1

Gone with the Wind

Image: Adam Kring

Released in 1939, Gone with the Wind stands as one of the most iconic films in American cinema. Adapted from Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel of the same name, the film is set against the backdrop of the Civil War and follows the life of Scarlett O'Hara (played by Vivien Leigh), the strong-willed daughter of a Georgia plantation owner.

Featuring legendary performances by Clark Gable and Leslie Howard, the film captivated audiences around the globe. It not only became the highest-grossing film of its time but also held that record for over 25 years, cementing its place in cinematic history.

2

Casablanca

Image: Craig Whitehead

Casablanca is often hailed as the quintessential American film. Both filmed and set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, it weaves a poignant tale of romance and sacrifice in a world on the brink of chaos. The film's unforgettable characters, brought vividly to life by the stellar performances of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, have become emblematic of American cinema.

Its most iconic line, "Here’s looking at you, kid," has etched itself into the collective memory of millions. Over the years, Casablanca has only solidified its legendary status, with its characters, famous lines, and theme song becoming a part of popular culture. It consistently ranks near the top of lists of the greatest films in history.

3

Citizen Kane

Image: Daria Kraplak

Citizen Kane (1941) is frequently acclaimed as the greatest film ever made, offering a profoundly intelligent exploration of the life of Charles Foster Kane, a fictional media mogul inspired by real-life figures like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.

The brainchild of the visionary Orson Welles, who served as the film’s actor, director, and producer, Citizen Kane delves into themes of wealth, power, and democracy with such depth that it remains relevant to this day. The film caused a stir upon its release, prompting Hearst to ban any mention of it in his newspapers. It was also lauded for its groundbreaking cinematography, introducing innovative techniques that set new creative standards for the industry.

4

The Wizard of Oz

Image: Mateusz Raczynski

A beloved piece of Americana, the 1939 film release of The Wizard of Oz is the most iconic adaptation of L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's fantasy novel of the same name. Dorothy’s journey to the Emerald City has captivated audiences for generations and has brought the original story to worldwide audiences.

The film's groundbreaking use of Technicolor and special effects marked a new era in American cinema. Recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress as the most-watched film in history, The Wizard of Oz remains a timeless classic, with its impact on popular culture enduring to this day.

5

It’s a Wonderful Life

Image: Johannes Roth

Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) has become an essential Christmas classic. Starring James Stewart as George Bailey, the film tells the heartwarming story of a man who, facing financial ruin and despair, is shown by his guardian angel what life would have been like if he had never existed.

Loosely based on a 1943 short story that echoes Charles Dickens’ all-time classic A Christmas Carol , the film’s messages of hope and redemption resonated deeply with audiences. Despite an initially lukewarm reception, It’s a Wonderful Life gained popularity through television broadcasts and is now regarded as a timeless holiday favorite.

6

Singin' in the Rain

Image: Ricky Turner

Widely celebrated as one of the greatest musicals in American cinema, Singin' in the Rain (1952) offers a nostalgic look at Hollywood’s transition from silent films to "talkies." Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, who also stars in the film, it became famous for its iconic musical numbers, particularly Kelly’s unforgettable dance in the rain, which has since become one of the most iconic scenes in movie history.

The film’s vibrant choreography, catchy songs, and clever commentary on the film industry have solidified its place in American film culture. As a delightful homage to Hollywood’s Golden Age, it immortalizes both the magic and the many challenges of filmmaking.

7

North by Northwest

Image: Blake Harbison

Directed by the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, North by Northwest is one of the most iconic American thrillers. Starring Cary Grant as the charming protagonist Roger Thornhill, the film follows his harrowing journey as he’s mistaken for a government agent and pursued across the country by both law enforcement and international spies.

Iconic scenes like the crop duster chase and the climactic showdown on Mount Rushmore are etched in cinematic history. The film’s influence is still evident in modern thrillers, and it is celebrated to this day for its gripping narrative and stylish execution.

8

The Grapes of Wrath

Image: Sonder Quest

Based on John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Grapes of Wrath (1940) is a powerful and poignant portrayal of the struggles faced by American families during the Great Depression. Directed by John Ford and starring Henry Fonda as Tom Joad, the film follows the Joad family as they journey from Oklahoma to California in search of a better life, only to encounter hardship and injustice along the way.

