The BBC series Peaky Blinders has captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping storyline, memorable characters, and impeccable historical accuracy. One of the show’s most intriguing aspects is the enigmatic Thomas Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, and his penchant for a particular drink. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Thomas Shelby’s drink of choice, exploring its origins, significance, and cultural context.
A Brief History of the Drink
Thomas Shelby’s drink of choice is none other than Canadian whiskey, specifically Canadian Club whiskey. This iconic brand has been a staple in the world of whiskey since 1858, when it was first introduced by Hiram Walker, a Canadian entrepreneur and distiller. Canadian Club whiskey quickly gained popularity in the United States and Canada, becoming a favorite among those who appreciated its smooth, approachable flavor profile.
The Rise of Canadian Whiskey
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Canadian whiskey experienced a surge in popularity, thanks in part to the temperance movement in the United States. As the movement gained momentum, many American distilleries were forced to shut down, leading to a shortage of domestic whiskey. Canadian distilleries, like Hiram Walker’s, saw an opportunity to fill the gap and began exporting their whiskey to the United States.
Canadian Club whiskey, in particular, became a staple in many American bars and saloons, where it was often served as a shot or mixed with other ingredients to create popular cocktails. The brand’s popularity continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with Canadian Club becoming a cultural icon in its own right.
Thomas Shelby’s Drink of Choice
So, why does Thomas Shelby always drink Canadian Club whiskey? The answer lies in the show’s historical context and the character’s personality. Set in post-World War I England, Peaky Blinders explores the lives of a gangster family in Birmingham. Thomas Shelby, the show’s protagonist, is a complex character with a penchant for luxury and a taste for the finer things in life.
Canadian Club whiskey, with its smooth, approachable flavor profile, would have been a popular choice among the British upper class during the 1920s. The brand’s association with luxury and sophistication would have appealed to Thomas Shelby’s aspirational nature, making it a fitting choice for his character.
A Symbol of Sophistication
Thomas Shelby’s love of Canadian Club whiskey is also symbolic of his desire to transcend his working-class roots. As a gangster, Shelby is constantly navigating the complexities of social class, and his drink of choice reflects his aspirations. By drinking Canadian Club whiskey, Shelby is able to project an image of sophistication and refinement, setting himself apart from his peers.
Cultural Significance
Thomas Shelby’s drink of choice has also become a cultural phenomenon, with fans of the show eagerly embracing the Canadian Club brand. The show’s influence on popular culture is undeniable, with many fans incorporating Canadian Club whiskey into their own lives.
A New Generation of Whiskey Drinkers
The show’s impact on the world of whiskey is also noteworthy. Peaky Blinders has helped to introduce a new generation of whiskey drinkers to the world of Canadian whiskey, with many fans discovering the brand for the first time through the show.
| Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2013 (pre-Peaky Blinders) | 1.4 million cases |
| 2019 (post-Peaky Blinders) | 2.5 million cases |
As the table above illustrates, Canadian Club whiskey has experienced a significant surge in sales since the show’s premiere in 2013. While it’s impossible to attribute this increase solely to Peaky Blinders, the show’s influence on popular culture is undeniable.
Conclusion
Thomas Shelby’s drink of choice, Canadian Club whiskey, is more than just a prop – it’s a symbol of sophistication, luxury, and refinement. The show’s historical context, combined with the character’s personality, makes Canadian Club whiskey a fitting choice for Thomas Shelby.
As the world of Peaky Blinders continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it’s clear that Thomas Shelby’s drink of choice will remain an integral part of the show’s cultural significance. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply a whiskey enthusiast, Canadian Club whiskey is definitely worth trying.
So, the next time you’re watching Peaky Blinders, take a moment to appreciate Thomas Shelby’s drink of choice. Who knows – you might just find yourself sipping on a glass of Canadian Club whiskey, just like the Shelby brothers.
What is the Shelby Sipper?
The Shelby Sipper is a popular drink that gained widespread recognition after being featured in the BBC television series Peaky Blinders. The show revolves around the Shelby crime family, with Thomas Shelby being the main character. Throughout the series, Thomas is often seen sipping on a mysterious drink, which has sparked the curiosity of fans worldwide.
The Shelby Sipper is believed to be a variation of the classic Gin Rickey cocktail, which consists of gin, lime juice, and soda water. However, the exact recipe used in the show remains a mystery, leaving fans to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to recreate the drink.
What is the significance of the Shelby Sipper in Peaky Blinders?
The Shelby Sipper holds significant importance in the Peaky Blinders series, as it is often used as a symbol of Thomas Shelby’s sophistication and refinement. Despite being a gangster, Thomas has a penchant for fine things in life, and his drink of choice reflects this aspect of his personality.
Throughout the series, the Shelby Sipper is also used as a plot device to reveal Thomas’s emotions and thoughts. The way he sips his drink, the frequency at which he orders it, and the situations in which he chooses to drink it all provide insight into his character and help to advance the plot.
What are the ingredients of the Shelby Sipper?
The exact ingredients of the Shelby Sipper remain a mystery, as the show’s creators have not revealed the official recipe. However, based on observations and interviews with the show’s actors and crew members, it is believed that the drink consists of gin, lime juice, and soda water.
Some fans have also experimented with adding other ingredients, such as ginger beer or bitters, to create a unique flavor profile that is reminiscent of the Shelby Sipper. However, the true recipe remains a closely guarded secret, leaving fans to continue speculating and experimenting.
How do I make a Shelby Sipper at home?
To make a Shelby Sipper at home, you will need a few basic ingredients, including gin, lime juice, and soda water. Start by filling a glass with ice and pouring in a shot of gin. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice and top the glass off with soda water.
You can adjust the amount of lime juice and soda water to taste, and some fans also recommend adding a splash of ginger beer or bitters to give the drink a bit more depth. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find the perfect recipe that suits your taste preferences.
Is the Shelby Sipper a real drink?
The Shelby Sipper is not a real drink in the sense that it is not a well-known cocktail with a established recipe. However, it is based on the classic Gin Rickey cocktail, which has been around for over a century.
The Shelby Sipper is more of a cultural phenomenon, with its popularity stemming from its appearance in the Peaky Blinders series. Fans of the show have created their own versions of the drink, and it has become a beloved part of the Peaky Blinders fandom.
Why is the Shelby Sipper so popular?
The Shelby Sipper is popular due to its association with the Peaky Blinders series, which has gained a massive following worldwide. Fans of the show are drawn to the drink’s sophistication and refinement, which reflects the character of Thomas Shelby.
The Shelby Sipper has also become a cultural phenomenon, with fans sharing their own recipes and experiences with the drink on social media. The mystery surrounding the drink’s exact recipe has also contributed to its popularity, as fans continue to speculate and experiment with different ingredients.
Can I order a Shelby Sipper at a bar?
It is unlikely that you will be able to order a Shelby Sipper at a bar, as it is not a well-known cocktail with a established recipe. However, you can try ordering a Gin Rickey or a variation of the drink that is similar to the Shelby Sipper.
Some bars may also offer a “Shelby Sipper” on their menu, but this is likely to be a variation of the drink that is unique to the bar rather than the exact recipe used in the show. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try asking the bartender to create a custom cocktail that is inspired by the Shelby Sipper.