We pay our last respects to True Blood’s final season with a week of drinks almost as delicious as Sookie’s Fairy Blood.

Get ready for a tasty trip back in time as we explore drinks your favorite vampires would’ve quaffed before they were turned.

Bill Compton (Turned 1865)

THE MAN

Bill Compton survived the Civil War only to be killed mere miles from home. Little did he know the frightened, hungry soldier he was would someday become the King of Louisiana. All he wanted was to get back home to his wife, put the war behind him, and raise his family in peace. All of that was derailed when Lorena Krasiki decided to keep Bill for herself.

THE CULTURE

The mid 19th century was a transitional time in American drinking habits. Water wasn’t safe enough to drink without boiling it or brewing it. People with leisure time or servants could indulge in coffee or tea. Everyone else made due with beer, cider, or ale. Imagine for a second if you indulged in at least three pints of thick, bready beer every day without ever touching water. Their urine must’ve been the color and thickness of olive oil.

When a man needed to quiet his demons instead of quench his thirst, there was always moonshine. Since you could clean rust off a bayonet with the harsh whiskey of the day, no sane people drank it straight. The bitterest soldiers would ask for a little sugar, a hint of citrus, and some water to dilute their whiskey.

As a respectable southern gentleman, Bill Compton would have had some occasions when he wanted to drink alone with his thoughts and others when he’d be hosting his friends in Bon Temps.

If you’re throwing a party for fellow True Blood fans, try serving them some of Mrs. Compton’s Peach Milk Punch. If you’re kicking back with an episode or two on your own, indulge in the same newfangled Old Fashioned Bill would’ve enjoyed while he was still alive.

THE DRINKS

The Newfangled Old Fashioned

When bars started serving newfangled cocktails at the end of the 19th century, men who wanted the same drink they grew up with would simply ask the bartender to make them an “Old Fashioned Drink.” As new cocktails caught on, that vague designation turned into the drink’s actual name. When Bill Compton was still alive, the then nameless Old Fashioned was still a new and popular cocktail. It was a man’s drink for when times were tough and he needed something stronger than cider, ale or beer. Mix one up and see if you don’t agree there are excellent reasons why this classic cocktail is still popular after over 150 years.

– 2 shots Whiskey
– 1 shot Simple Syrup or 1 tsp Sugar
– 3 dashes Bitters
– Splash of Water or Soda
– 2 Maraschino Cherries
– Lemon Peel
– Orange Wedge

Drop the lemon peel in the bottom of a lowball glass. Muddle it with the bitters and whichever form of sugar you prefer. Whenever you think you’re finish muddling, keep going for a few more moments. You want to eke out the essence of that lemon aroma. Once you’ve crushed the life out of the lemon, add your whiskey and give it a good stir. Top off the glass with your choice of still or bubbly water. Garnish the glass with two maraschino cherries and an orange wedge.

Mrs. Compton’s Peach Milk Punch

Before the Civil War, a respectable southern gentleman would host his neighbors at least once per season. Bill Compton’s wife would’ve been expected to provide a strong but feminine punch as a contrast to the whiskey and brandy drunk by the men.

– 4 cups Peach Brandy
– 2 cup Hard Cider
– 4 cups Milk
– 1 cup Sugar
– 1 Cinnamon Stick
– 1 cup Crushed Violet Leaves

This would’ve been considered a respectable afternoon punch with servings for 8 people. Look at those ingredients. No matter how much you think you drink, your great-great-grandparents could’ve put you under the table.

Mix everything except ½ cup of the violet leaves together in a large bowl. Give it a good stir then leave the bowl in your fridge for at least two hours (but up to six). Before your party, give the mix one last stir, then strain out any solids – including any milk curdles that may have formed. Mrs. Compton would’ve used cheesecloth or a clean flannel shirt, but you’re welcome to make due with a pair of coffee filters. No one will tell.

Pour the liquids into a fetching punchbowl. Float the remaining violet leaves on the surface of your punch. Serve with a bit of violet and some freshly grated cinnamon topping each glass.