The Downtown Hotel in Dawson City, Yukon is getting ready to celebrate a rather significant milestone this week, but rather than an anniversary or birthday, the historic hotel will be celebrating the 100,000th Sourtoe Cocktail sold at the Sourdough Saloon.
For those unacquainted with Dawson City’s signature drink, the one-of-a-kind shot is typically made with just two ingredients: Yukon Jack whisky and a mummified human toe.
The idea for the shot was conceived in 1973 by Captain Dick Stephenson when he found a toe in a jar of alcohol. The toe in question reportedly belonged to a 1920s rum runner who got caught in a snowstorm and had to have his frostbitten toe amputated to avoid gangrene.
Stephenson then came up with the idea for an exclusive club which would require its potential members to drink the Sourtoe Cocktail. Stephenson also added one stipulation: the toe must touch the prospective member’s lips.
That stipulation has now been met by more than 99,500 Sourtoe Cocktail Club members.
“The excitement is building in Dawson City. We want to do something special to commemorate Toe 100,000 and have even invited Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds up to do the honours with his Aviation Gin. We haven’t had a response, yet, but claiming the bragging rights and no-toe-riety of drinking the 100,000th Sourtoe Cocktail will be special for whomever does the honours.”
The Downtown Hotel estimates it will reach the 100,000 landmark by July 21. More information can be found online.
