The Sourtoe Cocktail Club A Yukon Bar Where You Can Drink A Human Toe Cocktail

The Sourtoe Cocktail Club: A Yukon Tradition

Guys, have you ever heard of a cocktail so wild, so bizarre, it’s almost unbelievable? Well, let me tell you about the Sourtoe Cocktail, a Yukon tradition that’s not for the faint of heart. We're talking about a drink with a real, mummified human toe in it. Yes, you read that right! It sounds like something out of a horror movie, but this is a real thing, and it happens at the Downtown Hotel in Dawson City, Yukon, Canada. The Sourtoe Cocktail Club is not just a gimmick; it’s a long-standing tradition with a history as colorful and quirky as the drink itself. The story began in the 1920s, during the Prohibition era, when rum-runner Louie Liken lost his toe to frostbite while transporting illegal liquor. To preserve it, he pickled it in a jar of alcohol. Decades later, in 1973, Captain Dick Stevenson found the toe and decided to make it the centerpiece of a new, outlandish cocktail. This marked the beginning of the Sourtoe Cocktail Club, an exclusive group for those brave enough to try this peculiar concoction. The tradition quickly gained popularity, drawing adventurous drinkers from all over the world to Dawson City. The rules are simple but strict: “You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe.” This mantra has been the club's guiding principle for decades, ensuring that each participant fully commits to the experience. Over the years, the club has seen its fair share of ups and downs, including incidents of toes being swallowed or stolen. Despite these challenges, the tradition has persisted, growing stronger with each passing year. The Sourtoe Cocktail has become a symbol of Dawson City's unique character and its residents' adventurous spirit. For those who dare to try it, the Sourtoe Cocktail is more than just a drink; it’s a rite of passage, a story to tell, and a badge of honor. The experience is certainly one-of-a-kind, blending history, humor, and a touch of the macabre into a single, unforgettable moment. So, if you're planning a trip to the Yukon and you're looking for an adventure that's a little off the beaten path, the Sourtoe Cocktail might just be the perfect thing for you. Just remember the rule: “You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe!”

The History Behind the Human Toe Cocktail

So, how did this human toe cocktail thing even start? The story is pretty wild, guys. It all began in the roaring twenties during the Prohibition era, a time when smuggling and bootlegging were common practices. The legend goes that two brothers, Louie and Otto Liken, were rum-runners transporting illegal alcohol across the Yukon Territory. During one particularly harsh winter journey, Louie suffered a severe frostbite injury to his foot. To prevent gangrene, he had to amputate his toe using, get this, an axe! Now, most people would probably just bury the toe or something, but not Louie. He preserved it in a jar of alcohol. Fast forward about 50 years to 1973, when a Dawson City local named Captain Dick Stevenson stumbled upon this pickled toe while cleaning out an old cabin. Inspired by this gruesome find, Captain Dick decided to create a unique drink, and thus, the Sourtoe Cocktail was born. The original toe became the first Sourtoe, and the Downtown Hotel in Dawson City became its home. The idea was simple: drop the toe into a glass of whiskey, and whoever drank the shot with the toe touching their lips became a member of the Sourtoe Cocktail Club. The club quickly gained notoriety, attracting tourists and thrill-seekers from around the globe. It wasn’t just about the shock factor; it was about being part of a quirky, exclusive club with a truly unique initiation ritual. Over the years, the Sourtoe Cocktail Club has faced its share of challenges. Toes have been accidentally swallowed, stolen, and even donated. Each lost toe adds to the legend, creating a sense of urgency and adventure for those who come to try the drink. The human toe cocktail is more than just a bizarre drink; it's a piece of Yukon history. It's a story of resilience, resourcefulness, and a touch of the macabre. The tradition has evolved over the years, but the core principle remains the same: to offer a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't find anywhere else in the world. So, the next time you're looking for a story to tell, remember the Sourtoe Cocktail. It's a tale of rum-runners, frostbite, and a pickled toe that became a legend.

