Food & drink takeaways - 9 August
A curated taster menu of every day's food & drink associations
It’s the day that celebrates the world’s biggest-selling spirit; that introduced an exotic fruit to the English-speaking world and that gave birth to a figure who would become a byword for excellence in Southern cookery. Just some of the ingredients that give 9 August its distinctive flavour.
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Celebration days
"Baijiu . . . outsells all other spirits across the world… and yet it's likely you’ve never heard of it. . . Its history as a cultural and culinary pillar in China is long and deep-rooted. . . Baijiu is very strong - typically 40 - 60% alcohol - and yet it offers a complexity of fruit, citrus, floral and umami flavours."
"Very few countries are blessed with an instantly recognisable national cocktail – yet Singapore, which celebrates its independence from Malaysia this day in 1965, is permanently associated with the Singapore Sling."
While much of the food that you’ll find on the island is imported, the staples of local fish, lobster, Anguillan crayfish and local crops are used in abundance.
Unofficial
USA: Rice Pudding Day
Food firsts
1661
One of the earliest mentions of the pineapple in English – in an on-this-day entry by diarist John Evelyn: “I first saw the famous Queen Pine brought from Barbados and presented to his Majestie: but the first that were ever seen in England were those sent to Cromwell House foure years since.”
1982
Diet Coke is introduced in the US – the first new product released under the Coca-Cola trademark since 1886
Food birthdays
1762
Southern American cookbook author, The Virginia Housewife (1824). It is considered the first cookbook of the American South, and one of the most influential cookbooks of the 19th century, containing hints of the influence of African cooking. Mary Randolph was also one of the first to use measurements in her recipes, rather than just a list of ingredients
1886
American food scientist, pioneered the use of fruits to produce fruit juice drinks, fruit-based concentrates and syrups