The Grapes of Wrath is lauded for its smart adaptation of Steinbeck’s novel and its brutally honest depiction of the social issues of the time. The film’s carefully crafted cinematography focuses on the Joad family as a unit, its visual style providing a stark contrast to the themes of suffering and perseverance that define the story.

9

The Searchers

Image: Jon Toney

John Ford’s The Searchers (1956) is considered one of the greatest Westerns ever made. Starring John Wayne in one of his most iconic roles, the film tells the story of Ethan Edwards, a hardened Civil War veteran who embarks on a relentless quest to find his niece, who has been kidnapped by Comanche Indians.

The film is both a thrilling adventure and a complex exploration of themes such as racism, obsession, and the American frontier. The movie is also praised for its stunning cinematography, particularly its use of Monument Valley’s vast landscapes, which have become synonymous with the genre.

10

Some Like It Hot

Image: Stephanie Valencia

Some Like It Hot (1959) is a comedy classic that pushed boundaries during the waning years of Hollywood’s golden era. Directed by Billy Wilder, the film stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as two musicians who witness a mob hit and disguise themselves as women to evade the gangsters pursuing them.

Marilyn Monroe co-stars as Sugar Kane, an endearing singer who unwittingly becomes entangled in their criminal scheme. The film’s sharp wit, impeccable comedic timing, and brilliant performances have made it a staple of American cinema, and it remains as fresh and funny today as it was upon its release.

1

He was of French descent

While we think of Paul Revere as an early American icon, his roots lay across the Atlantic. His father, Apollos Rivoire, was a French Huguenot (a member of the French Reformed Church) who fled religious persecution and immigrated to Boston as a teenager.

To fit in his new home, Apollos Americanized the family name to "Revere". Paul was born in late 1734 or early 1735, the son of Apollos and a Boston local called Deborah Hichborn. Apollos was so interested in blending in that he never taught his children to speak and read French. In fact, a young Paul Revere even fought against the French as part of the colonial forces during the French and Indian War.

2

He was an accomplished artisan

Before he was a revolutionary, Revere was a master craftsman. He learned the art of silversmithing from his father and quickly gained a reputation as an accomplished artisan. He designed seals, coats of arms, plate engravings, and silver teapots.

Revere also used his engraving skills to create sharp political cartoons that mocked the British. His most famous artistic work was a sensationalized engraving of the 1770 Boston Massacre. It wasn’t entirely historically accurate, but it spread through the colonies, stirring up the anti-British sentiment that laid the groundwork for the Revolution.

3

He worked as an amateur dentist

When silversmithing work ran slow, Revere picked up a side hustle: dentistry. He started cleaning teeth and crafting dental prosthetics out of animal teeth and walrus ivory for the people of Boston.

This amateur dental career actually led to a major moment in American history. In 1775, Revere’s close friend, Dr. Joseph Warren, was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill and buried in an unmarked mass grave by British soldiers. A year later, when the bodies were exhumed, the remains were unrecognizable. Yet, Revere was able to identify Warren’s body by recognizing the specific ivory tooth and custom wire bridge he had personally crafted for his friend. It’s widely considered one of the earliest documented cases of forensic dentistry in the United States.

4

He played a key role in early intelligence efforts

Long before the CIA existed, Paul Revere was working as a pioneer of organized American espionage. As a member of the Sons of Liberty, Revere wanted to track British movements closely. In 1774, he helped form a spy group known as "the mechanics" or the "Liberty Boys".

These men were Bostonian blacksmiths, artisans, and laborers who used their ordinary routines to watch British troops, listening for rumors of upcoming military actions. The spies would gather at the city’s historic Green Dragon Tavern to trade secrets and map out British movements.

5

Longfellow's inaccurate poem

If your knowledge of Revere comes from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous 1861 poem, "Paul Revere's Ride," you’ve been given a romanticized version of history. Longfellow wrote the poem nearly a century later, on the brink of the American Civil War, to stir up national pride.

In reality, Revere wasn’t a lone rider. The night of April 18, 1775, Revere set out with two other main horsemen: William Dawes and Dr. Samuel Prescott. As they triggered local alarms, dozens of other riders joined the effort. By midnight, more than 40 people were racing across the country, spreading the word. Furthermore, Revere never actually made it to his final destination of Concord. He was captured and briefly detained by a British patrol.

