I found this one in a book that’s rapidly becoming my bible of turn-of-the-century (that’s the 20th century) cocktails, The Savoy Cocktail Book, which is subtitled thusly:

BEING in the main a complete compendium of the Cocktails, Rickeys, Daisies, Slings, Shrubs, Smashes, Fizzes, Juleps, Cobblers, Fixes and other Drinks, known and vastly appreciated in this year of grace 1930, with sundry notes of amusement and interest concerning them, together with subtle Observations upon Wines and their special occasions. BEING in the particular an elucidation of the Manners and Customs of people of quality in a period o some equality. The Cocktail Recipes in this book have been compiled by HARRY CRADDOCK of the SAVOY HOTEL LONDON.

You said it, Harry.

The book states that this drink is “so-called because if there should happen to be an earthquake on when you are drinking it, it won’t matter. This is a cocktail whose potency is not to be taken too lightly, or, for that matter, too frequently!”

I can attest to the truth of that statment. Holy bejeebies.

The Earthquake Cocktail

1 jigger gin.
1 jigger whiskey (I used Old Overholt Rye; try any rye, Canadian or Bourbon.)
1 jigger absinthe (Use the real stuff from Europe if you can get it; otherwise use Herbsaint, Pernod or Ricard).

Shake well and serve in a chilled cocktail glass.

You might also want to try standing in a doorway when you drink it (so that you can steady yourself easily).