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Spirits, Sugar, Water, Bitters: How the Cocktail Conquered the World
The story of the cocktail --"the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet," according to H.L. Mencken --featuring 45 recipes for rediscovered classics and inspired originals.
A cocktail-- the fascinating alchemy of simple alcohols into complex potables-- is an invention as unlikely as it is delicious, and an American innovation whose history marches in step with that of the Republic. In Spirits Sugar Water Bitters , nationally recognized bartender and spirits expert Derek Brown tells the story of the cocktail's birth, rise, fall, and eventual resurrection, tracing the contours of the American story itself.
In this spirited timeline, Brown shows how events such as the Whiskey Rebellion, Prohibition, and the entry of Hawaii into the United States shaped the nation's drinking habits. Brown also tells the stories of the great men and women who made their mark on cocktail culture, including America's Distiller-In-Chief George Washington and modern-day King Cocktail Dale DeGroff, as well as lesser-known mixology heroes like Martha Niblo, the nineteenth-century New York proprietress famous for her Sherry Cobblers, and Frederic Tudor, whose ice-shipping business gave early drinks like the Cobbler and the Mint Julep the chill they needed. Featuring classic and original recipes inspired by each period, this book serves up the perfect mix of geography, history, culture, and taste.
A cocktail-- the fascinating alchemy of simple alcohols into complex potables-- is an invention as unlikely as it is delicious, and an American innovation whose history marches in step with that of the Republic. In Spirits Sugar Water Bitters , nationally recognized bartender and spirits expert Derek Brown tells the story of the cocktail's birth, rise, fall, and eventual resurrection, tracing the contours of the American story itself.
In this spirited timeline, Brown shows how events such as the Whiskey Rebellion, Prohibition, and the entry of Hawaii into the United States shaped the nation's drinking habits. Brown also tells the stories of the great men and women who made their mark on cocktail culture, including America's Distiller-In-Chief George Washington and modern-day King Cocktail Dale DeGroff, as well as lesser-known mixology heroes like Martha Niblo, the nineteenth-century New York proprietress famous for her Sherry Cobblers, and Frederic Tudor, whose ice-shipping business gave early drinks like the Cobbler and the Mint Julep the chill they needed. Featuring classic and original recipes inspired by each period, this book serves up the perfect mix of geography, history, culture, and taste.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published April 16, 2019
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156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 23, 2019
I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of following Derek Brown from the original incarnation of the Columbia Room (back when it was in the original incarnation of The Passenger) to the Spirited Republic Series at the National Archives to the CR’s current home in Blagden Alley (a mandatory destination for any cocktail lover), and it’s a treat to see this book come to fruition. Over the years, many of us have learned, from Derek and his Drink Co. progeny, the intricate history of cocktails, but that all came piecemeal, drink by drink (not that I’m complaining). Now anyone making the leap from Red Bull & Vodkas to Red Hooks (which is basically me in my 20s vs. me in my 30s) can see how that evolution was made possible.
Lots of great recipes here...I found myself starting to keep a list from which I can order the next time I’m at a bar worth its druthers. Also, credit to the author for pointing out cases of cultural appropriation and shining a light on the contributions of women throughout cocktail history. Minor demerit for referring to South Pacific as a play when it’s a musical (hey, if I have to be careful about what I call a martini with vodka in it - and feel bad about ordering it in the first place - I’m going to nitpick about terminology, too).
The book itself is beautiful - like a space race era textbook - with wonderfully thick pages and built in bookmarks. A great addition to your home library and exceptionally gift-worthy. Cheers!
Lots of great recipes here...I found myself starting to keep a list from which I can order the next time I’m at a bar worth its druthers. Also, credit to the author for pointing out cases of cultural appropriation and shining a light on the contributions of women throughout cocktail history. Minor demerit for referring to South Pacific as a play when it’s a musical (hey, if I have to be careful about what I call a martini with vodka in it - and feel bad about ordering it in the first place - I’m going to nitpick about terminology, too).
The book itself is beautiful - like a space race era textbook - with wonderfully thick pages and built in bookmarks. A great addition to your home library and exceptionally gift-worthy. Cheers!
September 19, 2019
A wonderful walk through the history of the cocktail, Spirits Sugar Water Bitters is the perfect balance of facts, anecdotes and cocktail recipes. Every chapter is approachable, engaging and insightful for the cocktail curious.
June 5, 2019
Best book I've read so far this year. A great story of the cocktail and its role in American history. Warning - makes you thirsty for a drink.
January 3, 2020
I have already given this book to at least a small handful of friends as gifts, it's that good. Chock-full of fascinating history and great recipes, and a fully smooth and entertaining read, I can't say enough about it.
March 24, 2020
Amazing chronicle of the cocktail! Grab your shaker and get reading!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews