Gilded Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from America's Golden Age

Washington Mews Books

by Cecelia Tichi

A delightful romp through America’s Golden Age of Cocktails

The decades following the American Civil War burst with invention—they saw the dawn of the telephone, the motor car, electric lights, the airplane—but no innovation was more welcome than the beverage heralded as the “cocktail.”

The Gilded Age, as it came to be known, was the Golden Age of Cocktails, giving birth to the classic Manhattan and martini that can be ordered at any bar to this day. Scores of whiskey drinks, cooled with ice chips or cubes that chimed against the glass, proved doubly pleasing when mixed, shaken, or stirred with special flavorings, juices, and fruits. The dazzling new drinks flourished coast to coast at sporting events, luncheons, and balls, on ocean liners and yachts, in barrooms, summer resorts, hotels, railroad train club cars, and private homes.

From New York to San Francisco, celebrity bartenders rose to fame, inventing drinks for exclusive universities and exotic locales. Bartenders poured their liquid secrets for dancing girls and such industry tycoons as the newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst and the railroad king “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt.

Cecelia Tichi offers a tour of the cocktail hours of the Gilded Age, in which industry, innovation, and progress all take a break to enjoy the signature beverage of the age. Gilded Age Cocktails reveals the fascinating history behind each drink as well as bartenders’ formerly secret recipes. Though the Gilded Age cocktail went “underground” during the Prohibition era, it launched the first of many generations whose palates thrilled to a panoply of artistically mixed drinks.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, History, Food, Food and Drink

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2021

About the author

A fresh start for every new book, and author Tichi's zest for America's Gilded Age and its boldface names draws this seasoned writer to a crime fiction series while uncorking the country's cocktail cultures on the printed (and ebook) page. Tichi digs deep into the Vanderbilt University research library to mine the late 1800-1900s history and customs of Society's "Four Hundred," its drinks, and the ways high-stakes crimes in its midst make for a gripping "Gilded" mystery series that rings true to the tumultuous era. The decades of America's industrial titans and "Queens" of Society have loomed large in Tichi's books for several years, and the titles track her recent projects:
• Civic Passions: Seven Who Launched Progressive America (and What They Teach Us)
• Jack London: A Writer's Fight for a Better America
• What Would Mrs. Astor Do? A Complete Guide to the Manners and Mores of the Gilded Age
• Gilded Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from the Golden Age
• Jazz Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from the Roaring Twenties.
• A Gilded Death (crime fiction)
• Murder, Murder, Murder in Gilded Central Park (crime fiction)
• A Fatal Gilded High Note (crime fiction)
Cecelia is at work on a fourth in the series, “A Gilded Free Fall.” She enjoys membership and posting in Facebook’s The Gilded Age Society. You can read more about Cecelia by visiting her Wikipedia page at: https://bit.ly/Tichiwiki or her website: https://cecebooks.com.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐ read for any cocktail enthusiast! This book was a treasure trove of historical background, stories and recipes of drinks created and served in America in the Gilded Age (late 1800s) I really enjoyed both the short stories behind the drinks and also the recipes. I feel like so many times, in books, it's the same old drink with a little twist but how fun to do a themed night with some really cool historical drinks from over 100 years ago! There are heated drinks made with boiling water and it didn't occur to me that was because ice was just starting to be used in drinks so they played around the other way with temperature, especially without our modern day heating, also the story of the origin of the name "cocktail", all really cool and interesting facts to learn about a time that, in terms of liquor, I didn't know very much about. The set up was just how I enjoy a book to flow, chapters with a topic and then stories with the drink they are referring to put right there in the text, perfect! There were no glossy pictures, just hand drawn sketches and although normally that would be a miss for me, in this book, if fit perfectly to the style/theme of the book, I didn't need to see a stylized photo to feel the atmosphere of the book or the drinks. I've already picked out ones to try over the holidays! This will be one I will for sure buy for myself and also give as gifts to friends and I would ++ encourage you to check it out! 🍸🍾 when it publishes on April 27th 2021. Thank-you to NetGalley and NYU Press for letting me have an advanced reader copy, I very much enjoyed a peak at this read!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun cocktail book to have for your bar at home. There is as much history as there are recipes, as you travel through the private clubs of New York, the Transcontinental Railroad, old-fashioned dinner parties, the Barbary Coast, and other regional gilded age history sites like Chicago and New England. The drawings are lovely and befitting of the time and place. The recipes sound delicious and will probably make you look sophisticated at parties, once we can have those again. Meticulously researched and well-told.

