s Sweetheart, Betty White has been known to say that the secret to long life is vodka and hot dogs.
If that is true, then I will live to be over a hundred.
With Betty in mind, this week’s Wiener Wednesday features weenies and vodka:
Yes, I am fully aware that the recipe only features vodka. But the guys in the photo are chowing down on some dogs. So I think that qualifies.
And now for a story.
A friend of ours recently found himself with some unexpected guests, a bottle of Smirnoff, and a supply of root beer. Neither he nor anyone present had mixed Smirnoff and root beer before. But the occasion called for a drink, the hour was late and the only place open was a good distance away. They voted to make do with what they had.
Our friend thought the result so surprisingly good that he suggested we try it. We agreed, and we pass the simple formula along, named after its inventor.
In doing so, we have no wish to convert anyone from plain old root beer when that’s what the occasion calls for. Everything in its place, we always say.
To make a Charlie Burch, pour 1.5 oz. Smirnoff into a tall glass of ice. Fill with root beer.
OK, gotta ask–who is Charlie Burch?
According to this here Smirnoff ad, he is the inventor of this cocktail. This extremely original and intricate cocktail.
However, according to a quick google, Charlie Burch could be…
The Men’s Lacrosse Coach at University of New England:
This Constable from Mobile, Alabama:
This dead guy:
This Matthew McConaughey looking dude who threw a party:
or this kid on myspace:
Charlie is now in his late 30s, works in customer service, married his first girlfriend from college, has 3 kids, and lives in a gated community outside of Phoenix, AZ. He often wonders if his life would have been different if had not joined that fraternity.
Needless to say, I don’t think any of those men were the mixologist in question.
Here’s my Charlie Burch:
This was an okay beverage. It tasted like root beer.
In closing, I do not know why the lovely folks at Smirnoff in 1975 thought that root beer and vodka needed not only a recipe, but a name; but I do know I will never find out who the hell Charlie Burch is.
Alternate version of the ad. Featuring a big-ass pumpkin.
I am living for these Smirnoff magazine advertisements. Expect to see more in the future.
“The” Charlie Burch was a teenager in Birmingham, AL when he (and two other friends) invented this drink. The “cover story” about “friends” is basically true, except that the ages were omitted to protect the under-aged. I have a friend who has a couple of reproductions of this add sign by Charlie Burch (who would be in his mid 60s at this point). Unfortunately, Charlie has passed away.
Charlie Burch is my grandpa My dad is Kevin Burch i miss my grandpa so much
Charlie must have been a helluva guy!
And I am just seeing this comment now.
Thank you for unearthing the true story!
The identity of Charlie Burch is the kind of thing that keeps me awake at night…
I live across the bay from Mobile, AL and I know of two generations of the Burch family in law enforcement. Yes, more Smirnoff ads please. When I was little I thought ads like these were the blueprint for adult life!
That is so funny that you know of the Burches. HA!
I bet a man who looked, dressed and smelled like Don Draper created Charlie Burch, and his story. The blond gent straddling his chair must be the Charlie of this group. 70d men were shaggy, but there wore great colors!