6

He didn’t even own a horse for his midnight ride

It’s hard to imagine the midnight ride without Revere’s faithful steed, but the truth is, Revere didn’t even own a horse when the fateful night arrived. Because he had to be quietly rowed across the Charles River, bringing a horse from Boston was out of the question.

Once he reached Charlestown, he had to find a ride. He ended up borrowing a horse from a sympathetic local merchant called John Larkin. Legend has it that this borrowed mare was named "Brown Beauty". Sadly, after Revere was captured later that night, the soldiers confiscated the horse, and she was never seen again.

7

He didn’t actually say THAT

"The British are coming!" is one of the most famous quotes in American history, but Revere never said it. The countryside was crawling with British soldiers, so his mission had to be very quiet. Yelling at the top of his lungs would have landed him in military prison before he even left town. Instead, he went door to door delivering the warning quietly to specific patriots.

Also, the phrase wouldn’t have made sense to the colonists. At the moment in 1775, the colonists still considered themselves British citizens. Instead, historical accounts indicate that Revere used the phrase, "The Regulars are coming out!" "Regulars" was the standard colonial term for the standing British army troops.

8

His military record wasn't outstanding

Although Revere was a phenomenal community organizer and courier, his transition into traditional military leadership didn’t go smoothly. During the war, he served as a major and later a lieutenant colonel in the Massachusetts State Artillery. His military career hit a disastrous low point in the summer of 1779 during the Penobscot Expedition in modern-day Maine.

The mission was a total failure for the Americans. In the aftermath, Revere was accused of cowardice, laziness, and disobedience. He faced a court-martial and spent several years fighting to clear his name. He was ultimately acquitted of all charges in 1782, but the incident permanently tarnished his dreams of military glory.

9

Fatherhood came early… and often

If you think managing a household today is stressful, consider Paul Revere’s domestic life: he fathered an astonishing 16 children.

He had his first eight children with his first wife, Sarah Orne. Following her death in 1773, he remarried a woman called Rachel Walker, with whom he had another eight children. They crammed this huge family into a small townhouse at 19 North Square in downtown Boston. Amazingly for the 18th century, 11 of his 16 children survived to adulthood.

10

Revere Copper Products, Inc. is still in operation

After the Revolution ended, Revere left politics and went back to industry with some success. He opened a hardware store, a foundry, and the first rolling copper mill in the United States.

In fact, his business supplied the copper used to protect the hull of the USS Constitution. He also cast nearly 1,000 church bells, many of which still ring across New England today. Amazingly, the company he founded, Revere Copper Products, Inc., is still in business. Paul Revere passed away in 1818 at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy more industrious than a single night’s ride.

1

Long Island iced tea

Image: yeoul Shin

There are two theories about the origin of this cocktail, both rooted in Long Island , though not the sameLong Island!

One story claims it was born during the Prohibition era in a community named Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee . Another, more recent, credits Robert "Rosebud" Butt with inventing the recipe in a 1972 contest held on Long Island, New York .

A daring choice for some, the iconic Long Island Iced Tea has a recipe with a long list of ingredients . To prepare it, you'll need tequila, light rum, vodka, triple sec, gin, and a splash of cola. Only the bravest dare to try it!

2

Martini

Image: Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández

If you are one of those who loves a drink that's both strong and stylish , then the classic Martini is probably among your favorites. It is the choice of the sophisticated James Bond, who famously prefers his Martini "shaken, not stirred."

Traditionally made with gin and vermouth , and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist, the Martini has several variants, including the vodka Martini, which -as its name suggests- swaps gin for vodka.

While the origin of this classic is not entirely clear, most sources argue it comes from a drink called the Martinez , which had the same basic ingredients and was already being served in the mid-19th century at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, California.

3

Old Fashioned

Image: Nuff

Let's step back in time with the classic Old Fashioned ! This drink traces its roots back to the early 19th century right here in the United States.

Initially called "the whiskey cocktail," it was prepared much like it is today: mixing sugar with bitters and water, then adding whiskey or brandy. However, as the 19th century progressed, new ingredients like fruit juices, soda, or other liquors became part of many drinks. To stick to the original recipe and avoid these modern twists, people began ordering it as an "Old Fashioned."

The invention of this liquid delicacy is sometimes linked to The Pendennis, a gentlemen's club that opened in 1881 in Louisville, Kentucky . However, mentions of this delicious drink across the country long predate the club.

