Cocktail Chart Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service

April 6, 2015 – We kid you not.  Why would Region 8 of the Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture produce a “Cocktail Construction” chart in 1974?  We don’t know but suspect some engineers had time on their hands.  The drawing is from a series labeled “Engineering and Architectural Drawings, 1934-2004” and is available for purchase via the National Archives. Credit goes to Yahoo! for finding this gem

It is a very detailed and professionally executed drawing that took quite a bit of time and effort, so we have to wonder how come employees of Region 8 had the time to do it.  Region 8 is The Southern Region encompassing 13 States—from Virginia to Florida and Oklahoma – as well as Puerto Rico.  And, as if we needed further proof, Government has no shame.  The chart was created on the taxpayers’ dime and now  the National Archives has it for sale.  At least the price is reasonable at $14.95 for an 11” x 14” matted version.  Perhaps someone realized we’ve already paid for it once so they are just charging for paper, printing and matting.  (No, we really don’t believe that was the rationale!)

If you want to see details of the drawing,, a magnifying glass will come in handy. Go to http://www.myarchivesstore.org/cocktail-construction-matted-print.html..  Hold the cursor over a drink and with any luck, you’ll figure out what is.  For example, the bottom row on the right hand side has a High Ball, Grasshopper and Gin Fizz.  The site says that because of demand, it won’t ship until April 10.  It is a great bar decoration and it is too bad it isn’t available in poster size.