What were people in Tarboro drinking 250 years ago?

Tomorrow our small town of Tarboro turns 250 years old. Along with a puppet parade, a band called Train Wreck and a big ole cake made by Sara Lee, Tarboro’s town commons will see lots and lots of people sharing much laughter and happiness.

Reveling in this moment, I start thinking about what people drank way back then to get their groove on.

Tonight, in the restaurant, all types of beverages were made behind the bar or poured at the table.

From Bombay Sapphire with a side of olives to a French 75 to Australian Chardonnay to Blandy’s Madeira, a variety of beverages were imbibed at On the Square.

As I write, I am waiting for my Carolina Brewery Oktoberfest on tap. Even though I have the shakes right now thinking about how good it will taste once I get it in my hands, I continue to write.

250 years ago. That’s a long time. The year was 1760, and we had no president so drinks like the El Presidente had not been invented much less drunk. Budweiser wasn’t around, and neither was the Yadkin Valley. Hell, we didn’t even have the classic cocktails like a Manhattan or the Old Fashioned.

Were people in Tarboro drinking sweet tea? We know Pepsi wasn’t in the equation. Wine made from Scuppernong? I don’t think so.

Who knows?

What I do know is there wasn’t a lot out there then to really get you in the mood.

Fast forward to present-day 2010, and the possibilities are endless. Even in Tarboro.

The St. Germaine: elderflower liqueur from France mixed in a tall glass filled with ice married to club soda and cava.

Gran Sarao Cava from Spain.

Chimay Rouge from Belgium in a special glass.

Klein Constantia Vin de Constance from South Africa.

Even Mr. Pibb, if you must have it.

Life has changed. Drastically, really. And when we start thinking about the last 250 years, do we really think about the evolution of drinking?

I do.

The second time in my life I have said those words and meant it.