4

Mint julep

Image: Abby Boggier

Originally from the south of the United States and very popular, especially in Kentucky , there are mentions of this fresh cocktail as early as the 1770s!

It truly stood the test of time, and we understand why. With a base of bourbon , a hint of sugar, water, the classic crushed ice, and the essential fresh mint , it is a mix that's hard to resist.

Served traditionally in silver or pewter cups , this classic American drink is perfect for summer. However, the touch of bourbon can also be good for a cool winter day.

5

Manhattan

Image: OurWhisky Foundation

Remember the original Old Fashioned recipe? Well, let's spice it up. Take the whiskey cocktail and add a splash of sweet vermouth . That's it! Now you have a chic drink: the popular Manhattan .

The Manhattan cocktail has a fascinating origin myth , situated -of course- in NYC . Legend has it that this recipe was created in the 1870s , at the Manhattan Club for a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill's mother! However, historical records show that Lady Randolph Churchill was actually in Paris and pregnant with Winston at the time.

According to more reliable sources, the Manhattan cocktail was actually invented in the 1860s by a bartender named Black , who ran a bar near Houston Street in Manhattan.

6

Sazerac

Image: Bon Vivant

The classic Sazerac cocktail embodies the spirit of The Big Easy , where it was born in the mid-19th century.

The Sazerac we savor today is named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of Cognac brandy, from which this cocktail was first created. To make a Sazerac, absinthe, bitters, and sugar were combined with the brandy. Over time, rye whiskey replaced brandy in the modern recipe.

What sets the Sazerac apart, besides its Frenchy name, is its distinctive serving style . The ritual begins by rimming an old-fashioned glass with absinthe. Next, the drink is mixed with ice and strained into the prepared glass. Finally, a classic touch: a twist of lemon.

7

Mai Tai

Image: wu yi

While it might sound like the name of an ancient martial art, the Mai Tai is actually a delightful cocktail born in the United States of America.

More modern and with a tropical touch, the Mai Tai is a vibrant blend of rum , Curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. The year was 1944 when this balanced recipe was created by Victor J. Bergeron at his Trader Vic's restaurant in Oakland, California .

Apparently, the Mai Tai's name comes from the Thai expression "maitaʻi," which translates as "good," "excellent," or even "the best." So, if you haven't tried it yet, consider this your signal!

8

Tequila Sunrise

Image: Jamin Eyes

Named for its unmixed colors that mirror the beautiful moment when the sun rises, the Tequila Sunrise carries an intense blend: tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup .

The original recipe was a bit different. Between the 1930s and '40s , bartender Gene Sulit stirred up tequila with crème de cassis, lime juice, and soda water at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. Some three decades later in Sausalito, California , Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice made a change to the original recipe. They traded out the original last three ingredients for orange juice and grenadine, creating the present version.

In case you're wondering, yes, The Eagles' song was inspired by this drink!

9

The Ramos Gin Fizz

Image: The Humble Co.

And New Orleans is here again! With its festive spirit, this city also gave birth to another American cocktail: The Ramos Gin Fizz . This delightful recipe was born in 1888 , courtesy of Henry Charles "Carl" Ramos, owner of the Imperial Cabinet Saloon .

Originally called the " New Orleans Fizz ," it was an instant hit. But if you want to try making it at home, be prepared for a trip to the grocery store, as the recipe is a bit long . The mix for a perfect Ramos Gin Fizz includes gin, lemon juice, lime juice, egg whites, sugar, heavy cream, orange flower water, and soda water.

10

Cosmopolitan

Image: Laure Noverraz

Who hasn't heard of the iconic " Cosmo "? This delightful, sweet drink is a blend of vodka , Cointreau (a type of triple sec), cranberry juice, and a splash of sweetened lime juice. It is served in a chic martini glass and often garnished with a lemon twist.

The origin of this drink is a subject of debate, with various reports suggesting its creation in different places across the country . Some stories trace it back to the 1970s in Provincetown, Massachusetts ; San Francisco, California ; or Minneapolis, Minnesota . Others claim it was born a bit later, in the mid-1980s , in the sunny state of Florida . The current recipe, however, has traces in the bustling city of New York.

Regardless of its birth city, this drink originated in our country and is part of American culture. Let's enjoy it!