Thank you to NYU Press, NetGalley and Cecilia Tichi for this interesting and fun addition to my library and entertaining repertoire!

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Drunken stars!

I love cooking/drink books like this! I find them so fascinating, and this one was fantastic in that regard. Full of history about the cocktails, and easy to follow recipes. I can't wait to work my way through the entire book. The only small niggle I had was I wish it had been a little more visually pleasing!

**ARC Via NetGalley**

[Ryan Wheaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s about cocktails.

[Monica Villas Boas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gilded Age Cocktails has the fantastic premise of using storytelling to teach the readers about the origins of classic cocktails such as Martini, Old Fashioned, Blue Blazer, amongst others. It's a very short book that can be read over the weekend or occasionally, as the chapters are not necessarily connected to each other. It's a great gift for anyone working in the hospitality industry or for whoever loves cocktails.

Even though I enjoyed the book, I wish the chapter division had been different. Each chapter had a name and it would start with a story and the name on the cocktail originated from that story would pop up in the middle of the chapter, between names of many people that I ended up forgetting in the end. I would have enjoyed the book better if each chapter had the name of the cocktail it was talking about - it would have been easier to associate names and stories to them. I did love the part in which the author talked about cities/states/universtities and which cocktails were created there.

Overall, I'd recommend this book for people who already know about the cocktail scene and want to read out of curiosity and because of the storytelling, not for someone who is now starting to discover the beverage world. I'd definitely gift it to my bartender friends, I am positive it'd give them great conversation pieces with their guests.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilded Age Cocktails by Cecelia Tichi
History, Lore and Recipes from America’s Golden Age

This is a book to be savored and returned to over time. It is not the quick read with pretty photographs that I thought it would be but instead an informative and information laden tome filled with history, anecdotes, recipes and more. I learned where the term “cocktail” derived from, heard about bartenders that changed the drinks world, found out how cocktails came by their names, traveled the USA (and beyond) to hear about places and mixed drinks I had never heard of before and went on an educational journey I wouldn’t mind revisiting with a glass in my hand.

I can see sitting down with this book and skimming it quickly the first time to find out which cocktails sound most intriguing. After that I believe it would be fun to try a new cocktail one at a time, mark down comments about each one as sampled and come up with a scoresheet of final favorites. I also believe this would be fun as a party guide…perhaps one would have an event based on cocktails named after famous people or maybe locations with beverages named after them or even ivy league colleges with their own special drink combination.

The illustrations were hand drawn, simple and delightful.
The history informative and interesting
The glossary detailed
The index complete
And the recipes – something I would like to revisit again when I have the ingredients to concoct with.

Thank you to NetGalley and NYU Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Taylor M · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute must read for any cocktail enthusiast out there!

As someone with a strong interest in both cocktails and history, this book perfectly melded the two together to give you the history of cocktail drinking, as well as the actual cocktails themselves.

The recipes within the book were extremely interesting (some wildly complicated - have to hand it to the bartenders of yesteryear for the patients in making some of these beverages!) and unique.

I truly enjoyed every second of this book as it goes beyond a recipe book into the territory of telling an actual story of the history behind the recipes.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. These opinions are my own!

[Jas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This book felt very all over the place. I wish the author and picked one way of organizing the information and then stuck with it. It also came across as very "name droppy," but the majority of people mentioned were people I don't think most of us would care about. And after a while, even the drink recipes started to feel repetitive. It also just ended sort of abruptly with a short chapter on bitters.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilded Age Cocktails is a wonderful mix of history and cocktails. The book takes you through a journey across the United States, stopping in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Florida, Hawaii, and other places to provide a great context to how these cocktails were created. The recipes are generally very simple and easy to make at home.

5/5 Stars!

Thank you to Netgalley and NYU Press for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mellissa Bushby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely cocktail book with a difference, Gilded Age Cocktails had me feeling nostalgic about Gatsby, elegant afternoon cocktails on the terrace, and of course, the epitome of class with a dash of sultry, the perfect martini. There is also a rum punch recipe made with tea that intrigues me, I mean you can't go wrong with tea, and with a large splash of rum and fire for effect.... yes, please!

