Playboy is known for its celebration of adult entertainment, but it also had a significant impact on alcohol culture. In addition to featuring iconic Playmates and interviews with celebrities, the magazine regularly covered topics related to drinking. From liquor ads to recipes to tips on how to host a party, Playboy provided readers with all kinds of information about this hobby. Let's explore the history of alcohol in the magazine, why it was so important to Hefner, and some of the memorable moments that came out of these articles.
Alcohol in the Magazine
In its heyday, Playboy featured cocktail recipes from famous mixologists like Dale DeGroff and Harry Craddock. The magazines often included a column called "Cocktails," which provided readers with instructions on how to make classic drinks like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned. The magazine even published an entire issue dedicated to bartending in 1960, including a guide to setting up your home bar and suggestions for glassware. These features helped popularize the image of the sophisticated man enjoying a scotch or martini while reading the magazine.
The magazine also reviewed rare spirits, like cognac and tequila, and interviewed industry experts like Jim Beam and Jack Daniels. In 1973, Playboy even hosted a tasting event where guests could sample different types of whiskey and discuss their preferences. This event helped cement Playboy as a go-to source for all things boozy, and it continued to feature articles on wine, beer, and other spirits throughout its run.
Why Alcohol Mattered to Hefner
Hefner was known for his love of fine food and drink, and he believed that alcohol was essential to a good life. According to him, "A man's house without liquor is like a naked woman." He frequently talked about the importance of hosting parties and entertaining guests, and he saw alcohol as part of that experience. As such, he made sure that every issue of Playboy featured at least one article related to drinking.
In addition to providing recipes and reviews, the magazine covered the history of cocktails and explored the science behind fermentation. It also highlighted the role of alcohol in literature, art, and music. By celebrating this hobby, Playboy contributed to the broader cultural shift towards a more relaxed attitude towards alcohol consumption.
Memorable Moments from Alcohol Articles
One memorable moment came when Playboy published an article on the world's most expensive bottle of scotch. The Macallan Lalique Six Pillar decanter cost $460,0000 and had a glass stopper shaped like a lion. The article explained how the bottle was created and why it was so valuable, making it an instant collectors item. Another notable moment was when Playboy featured a list of the best bars in America, including the legendary Waldorf Astoria Bar and the Rainbow Room. These articles gave readers a chance to learn about the finer things in life and dream about their next vacation spot.
Overall, alcohol played an important role in Playboy culture. From interviews with celebrities who were known for their love of wine to tips on setting up your home bar, the magazine helped popularize the image of the sophisticated man enjoying a drink while reading the latest issue. While the magazine is no longer in print, its impact on alcohol culture can still be felt today.