This drink was invented in 1982 in College Station, Texas at a bar/restaurant called Carlos O'Willies. I was a regular and they employed a bartender named Pat (I never learned his last name).

Pat and I were talking one day and I mentioned an imaginary drink from a science fiction story, a drink called a "Three Planets". The story was called "Q.U.R." (there was sequel called "Robinc") and was written by Anthony Boucher. The exact recipe for the drink was an important factor in the story and it was described in detail.

I mentioned this to Pat and regretted the fact that it would be impossible to reproduce the drink as the reason it was called a Three Planets is that it was composed of liquor from three worlds, specifically a shot of Terran rum, a shot of Venusian "margil" (described as very sweet) and somewhere between 4 and 5 drops of Martian "vuzd" (described as bitter to offset the margil's sweetness).

Pat took this as a challenge and endeavored to reproduce the drink as nearly as possible using the bar stock. He did it in one attempt, no changes or second tries necessary, based on my retelling of the story's recipe. He added the burned off rum, I suppose because the story specifically said that the first sip of a Three Planets was the best.

If there is a bartender Hall of Fame, Pat should be honored. All I can say about the drink is either before or after you try it you should look up the story and read it; one will increase your appreciation of the other. As for the drink itself, when you open your mouth for the first sip you'll inhale the fumes at the same time. Every time I drink one it feels like the top of my skull is flying off and I'm enjoying the experience. God Bless you, Pat, wherever you are.