I certainly didn't have reading an essay about this topic on my 2026 bingo card, but I'm glad to tick it. I haven't read Jeeves and Wooster since forever so it's time to revisit the books.
I’m (re)reading PG Wodehouse at the moment as an antidote to the current world and loving every second of it. And yes, the drinking antics are impressive, as is Jeeve’s renown hangover cure. 🤪
I do like a post that gives me "new" drinks ideas to try – brandy and soda it is then, this Friday evening! Do you know what "soda" meant in Wodehouse's day, Henry? I wondered if it was indeed what I'd call "real" soda water (with bicarb added), "soda pop" with added flavours from the mid-1800s onwards in the US (doesn't seem so likely), or just the plain fizzy water you often get now.
Also impressed at Bertie's relative moderation (had to check I'd remembered how many a brace was!) – seems like wise pacing, for a weekend day, anyway – though I might flip it to one cocktail before and two glasses of wine with dinner.
Excellent. Talking of BYTs - Have you come across the hangover cure someone gives Waugh in his travel writing? Glass of champagne with a lump of sugar, rolled in cayenne pepper and dropped in. The description of the effect is lovely! (Keep meaning to try it, but the effort is too great when hungover - need a valet.)
I've never tried brandy and soda before, but I've also never read any Wodehouse. I must rectify both situations. I do like a brandy (cognac) with lemonade though, or with babycham at Christmas.
I certainly didn't have reading an essay about this topic on my 2026 bingo card, but I'm glad to tick it. I haven't read Jeeves and Wooster since forever so it's time to revisit the books.
Thank you, Henry, all good stuff. Our marriage has been enriched and strengthened by chortling over PG Wodehouse.
I’m (re)reading PG Wodehouse at the moment as an antidote to the current world and loving every second of it. And yes, the drinking antics are impressive, as is Jeeve’s renown hangover cure. 🤪
Well done! Any excuse to quote Wodehouse on drink, or anything really, is most welcome.
I do like a post that gives me "new" drinks ideas to try – brandy and soda it is then, this Friday evening! Do you know what "soda" meant in Wodehouse's day, Henry? I wondered if it was indeed what I'd call "real" soda water (with bicarb added), "soda pop" with added flavours from the mid-1800s onwards in the US (doesn't seem so likely), or just the plain fizzy water you often get now.
Also impressed at Bertie's relative moderation (had to check I'd remembered how many a brace was!) – seems like wise pacing, for a weekend day, anyway – though I might flip it to one cocktail before and two glasses of wine with dinner.
A magisterial survey. Have you read Jonathan Ames's 'Wake Up, Sir!'? Worth seeking out if not.
No! I haven't. I must.
Excellent. Talking of BYTs - Have you come across the hangover cure someone gives Waugh in his travel writing? Glass of champagne with a lump of sugar, rolled in cayenne pepper and dropped in. The description of the effect is lovely! (Keep meaning to try it, but the effort is too great when hungover - need a valet.)
Wonderful. You've inspired me to read some more Wodehouse, pronto.
I've never tried brandy and soda before, but I've also never read any Wodehouse. I must rectify both situations. I do like a brandy (cognac) with lemonade though, or with babycham at Christmas.
It's a lovely drink. You really want a light dry brandy. Janneau VSOP is lovely.
lovely piece Henry. I must look out my PGs
Ah thank you! Really there's nothing better to take your mind off the news.