Back to the book. I loved the layout, the historical snippets and origins of the drinks, and found the illustrations charming and very much in keeping with the overall whimsical vintage feel. The history behind many of the beautiful, tall drinks served at high-end bars isn't something most people take into account, but is fascinating none-the-less, and this period, late 1800's, is jam-packed with fascinating facts.

Pretty, informative, and interesting, this book would make the perfect gift, especially in hard copy. Now, I'm off to try that rum punch!

Many thanks to Cecelia Tichi, NYU Press and Net Galley for my ARC.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time a book has inspired me to throw a party! I found the historical tidbits about some of my favorite cocktails to be interesting, informative, and fun! I love the accompanying recipes and it was fascinating to trace the development of some of my favorite libations. Everything from the origins of the name “cocktail” to the influence the “invention” of ice (and then cubes) made in the transformation of liquor consumption is covered in this well written and well researched book.
I read the ebook which included a few simple illustrations but I’d be really interested in seeing a print version. I’m hoping (guessing?) that it includes lovely pictures that add to the elegance and interest this book inspires. If so, and I had read the print version, this could possibly be a 5 star review.
Thank you to NetGalley and NYU Press for the ARC. I’ll send you pix from my cocktail party!!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Gilded Age Cocktails is a beautifully curated collection of history, minutiae, and cocktails by Dr. Cecelia Tichi. Due out 4th May 2021 from NYU Press, it's 176 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is such an exuberant and well written ode to historical and classic cocktails and drinking culture. The author is both a teacher of literature and clearly enamored of the elegance and refinement (and sometimes humor) to be found in these classic libations and their origins. This is not just a bar book full of recipes. To the contrary, it's a history essay with recipes interspersed in the relevant stories. The recipe for the "Blue Blazer" is contained in the story of Jerry Thomas, the originator of the drink (and quite a character, according to this account). The recipe for the "Tuxedo" is presented in a charming interlude on the Erie Railway and passengers who were offered a complimentary cocktail by the railway en route to Tuxedo Park. There are many more presented in a similar vein.
Each of the recipes includes an introductory description and yields, ingredients in American standard (oz), and step by step instructions. Variations and alternatives are provided at the end of the recipes. The book also includes a useful bibliography and links resources for further reading as well as a fairly comprehensive glossary of terms and an index.

Many of the ingredients should be available at any well stocked grocery/liquor store although some might need to be sourced at specialists.

Cocktails are such a civilized interlude and this book includes a solid cross section of classics to build mixology skills and impress one's friends at the next gathering.

Five stars. Fans of the period as well as cocktail fans won't want to miss this one. It should be sought out as a well written history of the cocktails along with recipes, and not the reverse.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[JoyReaderGirl1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Gilded Age Cocktails—History, Lore, and Recipes from America’s Golden Age” By Cecelia Tichi--A Tasty Compendium of Victorian Adult Beverage Concoctions. Sweet or savory, fizzy and fru fru, when the popularity of alcoholic ‘mixed drinks’ gained social acceptance and popularity in post-Civil War America their ingredient lists were as imaginative as their names—The Blue Blazer, Manhattan, Knickerbocker Kümmel and the Floradora to name a few. In Cecelia Tichi’s latest book, “Gilded Age Cocktails—History, Lore, and Recipes from America’s Golden Age,” she gives adult beverage recipes, along with the historical highlights of the late 1800s from which they're adapted. In this humorous adventure through America’s glorious Gilded Age of industrial expansion, robber barons, the gold rush, and the rise of America’s wealthy society elite (Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Astor, Flagler, etc.), Tichi provides the mythic history for a slew of legendary cocktails from around the country during that period. Included in the book is an index of drink recipes; an exhaustive bibliography of research resources; a fascinating explanation about ‘Bitters;’ a guide to bar glassware; and the glossary from the Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book that explains varieties of alcohol. In her introduction to “Gilded Age Cocktails—History, Lore, and Recipes from America’s Golden Age,” Cecelia Tichi also explains the humorous name for a mixed drink—'cocktail.’ No, it has nothing to do with feathers, she extols in this lively, fun and fascinating history about the origins of one of America’s wind-down specialties—the cocktail! Enjoy every pleasurable sip; it's delicious.

