William Randolph Hearst, Yellow Journalism, and Weed with 805UNCENSORED (& The Improved Hearst Cocktail)

This week we’re joined by Jordon of the 805UNCENSORED podcast, who tells the story of media mogul William Randolph Hearst. After inheriting wealth and a newspaper from his father, Hearst builds a ruthless media empire. He comes to own a quarter of the newspapers in America, reaching 20 million readers daily. 

Popularizing the term “Yellow Journalism” – a highly sensationalized form of reporting – Hearst even peddles a myth about the Spanish attacking the USS Maine to catapult America into war with Spain. His greed-based racism drives his campaign to demonize weed, which he refers to as “marijuana” in order to associate the drug with immigrants from Mexico. Tune in to hear more about this ruthless, racist capitalist.

You can find 805UNCENSORED on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you podcast. You can follow the show on Instagram and Twitter.

Shoutout to our anticapitalist bartender friend, Jesse Torres ( @jessejamz ), who did a beautiful job of improving the Hearst Cocktail! This drink was originally enjoyed by Hearst’s employees, many of whom must have been complaining about their employer while decompressing from their stressful jobs. 

The Improved Hearst Cocktail

2 oz Xoriguer Gin de Mahon

1 ozDolin Rouge Vermouth

1 dashOrange Bitters

1 dashAromatic Bitters (like Angostura) 

RinseAbsinthe

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with plenty of ice. Stir until very cold—about ten seconds. Take a chilled martini glass and rinse with absinthe. Pour out any remaining absinthe into your mouth then fine strain into the martini glass. Express an orange swath over the drink, cut sexily, and garnish.