Black Friday has become as much a part of the holiday season as turkey and tinsel. It’s a day of deals, early-morning lines, and the occasional shopping frenzy. What better way to dive into this tradition than with a cocktail that perfectly sums up the mood after battling the crowds: The Grumpy Old Man.
This simple, zesty drink features bourbon, lime juice, and ginger ale or ginger beer. It’s easy to make and tastes fantastic after a long day. Here’s the recipe:
Recipe for The Grumpy Old Man
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Ginger ale or ginger beer to top off
Instructions:
- Add bourbon and lime juice to a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top with ginger ale or ginger beer.
- Stir gently and enjoy.
Now that your glass is ready, let’s look back at Black Friday’s history and its most unforgettable toys.
The Birth of Black Friday
The term “Black Friday” began in the 1960s in Philadelphia, describing the chaos after Thanksgiving when shoppers flooded stores. Retailers later spun it into a positive, referencing the day their profits went “into the black.”
By the 1980s and 1990s, Black Friday had become a national phenomenon. Shopping malls and department stores opened earlier each year, and the deals grew more enticing. Shoppers braved freezing weather, long lines, and even stampedes for a chance at the hottest items.
Black Friday’s Most Memorable Toys
Some of the most desirable Black Friday treasures became legends in their own right.
Teddy Ruxpin
In the mid-1980s, Teddy Ruxpin was every kid’s dream. This animatronic storytelling bear could read stories aloud while moving its eyes and mouth. Parents scrambled to find one for their children, and many came away empty-handed.
Cabbage Patch Kids
The early 1980s also brought us the Cabbage Patch Kids craze. These soft-bodied dolls, each with a unique face and adoption certificate, sparked pandemonium. Stores couldn’t keep them on shelves, and scuffles broke out as parents fought for the last doll.
Tickle Me Elmo
Fast forward to the 1990s, and Tickle Me Elmo took over holiday shopping. This giggling Sesame Street toy caused a frenzy. Shoppers camped overnight and even paid hundreds of dollars to secure one for Christmas morning.
The Grumpy Old Man’s Take on Modern Black Friday
As we sip on The Grumpy Old Man, it’s clear Black Friday has evolved. Today, much of the shopping has moved online, with Cyber Monday offering deals from the comfort of your couch. However, the excitement of rushing to stores at dawn is a tradition that still holds charm for many.
If you ever found yourself in a Black Friday stampede or waited hours for a toy, you might now watch from the sidelines with your cocktail in hand. Times have changed, but the stories remain.
Cheers to Black Friday Memories
The Grumpy Old Man cocktail is more than just a drink; it’s a toast to the past. Whether you’re sipping it after braving the crowds or while reminiscing about the frenzy over Teddy Ruxpin and Cabbage Patch Kids, this cocktail is perfect for winding down.
So, this Black Friday, skip the lines, pour yourself a Grumpy Old Man, and toast to the memories of shopping’s wildest day. Cheers!
