In this Dec. 12, 2012 photo Chris Brokenshire poses with his creation, a drink mix based on a traditional Pennsylvania coal-region cocktail called boilo, in Ringtown, Pa. Brokenshire is trying to commercialize the drink, which has been around for at least a century and is typically consumed around the holidays. (AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam)
December 20, 2012 - 11:37 PM
RINGTOWN, Pa. - Each Christmas season in Pennsylvania coal country, people huddle over big pots of steaming liquid, coaxing a potent but soothing elixir from secret recipes handed down through the generations.
This alcoholic yuletide cocktail is called boilo, and it's been a household staple for more than a century, sipped warm or hot to celebrate the holidays and ward off winter's chill. Boilo parties are in full swing right now as coal-region kitchens fill with the fragrant, intoxicating aroma of spices and citrus.
Chris Brokenshire, a forklift operator from Ringtown, recently introduced the first commercial boilo. Added to whiskey, it's a powdered mix available in a few stores and on his website. He says people are buying it as fast as he can produce it.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012