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The Book Maven’s Journal—Reviews for Word Connoisseurs

REVIEWER: J.Hunt
STAR RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Sincere Appreciation to NetGalley, Author Cecelia Tichi, and Washington Mews Books an Imprint of New York University Press for Providing an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) for Review.

Book Reviews
by TheBookMavenJoy
are also on Goodreads.

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“Gilded Age Cocktails—History, Lore, and Recipes from America’s Golden Age”
Cecelia Tichi
Washington Mews Books An Imprint of New York University Press
Publication Date 04 May 2021

[Bridget Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilded Age Cocktails Review

#GildedAge #Recipes #HistoricalRead

Bridget Ball

8 hr ago



The cocktail is named after an equestrian practice of fashioning Thoroughbred tails to distinguish bloodlines and it is no wonder Gilded Age socialites adopted these drinks and made them their own. Gilded Age Cocktails is a comprehensive book of the history, lore, and invention of such favorites as The Old Fashioned, The Manhattan, The Tom and Jerry, and Blue Blazer. Cecelia Tichi does a well-researched deep dive into the past of these cocktails and comes up with a highly informative and entertaining book of our favorite drinks and how they came to be.
I found this book fun with cute drawings that accompany the story of each drink. Covering regions such as New York, Florida, Hawaii, and Chicago the history is deeply embedded in our North American history and I feel their story is being told. I loved the chapter on the Ivy League schools and the drinks that are named after them. I have always been a firm believer that you can tell a lot about a person by their drink orders and this book affirmed my theory.
History buffs, cocktail lovers, bartenders, and restauranteurs will benefit from this book. Not only is the book stylish but is rich is history and functional with recipes - a definite must have to adorn any preppy's at home bar. Like the drinks and their name sakes, this sophisticated and classy book will stand the test of time and forever be en vogue.
I read this book and use the recipes each Monday night while I watch the A Gilded Age tv series. A great book for entertaining and conversations, I raise my glass and toast to Gilded Age Cocktails!

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilded Age Cocktails by Cecelia Tichi

176 Pages
Publisher: NYU Press
Release Date: April 27, 2021

Nonfiction, Cooking, Food & Wine, Craft Cocktails

According to the author, the Gilded Age occurred during the period from 1870s to the 1910s. The book is divided into the following chapters.

1. Olympians of the Bar
2. A Chef and a Socialite Suggest
3. To-Go Cup
4. Location, Location, Location
5. Spirited Cities
6. Oh, The Places They Toast!
7. Quaffing Collegians
8. Bubbles
9. “Demon Rum”
10. In Honor of …
11. The Bitter(s) Truth

This book is a step back into the past with unique cocktails. The author provides historical references of flavorings and fruits being transported by railways and ships. I found it interesting that ice was introduced to cocktails during this period. Reading about Jerry Thomas always brings a smile to my face since my husband has the same name and is a cocktail genius.

The cocktails in the book are interesting and I love the use of egg in them. I had been on the hunt for French and Italian vermouth so I can make a few of the drinks mentioned until I realized French was dry and Italian was sweet. In the back is a glossary from the Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar book.

[Darius Ostrowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

As we continue to sit at home during this pandemic, it is nice to open a book and be reminded of the time when one could go out for the evening and enjoy a cocktail or two. “Gilded Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from America's Golden Age” by Cecelia Tichi takes us back even further, the start of the 20th century, when the rich and powerful could take advantage of their wealth, high society, and the availability of ice to live the glamorous life.

Ms. Tichi does a great job balancing stories, history, and recipes in this book of cocktails from the past. Grouped by broad categories (cities, college, high society, etc.), we get a little bit of history along with some background of the drinks both famous and those that have faded from memory. The recipes sound interesting, although I have to admit that it seems a lot of them are just variations on gin, vermouth, and bitters (by the way, the rich and famous drank A LOT more vermouth than we do today).

A good mix of stories with recipes, not too much of either.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from NYU Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Catie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed 'Gilded Age Cocktails' by Cecelia Tichi. I’ve always found cocktails interesting, from how they originate to the ways they are named. This book did a wonderful job diving into the popularity and culture surrounding many of the drinks we know, love, and still enjoy today such as the Manhattan and Gin Fizz. In addition to the continued classics, there are a significant number that have faded into relative obscurity, from the cocktails of the Ivy Leagues to Milk Punch or the Mamie. Hearing the stories of how the bartender developed the drinks, the social mores of old establishments, and the headliner scandal's behind some of the names was a treat and something most books of this nature don't include. The only downside is that I wish that the narrative was a little more cohesive, pointing out trends or comparing cocktails instead of just going one or two at a time. I understood the theming in some parts but wanted a more clear sorting, either chronologically, origin, or liquor. Still, I learned so many new facts to share with friends over a cocktail or two and would definitely recommend. Cheers!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and NYU Press for the digital galley of this book.

