QUIET BIRDMEN: HOW A SECRET MILITARY SOCIETY HELPED BIRTH THE MAI TAI


By bblouin
quiet birdmen mai tai

There’s something about having a rum-based drink with an umbrella in it that makes you feel like you’re on vacation no matter what. One sip and you're transported to beaches on all corners of the Earth, even if you've never been in person. But true tiki drinks aren’t overpriced batches of sugar with wasteful garnishes, and the history of these cocktails runs deep. Arguably no other cocktail embodies tiki culture nor is more famous than the Mai Tai, and oddly enough, its origins have a fun, interesting connection to a secret society founded in World War I that still exists within the military today. Look, we're getting thirsty just thinking about it, and we’ll imbibe soon enough, but before we book a room in Hawaii, we’re going to have to take things back to California where tiki culture was created. And before that, we’ve got to take a closer look at the disputed origins of the Mai Tai that connect this delicious libation to the mystery of the Quiet Birdmen, an exclusive aviation club you likely haven’t heard of. Suggested read:Kilroy Was Here: The Infamous WWII Meme That Lives On

How the Quiet Birdmen Came To Be

World War I was hell. So, it’s no surprise that to blow off some steam, men got together to throw back drinks and shoot the $#!t. It may have started in France in 1919 under the name of "The American Flying Club." Once they made it back home, some of the men would reconnect and re-establish themselves as the Quiet Birdmen in 1921. The goal? To discuss only the highest forms of academia and test theories to advance mankind. Just kidding, this is a boys club filled with drinking and ogling women. These are war heroes! A man’s man. The discussions may be up for debate, but what’s important is that these men got together and enjoyed their time bull$#itting, as men do, and enjoying plenty of tasty beverages along the way. Incredibly enough, ye Anciente and Secret Order of Quiet Birdmen survive to this day in chapters, known as hangars, opened in a variety of cities literally all over the United States. If you look hard enough, you might find ex-military aces, retired airline pilots, and even an astronaut or two that are a part of this club that doesn’t exist. Some notable names rumored to be a part of the Quiet Birdmen include Buzz Aldrin, Johnny Rutherford, and Fiorello LaGuardia. The publication BEAM has documented the meetings and stories of the QB throughout the years and is circulated among the Quiet Birdmen.

How To Join Quiet Birdmen

Looking to get your Quiet Birdmen pin and join this group of elite pilots? Well, you’re not exactly in luck. For starters, you’re going to have to be asked to be a part of the group. So, your second step is networking. Your first step, however, is to become a good pilot. And we mean a d@mn good one. Look, you’re going to have to make an impression so good that this group, which isn’t exactly looking to talk about it with outsiders, decides to approach you for membership. Fly high, fly often, and hope you’re rewarded with the ultimate honor nobody wants to acknowledge.

The Q.B. Cooler, Mai Tai Recipes, and Making Sense of It All

Where there are drinks, you can bet the QBs will follow, and in a somewhat forgotten way, they helped create the modern-day Mai Tai… or maybe not. You see, it goes back to the rivalry of the two godfathers of tiki cocktails: Donn Beach and Trader Vic. While both are credited for bringing the flavors and style we know to the mainstream of American culture, both lay a claim to the Mai Tai recipe. Don the Beachcomber was the legendary tiki bar built by Beach who, himself, was a Veteran. His military career would have him serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Nods to his service and respect to aviation were apparent in various drinks, including the Test Pilot, but none exemplified these sentiments quite like the Q.B. Cooler. Yes, a cocktail dedicated to the secret society of ace pilots was created and would mix fresh juices, delicious syrups, and plenty of rums together to create a cocktail that was strong and refreshing. The date is arguable but comes from at least the 1930s. So, it’s understandable that when Trader Vic came out with a similar cocktail named Mai Tai in 1944, there were some disputes. Over time, legal decisions were made as evidence was presented. The cocktail we know and love as the Mai Tai would remain, and sadly the Q.B Cooler would take a noted backseat. But maybe that’s how it should be. A boozy reminder of the past waiting in the shadows, and if you can find it, you’re invited to a time you won’t soon remember, but one you’ll also never forget.

Drink Like the Quiet Birdmen, Even if You’re Not Invited

The Mai Tai has had its time in the spotlight, and even though you’ll find many Mai Tai ingredients here, we’re showing respect to the Q.B. Cooler in all of its glory. Upon further inspection, you’ll notice some key differences between the drink, but the spirit(s) of the tiki cocktail is well and alive. Whether you are in the secret society or not, here’s how you can drink like the Quiet Birdmen with a classic cocktail recipe worthy of any airman:

  • 1 oz. dark rum from Puerto Rico
  • 1 oz. Jamaican rum
  • ½ oz. Demerara 151 rum
  • ½ oz. Fassionola syrup
  • ½ oz. Falernum syrup
  • 1 oz. orange juice
  • ½ to ¾ oz. lime juice
  • Honey syrup (1:1 ratio of honey and water)
  • 2 dashes of Absinthe
  • 2 dashes of Bitters
  • Club soda

Combine all ingredients, except the club soda, in a mixing tin and shake vigorously with ice. Pour over ice in a large rocks glass or hurricane glass. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of mint. Some recipes call for grenadine; others substitute the honey syrup for ginger syrup. Play around, find what you like, and enjoy. For those ages 21 and up, enjoy responsibly, never drink and drive, do whatever else the law says, and if someone asks you to join the Quiet Birdmen, be sure you say yes to the adventure of a lifetime. More like this:5 Military-Themed Cocktails to Wash Down Your Veteran Celebrations


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