About this episode
The episode explores the origins of the Atomic Cocktail in Las Vegas amidst the backdrop of nuclear testing in the 1950s.
Like Slim Gaillard said, “The Atomic Cocktail” is “the drink that you don’t pour”…until Las Vegas bartenders made it one. You see, in 1951, the government announced Nevada would be home to new bombing test sites. There was, understandably, heightened tension in the area…but then, Vegas knows a thing or two about relieving tension. Hotels and bars embraced the plans and the Atomic Cocktail was born. Want to make your own? (info courtesy of Esquire Magazine) Just take:   1 1/2 ounces vodka 1 1/2 ounces brandy 1 teaspoon sherry 1 1/2 ounces Brut  champagne Stir the vodka, brandy, and sherry well with cracked ice, then strain into  a chilled cocktail glass and add 1 1/2 to 2 ounces cold brut champagne. Garnish  with plastic three-eyed fish from Simpsons playset. Note: If you use the  sweeter Spanish brandy, opt for the drier Amontillado sherry. Conversely, if you  use the (dry) cognac, choose the (sweet) Oloroso. We strive for balance in all  stirs.  
Topics covered
- cocktails
- Las Vegas history
- nuclear testing
- 1950s culture
- mixology
Keywords
- Atomic Cocktail
- Las Vegas
- 1951
- Slim Gaillard
- Esquire Magazine
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Esquire Magazine
Products: vodka, brandy, sherry, Brut champagne, Amontillado sherry, Oloroso, cocktail glass, plastic three-eyed fish
Places: Nevada, Las Vegas
More episodes of Sound Beat
- American Archives Month: Records Revisited · May 29, 2026 · 2 min
- Oh, Shenandoah · May 23, 2026
- STAR WARS Week: Lord Vader · May 9, 2026 · 2 min
- STAR WARS Week: Old Ben · May 8, 2026
- STAR WARS Week: Rescue · May 5, 2026
- The Force · May 4, 2026
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Sound Beat podcast page.