Houstonist Bartender: Aqua Velva

The story behind this drink is two-fold, so get ready for a history lesson. We first got turned on to the Aqua Velva when we saw Zodiac last spring. In the movie, a dandy, very late-1970's Robert Downey, Jr. and an earnest Jake Gyllenhaal discuss a serial killer over drinks. Gyllenhaal's character orders an Aqua Velva, a fancy bright blue drink with a paper umbrella, which Downey's character finds questionable. Cut to a scene of a sloshed Robert Downey Jr. surrounded by empty glasses and paper umbrellas. The 3-hour movie wasn't exactly a box office hit, but it's definitely worth it, if just for the Robert Downey antics.

Reaching further back in history, the Aqua Velva is named after a brand of aftershave with a similar hue. During WWII, sailors supposedly drank the aftershave for its alcohol content. We promise this cocktail is soap-free, totally masculine, and very delicious.

Aqua Velva

+ 3/4 oz. vodka
+ 3/4 oz. gin
+ 1/4 oz. Sprite
+ 1/2 oz blue curaçao
+ 1/2 oz. Sprite

Shake vodka, gin, blue curaçao and Sprite with ice. Pour/strain into glass and top off with Sprite. Cocktail umbrella optional.

Variations of the drink involve tequila, mint, orange slices, and even glow sticks, so be creative.

Have a drink we should spread to the masses? Send it along to [jason at houstonist dot com], and we just may post it after some extensive testing.

Don't be a dumbass. Drink responsibly or take a cab.