Glenn Miller Orchestra ruled the airwaves during the late 1930s and early 1940s due to its unique sound using a clarinet in place of the tenor sax. This sound would catch on and they would be awarded the very first gold album for selling a million copies of “Chattanooga Choo Choo” on this date in 1942.

Glenn Miller, the band leader and lead trombonist for the band, started many outside-the-norm sounds that would revolutionize the music industry. Though he was missing-in-action in 1944 during a trip over the English Channel in a plane, his orchestra still plays out today.

To celebrate the first ever gold album, I introduce a cocktail that wasn’t named for, but has the same name as one of the songs Glenn Miller Orchestra put out during their haydays. Gary Reagan, one of the more prominent bartenders out there today, came up with this drink that he says derives from the “Aviation Cocktail”.

So, without further ado, put on a good swing album while sipping on this well-balanced beverage. You will be singing your own tune in no time!

The Moonlight Cocktail
1 1/2 oz. Gin (Plymouth preferred, however London Dry style gin is fine)
1/2 oz. Cointreau
1/2 oz. Creme de Violette
1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

Method: Pour contents into a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled Champagne Flute.

This day in history:
1763 - The Treaty of Paris, ending the French and Indian War, was signed by the French. This ceded all territories East of the Mississippi River and Canada to England.
1863 - Two of the World’s most famous midgets, General Tom Thumb (3 feet 4 inches), and Lavinia Warren (2 feet 8 inches), wed in New York City.
1879 - The electric arc light was used for the very first time in a public place, (California Theater).
1942 - Glenn Miller Orchestra received the first ever gold album for selling a million copies of “Chattanooga Choo Choo”.

Notable Birthday:
Lon Chaney, the only actor to play the big four in movies (The Mummy, Frankenstein, The Wolfman, and Dracula), was born on this day in 1906.

Notable Quote:
“Bhind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.” - Jim Carrey