Let me begin by saying, this book combines some of my absolute favorite things, history, lore, and alcohol.

Like any cocktail book worth it’s salt, you’ll find tons of recipes in here, some super easy to make (the ones I will be trying), as well as elaborate ones with ingredients I may not have heard of, something for both the simple and sophisticated palate when it comes to spirits. I love the pace and tone of this book. Plenty of recipes peppered throughout stories of the Gilded Age and context for the world that shaped these concoctions.

Some of these recipes were secret for years, but you’ll find all of them and many stories behind them in this collection. I think prohibition made both the drinks and the stories more interesting, because people had to be super stealth about all of it.

Anyway, if you like cool, quirky microhistories and need some new recipes to add to your mixology collection, check this book out. It’ll be coming to shelves near you on April 21, 2021.

[Vitória Fernandes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and NYU Press for the digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not gonna lie, this gorgeous cover was what made me want to read this book at first. I'm happy now that I know the contents are worthy of this beautiful cover.

The book brings a bit of historical context to the times and places of the creation of some of the most famous cocktails of the Gilded Age, like the Manhattan and the Martini. Some like the Sazerac I have already tried, but many other I discovered here and will definitely try some of the recipes.

It has some nice illustrations, but I wish it had some of the proper glasses for the drinks, at least in the glossary at the end to help people who aren't familiar with bar glasses.

My favorite chapters were those where it focused on the specific places and their signature drinks, like New York, New Orleans, Hawaii and some Ivy League schools. Specially in chapter 5, I felt transported to those times and places.

If you like cocktails and history this is a must read for you.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book full of two of the things I enjoy most--cocktails and history! Pre-pandemic, one of my favorite vices was craft cocktails, and while I've certainly enjoyed more than my fair share of cocktails while staying at home, I lack the finesse and creativity of a good bartender. This book provided inspiration for future drinks, with the history behind them.

Author Cecelia Tichi suggests that the cocktail craze was a direct result of the availability of ice and covers cocktails by geographical region, industry, and institution of higher education. She also gives information on glassware and includes an index. Yay.

Confession time: I've never been a fan of gin and thus, had never even heard of Tom gin, but now I suspect it could change my beliefs about gin. Also, although I knew that beer consumption was high during colonial times (unsafe drinking water), I did not know how much and how early in the day people in the Gilded Age drank (that is, those of economic means).

This is a delightful book for people who love history and a good drink. #GildedAgeCocktails #NetGalley

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from NYU Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Being a fan of Bar Rescue with Jon Taffer, I have sparked an interest in mixology and the various types of drinks that have developed before the test of time and this book further expanded my knowledge hence the reason I enjoyed it the most. Knowing the history of drinks such as the old fashioned and 12 mile limit, it was insightful to learn of drinks I have never heard of and the fact that during that time these were secret family recipes that were protected during the Prohibition Era and only politicians and the wealthy got the pleasure in consuming these drinks. Cecelia takes it one step further in sharing these recipes and you can make them anytime you want.

We will consider adding this title to our TX Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Chad Alexander Guarino da Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two parts history.
One part wild, inventive cocktails.
Three parts Gilded Age excess.
Add ice and mix well.

A wild mix of history and beverage recipe book, Gilded Age Cocktails is a great pick-up-and-read guide to all of the post-Victorian excesses and innovations in carousing. Packed with facts and enough recipes to put even the most tolerant of drinkers under the table, this was a fun and super-quick read that didn't require too much in the brains category. The main complaint is a bit of a lack of focus, as the chapters jump all around and the end is rather abrupt. However, for what it's trying to do, these are fairly minor complaints. Pick this up if you'd like to learn new ways to use lemon peel to spruce up your drinks...seriously, there's apparently a ton of ways I'd never imagined before.

