A beer bottle from the 1800s was unearthed by archaeologists in Chinatown — inspiring them to revive the rare old brew.
The scientists discovered the glass “California Pop Beer” bottle on Bowery Street near Canal Street, where a popular beer hall, Atlantic Garden, bustled in the 1850s, scientists said.
“It’s a light summer drink, slightly minty and refreshing” said Alyssa Loorya, 44, president of Chrysalis Archaeology, which headed the project.
The beer is infused with ginger root, sarsaparilla and wintergreen oil, and other herbs, giving it a one-of-a-kind kick, Loorya said.
“It’s all about curiosity and fun. It gives us a chance to sample what they were actually drinking back then,” she added.
To recreate the special elixir, Loorya tracked down a patent for the beer, which was brewed in Newark, NJ, 150 years ago. It took roughly two weeks to brew five gallons of the golden-colored tonic with a home-brewing kit, Loorya said.
Beer buffs will be able to taste the herbaceous hooch at a historical pub crawl next month. Samples of the limited-edition brew will be up for grabs on Sept. 6 at an event featuring some of the city’s oldest bars, organized with help from the city’s Historic Districts Council.