The Boozy Origins of Jungle Juice in Fort Collins, Colorado

Jungle juice is a favorite alcoholic drink option among party-goers across America, but little do most people know, the first references of the boozy concoction can be traced back to the early twentieth century in a northern Colorado town.

Typically, jungle juice is a combination of liquor and other mixers, served in a punch-style bowl for group consumption. The liquor(s) and other ingredients that are used can vary, therefore, there are countless recipes for the popular party drink.

The term "jungle juice" was first used as early as 1909, in reference to bootlegged alcoholic drinks. In February 1909, the editor of the Weekly Courier in Eaton, Colorado wrote in an article that he found Fort Collins' "Jungle juice is too fierce for him."

It's believed the name came from an area known as "the Jungle", which was located on the outskirts of Fort Collins. At the time, Fort Collins was a dry town, meaning no booze was supposed to be sold or consumed by its residents. The Jungle was allegedly where bootlegging and other illicit activities were taking place. It was also in this area of town that homemade liquor of questionable quality was produced and sold.

The term appeared in Fort Collins newspapers several times over the next two decades. A 1925 column in the Fort Collins Independent referred to jungle juice as the "acid that made Fort Collins famous." Prior to World War II, some articles in the town's newspaper also used jungle juice in different context, referring rather to home-brewed auto fuel additives.

During this time, the phrase was also documented as having been used in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, too.

Jungle juice gained broader popularity throughout the United States and Canada in the 1930s and 40s, though its meaning evolved over time.

During World War II, Australian and American troops used the potent mixture as a sedative to treat exhaustion and anxiety, however this was different recipe than the alcoholic drink.