Sip With Scribes

by Ugochi Nwaogwugwu

Imagine stepping into a 16-room art deco mansion and being greeted by a hostess who hands you a glass of sweet spirits. She then leads you into a room where history lives, leaping off the pages of works inspired by a literary great. Personal stories of perseverance and praise flow from the lips of a writer and filmmaker who reflect not only on the timeless art, but the passionate soul of the one who created it. Onlookers ask questions and digest their words along with delicious hors d’oeuvres. You have just envisioned The Man with the Golden Amaretto.

On February 8^th, 2025, The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame hosted their fifth annual winter cocktail fundraiser. Literary enthusiasts and drink aficionados alike descended on the Colvin House to take part in the fun-filled festivities that included readings, refreshments and reconnection. This year, Nelson Algren was the man of the hour, and The Man with the Golden Arm was revisited by literary experts and amateurs, as the theme of the night’s festivities. The book, set in 1946-48, brought back the fashion and atmosphere of the past as guests dressed to impress with that theme in mind. The space was electric with conversation and charisma as patrons enjoyed the night’s charm and indulged in signature cocktails uniquely made for The Man with the Golden Amaretto. 

 Mary Wisniewski, biographer of Algren: A Life, shared her perspective into the author’s life. Michael Caplan, director of the 2014 documentary film, Algren, gave a short presentation. Both of the featured speakers shared favorite excerpts from their respective works concerning Algren’s life and work. The vintage décor and cozy feel of the Colvin House gave the venue the sensation of a speakeasy. Ryan Prindle, the bartender, did not need to tell customers to “speak easy,” as he would have done to avoid drawing attention during Prohibition; he was as knowledgeable about his drinks as he was friendly in his service of them. Kathleen Rooney and her crew provided the perfect keepsakes with Poems While You Wait, creating spontaneous poetry using the vintage tool of a typewriter.

The first drink was the Amaretto Sour. As I sipped and savored this personal favorite, I was immediately taken back to a time in my youth when this drink was in regular rotation. It appeared many other guests were delighted to experience the nostalgia that came with this libation. The second drink was said to have been appreciated by Algren and was named after him. The Algren Sling was surprisingly light and refreshing. The third drink, On the Wagon, was for the non-drinkers and was a delicious beverage that came with a bit of a history lesson. The fourth and final drink, an

Old Fashioned, is celebrated as being an ideal Chicago cocktail. It was a perfect way to cap the evening. A strong splash of spirits reveling in the pour, sip and savor of good company and an even greater reason to socialize.

Ugochi Nwaogwugwu is a multidisciplinary creative. She has executive produced, written and co-arranged three album projects; her poems have been published in many anthologies; she has created an original pan African poetry form called, “Ike,” (pronounced EE-kay), paying homage to her Igbo heritage of Nigeria; and in 2023 she released her first book of poetry and prose entitled Seasons of Separation, (S.O.S.) An Igbo Family Tale. She serves as a Board director for the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame.