Newport Bartender and Historian John Begin.

Newport Bartender and Historian John Begin offered a Facebook livestream showcasing Christmas cocktails mixed with New England lore on Dec. 13. Sharing bits of Newport and Colonial history, including its role as part of the Colony’s original success in the nation’s founding, Begin offered insight into the historical role of the city, drinking and cocktails while creating a Classic Rum Punch, with a New England spin. Begin used locally based Thomas Tew Rum, maple syrup, lime juice and cinnamon in his seasonally shaken-and-strained creation and demonstration.