The Rules of the Sourtoe Cocktail Club

Okay, so you’re intrigued by this human toe cocktail, right? But before you go rushing off to the Yukon, you need to know the rules, guys. The Sourtoe Cocktail Club isn't just some casual thing; it has a very specific, time-honored tradition that you have to respect. And the most important rule? Well, it’s legendary: “You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe.” This mantra is the cornerstone of the entire experience. It’s not enough to just drink the shot; you have to make actual contact with the mummified human toe. That's what makes you a true member of the club. The drink itself is typically a shot of whiskey, but the type of alcohol can vary. The real star of the show is, of course, the Sourtoe itself. It’s a mummified human toe, preserved and ready for its next cocktail appearance. Each toe has its own unique story, adding to the lore and mystique of the drink. When you order a Sourtoe Cocktail, the bartender will present the toe with a bit of fanfare, often reciting the famous mantra before dropping it into your drink. Then, it's up to you. You can take a deep breath, down the shot, and let the toe graze your lips. The feeling? Well, it's probably different for everyone. Some say it’s a bit leathery, others describe it as dry and almost weightless. But the sensation isn’t really the point; it’s the experience, the ritual, and the bragging rights that come with it. There are other unspoken rules too. Don't swallow the toe. That's a big no-no. It's happened before, and it's not pretty. There's a hefty fine for toe-swallowing, and more importantly, it deprives future drinkers of the experience. Another rule? Respect the tradition. The Sourtoe Cocktail is more than just a gimmick; it’s a piece of Yukon history. So, take it seriously, even if you’re laughing on the inside. Joining the Sourtoe Cocktail Club is a badge of honor, a testament to your adventurous spirit and willingness to try something truly out there. Just remember the golden rule: “You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe.”

Lost Toes and the Search for Replacements

Now, here’s where the Sourtoe Cocktail story gets even more interesting, guys. Over the years, the Sourtoe Cocktail Club has faced a rather unique challenge: lost toes. You wouldn't think it would happen often, but toes have been accidentally swallowed, stolen, and sometimes even donated under unusual circumstances. Each lost toe adds to the legend of the Sourtoe Cocktail, creating a constant need for replacements. One of the most infamous incidents occurred in 2013 when a patron from Louisiana accidentally swallowed the toe. He was so eager to down the drink that he didn't realize the toe had slipped down with the whiskey. The fine for swallowing the toe was $500 at the time, but the man paid it without hesitation, claiming it was the best $500 he had ever spent. Of course, the loss of a toe is a serious matter for the Sourtoe Cocktail Club. It means one less toe for adventurous drinkers to touch their lips to. This has led to a constant search for replacement toes, often relying on donations from individuals willing to part with their digits. The Downtown Hotel in Dawson City has even put out calls for toe donations, promising a lifetime of bragging rights and a spot in the club's history. The process of preparing a toe for Sourtoe Cocktail duty is quite involved. Donated toes are typically mummified and preserved in salt for several months to ensure they are safe and ready for consumption. Each toe has its own unique characteristics, from its size and shape to its color and texture. Some toes are small and delicate, while others are larger and more weathered. Each one brings its own personality to the Sourtoe Cocktail experience. The search for replacement toes is an ongoing effort, and the Sourtoe Cocktail Club has become quite resourceful in finding them. They've received toes from all sorts of donors, including individuals who have lost toes due to accidents, medical conditions, or even frostbite, mirroring the origin story of the original Sourtoe. The legend of the Sourtoe Cocktail continues to grow with each lost and found toe, adding to the quirky charm and enduring appeal of this one-of-a-kind Yukon tradition. So, if you happen to have a spare toe lying around, you know where to send it!

Visiting the Downtown Hotel in Dawson City

So, you’re thinking about making the trek to Dawson City to try this human toe cocktail for yourself? Awesome! Visiting the Downtown Hotel and experiencing the Sourtoe Cocktail firsthand is an adventure you won't soon forget, guys. But before you pack your bags, let's talk about what to expect. Dawson City itself is a fascinating place, a historic gold rush town that feels like stepping back in time. It's located in the heart of the Yukon Territory, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The Downtown Hotel is a landmark in Dawson City, a charming and historic establishment that's been serving guests for over a century. It's the perfect setting for the Sourtoe Cocktail, with its rustic decor and a lively atmosphere that embraces the town's unique character. When you walk into the Sourdough Saloon, the hotel's bar, you'll immediately feel the buzz of excitement and anticipation. The walls are adorned with memorabilia and photos, telling the story of the Sourtoe Cocktail Club and its many members. The bartenders are experts in the art of the Sourtoe Cocktail, and they'll guide you through the process with a mix of humor and reverence. Ordering a Sourtoe Cocktail is an event in itself. The bartender will present the toe, often with a bit of theatrical flair, and recite the famous mantra: “You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe.” Then, it's up to you to take the plunge. The drink itself is usually a shot of whiskey, but you can choose your poison. The real challenge is, of course, making contact with the toe. It's a brief but memorable moment, a mix of curiosity, trepidation, and maybe just a little bit of