Ethel's Whiskey Bent

Written by Jason Gutierrez

Ethel is one country-western gal that you might not want to tangle with on a Friday night. With a double holster, she’s got a bottle of Smirnoff on one side and hefty bottle of whiskey on the other.

Established in the 1940s by the Chisum family, Ethel Chisum ran the establishment from 1962 to 1996 and she was one tough cookie. Bartender Sheena MacDonald says, when you were at Ethel’s you were treated like family, but it was her house and you played by her rules.

“There’s a running joke now that there’s always a burger available after 3 p.m. because when Ethel ran this place, she shut the grill off at 3 p.m. and if you wanted a burger, you could go someplace else. She was pretty straightforward like that.”

Ethel loved everyone and liked to have people around and that spirit is still evident at Ethel’s Old Corral. A scene from the wild west, Ethel’s Old Corral is a place the locals like to go for strong, quality drinks.

She’s got a little something tucked away for folks looking for a hearty drink: Ethel’s Whiskey Bent. “We named this drink after the famous Hank Williams Jr. song, ‘Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound.’ It’s a classic with the guys. It’s rugged,” MacDonald added. A concoction of crown royal, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice, this lil’ doggy is one that can be sipped or slammed.

The drinks aren’t the only charms Ethel’s has; Often seen outside is the cowboy’s best friend–a horse. Not to mention motorcycles–the modern horse for the modern cowboy. So, saddle up partners, this is going to be one wild night!

Article appeared in our 27-4 Issue - October 2010