**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to NYU Press.**

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was provided with an ARC copy from NetGalley*

I was blown away by how much I loved this book. I was unsure what to expect when I first read the description of this book. I thought I would have a few drink recipes with a textbook-style blurb about the history of each type of cocktail. This book is so much more than that!

The book explained the history of many cocktails in a story format, instead of a textbook format. The author would describe the life of the person who invented a cocktail and the events that occurred in their lives that inspired the cocktails. And then the accompaniment of the recipe itself was fun and I wanted to try each and every one of them. There is definitely a few drink recipes that have been added to my list of favorite drinks.

The illustrations of drinks, glasses, and mixology tools were adorable additions to this book.

[Veronica Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilded Age Cocktails a fanciful history of the cocktail influence including the war on alcohol. To stone cold drunk to stone cold sober. Ranging from social contexts from sugar too bitter. From fruity to Nutty. With the life of all creations it revolves around- parties, socialites, clubs and fame. Also alot of strong strong cocktails that could put someone out in a second. Beautiful illustrations involved with the layout. Most of all the funniest thing in the world is how much hard liquor was involved and the time it took and care to make such unique drinks. The funny and creative ideas.

This Arc Was given to me By NetGalley and NYUpress in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date April 27 2021.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed: March 28, 2021
Pub Date: May 4, 2021

Wow! "Gilded Age Cocktails" combines a few of my favorite things; booze, books and history. In the intro, Tichi breaks down the history of the gilded cocktail. This is SO fun because it gives the reader a little perspective as to what it all means. The amount of research to go into this book of cocktails is stunning!

Each chapter is also broken down for into different drinks and different parts of the gilded age. The cocktails really do transform you to a different era! Even though the book of cocktails keeps its integrity, pictures would have been nice for those who are new to making drinks. Someone a little more experienced would find more joy in these recipes.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the perfect gift for history buffs who like cocktails because it is the perfect blend of history and recipes. The cover is beautiful and I really appreciated that it wasn't just a recipe book with pictures of each drink. It really took you into the time and setting of the Golden Age and explained the history of the drink and how it's made. There are classic recipes for Martini's and Manhattans but you will discover quite a few fabulous drinks that are new to you (I have already tried the Hawaii Cocktail and loved it). The recipes are fairly easy to make at home. If you like cocktails this is book you want on your bookshelf!

Thank you to Cecelia Tichi, NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced e-book in exchange for my honest review.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for history and when you throw in some hooch, that makes it even more interesting. What I enjoy most about this book is the history that is included throughout the book along with recipes.

Some are drinks I’m familiar with, like the Hot Toddy, Manhattan, Planters Punch and more. There are a ton that are new to me as well like college cocktails, the Van Wyck, Sam Ward (can’t wait to tell my dentist about his namesake drink), and tons more.

Once the pandemic is over, there is a themed costume party in our future using some of the recipes in this book. It will be a party filled with fun costumes, fun factoids, and lots of fun drinks.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

For people who love history and cocktails, this title merges the two. It is a great fit if you like the Gilded Age...the time post Civil war when so many great inventions were happening.

One thing I found interesting is that many of the 'tropical' drinks were not invented in the tropics. Rather, crafty bartenders pulled together drinks that used citrus and other tropical ingredients to appeal to their customers in major cities like NYC.

I'm now curious to try my hand at some of the drinks in the book. Just need to gather the necessary ingredients.

Many thanks to the publisher who provided me with an electronic advance reader copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle Bibliovino · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very dry presentation unfortunately makes this less enjoyable than it could have been. The history is interesting but could have been peppered with humor, or at least cheek, but instead feels more like a lecture. The illustrations could easily have been upgraded to look like old patent applications, or some other style, but were simple line drawings that added little besides a visual break in the narrative.

The recipes themselves were simply presented and easy to follow. There was a variety of liqueurs and additives showcasing many flavors and styles.

Overall, not was I was hoping for. These are my honest opinions. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the free ebook.

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and NYU Press for an advanced copy

This book told a really interesting story of the history of the American cocktail. The short stories explained how the drinks came to be and the recipes showed how to make them. There are several I’d like to try. My only complaint was that the language was a bit tricky in the storytelling sections. The author tended to use “for” as a conjunction and that gave the stories an antiquated feel. It goes with the historical aspect of it, but there were not other examples of older language throughout, so it was just kind of offputting.