This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
A good drink: the Black Dahlia
The last place Elizabeth Short was seen alive was meeting someone for a drink at the fancy downtown Biltmore Hotel. Now its Gallery Bar serves a dark drink called The Black Dahlia in her honor.
The Black Dahlia is made with citron vodka, Chambourd and a spash of Kaluha, served in a large martini glass and garnished with a curl of orange peel. Despite its dark overtones, it's a sweet drink, almost like a grape jolly rancher with booze. While drinking, you can wander the small bar and check out the vintage photos of the hotel, which opened in 1923 and was the original host of the Academy Awards. That was, of course, before 1947, when Elizabeth Short was murdered and became The Black Dahlia. Now, for $14, you can remember her; with the drink as strong as it is, you might forget her, too.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
