Benson & Hedges 100’s Presents Drink Recipes from 100 of the Greatest Bars: Howard’s Surprise (1979)

If you are familiar with DiS1972, you know that this little cookbook is one of my favorites and one I go back to again and again. 

Today’s drink originated at the The Blind Melon of Cincinnati Ohio.

I always do a little research to see if any of the establishments featured in these Benson & Hedges books are still open.

The Blind Melon was established in 1963, so the chances were slim that they are in operation sixty years later.

BUT THEY ARE!

There’s a whole history on their website, but I can’t find a mention of anyone named Howard. Nor is this tipple on the menu.

Regardless, here is his drink:

So what’s the surprise of Howard’s Surprise?

The surprise is that it tastes identical to the orange Triaminic that my mum would give me when I was sick.

Which, to be honest, isn’t the worst thing for something to taste like. If you google Triaminic, you’ll find all kinds of social media threads lauding its sugary taste and lamenting its discontinuation.

However, I don’t want a cocktail invoke memories of sinus infections.

But I do want to visit the Blind Melon if I’m ever in Cincinnati!