In the quiet town of Laurinburg in Scotland County, North Carolina, a simple black binder filled with handwritten cocktail recipes has become the most thumbed through item at the local ABC store. Journalist Hanna Raskin uncovered this treasure while reviewing over 80 state run liquor outlets, highlighting how this community kept collection offers a glimpse into local drinking history and inspires home mixologists today.
Uncovering the Binder in Laurinburg
Hanna Raskin made her way through numerous ABC stores across North Carolina as part of a broader evaluation of these government operated spots. What stood out in the Scotland County location was not just the selection of spirits but a slanted table by the entrance holding a worn two ring binder. This pocket sized book contains more than 100 index cards, each neatly alphabetized and scripted by hand with detailed cocktail instructions.
The store employee, who appeared to be in his late twenties or early thirties, shared that the binder predates his time on the job. Locals often stop by to flip through its pages for quick reminders on classic mixes or fresh ideas when planning parties. However, not every recipe proves easy to recreate since some ingredients like Galliano for the Freddy Fudpucker cocktail remain unavailable in ABC inventories right now.
This discovery points to the personal touch that sets smaller town ABC stores apart from larger urban ones. In a region known for its agricultural roots and tight knit communities, such features help build loyalty among customers who value both convenience and conversation.
Dating the Recipes Through Expert Eyes
To understand the binders origins better, Raskin reached out to renowned cocktail historian Dave Wondrich, author of the recently released book on the five centuries of drink mixing. Wondrich examined photos of the cards and zeroed in on one for the Cosmopolitan, where rum had been crossed out in favor of vodka.
He noted that the earliest documented Cosmo recipe from July 1987 used white rum in a variation called Sands Cosmopolitan, with the vodka shift appearing just a month later. This detail suggests the binder likely dates back to the late 1980s, capturing an era when cocktails were evolving from simple highballs to more creative blends. The inclusion of drinks like the Freddy Fudpucker, a twist on the 1970s Harvey Wallbanger, further supports this timeline, evoking memories of disco era parties and roadside diners.
Wondrichs insights add depth to the find, showing how everyday folks documented trends that professionals later formalized. In 2025, with cocktail culture booming amid home entertaining surges post pandemic, these vintage recipes resonate as affordable alternatives to pricey bar tabs.
How Locals Use the Community Recipe Guide
Residents in Scotland County turn to the binder for practical reasons beyond nostalgia. It serves as a free resource in a time when online recipes can overwhelm with endless variations. One popular entry, the Freddy Fudpucker, calls for tequila, orange juice, Galliano, and a splash of lime, offering a sweet yet tangy option for summer gatherings.
Store staff report steady traffic from curious visitors who photocopy pages or jot down notes. This interaction fosters a sense of shared history, especially in Laurinburg, once famous for its cantaloupe shipments and quirky attractions like the long displayed mummy of a carnival worker. Today, the binder complements the stores role as a social hub, where people discuss everything from football games to family recipes.
To illustrate some standout drinks from the collection:
- Cosmopolitan: Vodka, cranberry juice, lime, and triple sec for a tart classic.
- Freddy Fudpucker: Tequila base with orange juice and Galliano for a herbal kick.
- Harvey Wallbanger: Vodka, orange juice, and Galliano topped with cream for smoothness.
These selections highlight the binders focus on accessible ingredients, making it ideal for beginners.
Cocktail Trends Shaping North Carolina in 2025
North Carolinas ABC system faces potential shifts this year, with lawmakers debating privatization of liquor sales and introducing happy hours. Amid these discussions, unique store features like the Laurinburg binder gain extra attention as symbols of local charm that could vanish under new models.
Statewide, cocktail preferences lean toward craft revivals, with a 15 percent rise in home mixing reported in recent surveys. Popular trends include low alcohol options and fruit infused spirits, aligning with the binders 1980s vibes but updated for health conscious drinkers. ABC stores have responded by stocking more bitters and syrups, though specialty liqueurs lag behind.
For a quick comparison of availability:
| Ingredient | Availability in NC ABC Stores (2025) | Common Use in Binder Recipes |
|---|---|---|
| Galliano | Limited, special order only | Herbal float in Fudpucker |
| Triple Sec | Widely stocked | Citrus boost in Cosmo |
| Tequila | Abundant, various brands | Base for many highballs |
| Cranberry Juice | Not sold, buy at grocery | Mixer for fruity drinks |
This table shows how shoppers must combine ABC visits with grocery runs, a routine that keeps the binder relevant.
Events like the growing number of distillery tastings in the state, up 20 percent since 2023, tie into this story by encouraging experimentation. Recent openings, such as a new ABC location in Greensboro set for June 2025, promise expanded selections that might inspire more community collections like Laurinburgs.
Preserving a Piece of Mixology History
As North Carolina navigates alcohol law updates, including Sunday sales expansions for ABC stores, preserving informal treasures like this binder becomes crucial. It represents grassroots innovation in a controlled market, where state monopolies limit creativity but spark local adaptations.
Experts like Wondrich emphasize digitizing such artifacts to ensure future generations access them. In Scotland County, community leaders could partner with libraries to archive copies, blending tradition with modern tech. This approach not only safeguards history but also boosts tourism, drawing cocktail enthusiasts to the area.
The binders enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, reminding us that great drinks start with passion, not perfection. Whether youre a local seeking inspiration or a visitor exploring NCs quirks, it proves small towns hold big surprises.
What are your favorite vintage cocktails? Share your thoughts in the comments below and pass this story along to friends who love mixing drinks at home.
