December 28

Denzel Washington's Birthday
 

Born on December 28, 1954, one of Hollywood's most honored actors didn't even consider a career in film and theater until midway through his college career, when a fellow counselor at a YMCA camp was impressed by his performance in the camp's talent show. Humble beginnings for the man who would become synonymous with great characters both real and fictional.

Denzel's career took off after his stint on the eighties medical drama St. Elsewhere. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Steve Bilko in Cry Freedom, and then won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Glory. Listing all his impressive, award-winning and significant appearances since then would be an exercise in futility, but suffice it to say that Denzel's career has been a master class in the art of acting.

It is worth mentioning his other Oscar-winning performance, in 2001's Training Day, as it encapsulates so many of the things that make Denzel such a phenomenal actor. As Detective Alonzo Harris, his charisma barely concealed a dangerous pride and hubris. Washington excels at skillfully blending quiet articulation with ragged anger, and Training Day showcases his art perfectly.

Among Denzel's electrifying performances was a turn as professional boxer Rubin Carter, who had been wrongfully imprisoned for a triple homicide, in 1999's The Hurricane. Although the movie was criticized for fictionalizing and over-simplifying Carter's life for dramatic effect, the strength of Washington's performance was unmistakable. His searing portrayal of the wronged, angry and articulate pugilist earned him his second Golden Globe award for Best Actor, nominations for an Oscar and SAG award, and Image, Black Reel and Silver Bear awards for Best Actor. To celebrate one of many landmarks in Denzel's career, raise a toast with the Hurricane cocktail and watch him again in The Hurricane.

The creation of the Hurricane Cocktail  is credited to New Orleans tavern owner Pat O'Brien in the 1940s. Pat used to pour  this ultra-sweet concoction into hurricane-lamp-shaped glasses and gave them away to sailors. The drink became very popular and it has been a staple in the French Quarter although they are now generally served in plastic cups since carrying drinks on the street is permitted.
 

Hurricane Cocktail
 

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1. Mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, and shake to dissolve the sugar.
2. Add ice cubes to come halfway up the sides of 2 tall glasses.
3. Divide the mixture between the glasses. Garnish each with an orange wedge and serve with a long straw.