INTRODUCTION:

This program offers an immersive, global journey through Jewish history and contemporary life using the lens of mixology. Participants will explore how Jewish migration, from the 1070s in the UK to the expats in modern Japan, has shaped and been shaped by diverse cultures around the world. Through tasting and discussion, we will examine the unique identities of six distinct Jewish communities (Mexico, Italy, Chile, the United Kingdom, Kenya, and Japan) while reflecting on broader themes of tradition, antisemitism, and the concept of “home.”  

MATERIALS:

• Ingredients for six cocktails: 
  • Carajillo: Coffee and Licor 43 
  • Aperol Spritz: Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. 
  • Pisco Sour: Pisco, lime, sugar, egg white, and bitters. 
  • Martini: Gin and olives or lemon.  
  • Dawa: Vodka, lime, sugar, and honey.  
  • Sakeito: Sake, mint, lime, sugar, and club soda.  
• Barware: Shakers, jiggers, ice, and appropriate glassware (coupes, rocks glasses, and mugs).   
• Printed source sheets featuring information and reflection questions.  
• Nature-themed decor or botanical accents (optional) 

PROGRAM OUTLINE (60 minutes):

• Opening (5-10 minutes)
• Cocktail Tasting & Reflections (60-90 minutes) 
• Closing (5-10 minutes)

Opening (5-10 minutes) 

• Pass out the “menu” (page 1 of the source sheets) and ask participants to pick one drink that reflects their personality (or their week) in some way 

Cocktail Tasting & Reflections (60-90 minutes) 

• For a small group: 
  • While one leader makes the drinks, another should read the background information related to the country. 
  • Pass out the drinks 
  • While sipping, discuss the reflection question 
• For a large group: 
  • Pre-make all the drinks in one large batch pitcher per drink. 
  • Set up stations around the room/house. Each station should be identified by the relevant cocktail flyer. Split the group into six sections and assign each section to a cocktail. 
  • Every 15 minutes, ring a bell or stop the music to signal that groups should rotate to the next station. (Or, for more chaos, let people choose their own station and check off each country as they visit.) 

Closing (5-10 minutes) 

• Bring everyone back together. Ask the group to identify one common theme they noticed across all six communities, despite their geographic distance. Or, ask how the “Jewish World” feels different to you now than it did at the start of the hour.  
• End with a communal toast to the resilience and variety of the Jewish experience, acknowledging that every cocktail we enjoyed represents a story of survival, adaptation, and community building.