Detroit man who created the Hummer cocktail dies at 77

DETROIT (WJBK) - The creator of a Detroit original cocktail has passed away. 

The original Hummer  was created right here in Detroit by Jerome Adams in 1968. He died this past weekend at age 77.

The "adult milkshake" originated 50 years ago at the private Bayview Yacht Club on the Detroit River. It's a blended shake with white rum, Kahlúa, vanilla ice cream and ice cubes. Many consider it Michigan's state drink. 

Adams, originally from Georgia, was still recently working five nights a week at Bayview, where hummers have become so popular they're often sold by pitchers. He reportedly also traveled around Michigan and to yacht clubs countrywide, sometimes serving thousands of Hummers a night. The drink is no doubt a Michigan staple, but it also became a staple in the racing community. 

"His spirit, his smile just brightens up the room. Oh God, it's hard to talk about him," said fellow employee Asia Phillips. 

"He's basically the fiber that kept this club together," said one member.

"He was more like a father figure around here," Phillips added.

The Bayview Yacht Club was Jerome's life, having worked her for over 50 years. And the Hummer was his passion.

"He was a great representative of Bayview and a great representative of the City of Detroit," said one member.

"He was more than just a Hummer," Phillips said. "He was a wonderful man."

According to a GoFundMe account, he battled cancer three times over the years. 

A private memorial for club members is in the works, but for everyone else, the next time you have a Hummer, think of Jerome.