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As I Saw It, tells of his adventures in the Crescent City
in the winter of 1835-36 at which time he became ac
quainted with the then famed brandy-cocktail.
Herr Didimus writes of wandering about the old town
and of meeting up with three worthies . . . "one played
the fiddle, another beat the drum, and the third dealt
out nectar in the form of brandy-cocktail." Didimus
says he repeated the name, "brandy-cocktail" when such
a drink was suggested, so as to gain the attention of the
third worthy who thereupon said: "Ah, I see; not ac
quainted with the mixture," and led the way to a refresh
ment place. When all were seated about a table, the
third worthy yelled: "Boy, bring up four glasses of
brandy-cocktails!"
The black slave vanished and returned with four tumb
lers practically filled, each of Didimus' companions
seized a glass, and eyes shining with anticipation, glasses
were touched, and the drinks were downed.
Herr Didimus, immensely pleased with what the draft
did to his insides, demanded to be told in what way a
brandy-co<r/^toz7 differed from a brandy-^oi^y?
"The difference between a brandy-cocktail and a
brandy-toddy is this," explained the loquacious worthy.
"A brandy-toddy is made by adding together a little
water, a little sugar, and a great deal of brandy—mix
well and drink. A brandy-cocktail is composed of the
same ingredients, with the addition of a shade of bitters
—so that the bitters drawthe line of demarkation. Boy!"
he bellowed, "bring up four brandy-toddies—you shall
taste the difierence, sir!"
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