Doctors and Distillers: The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails

by Camper English

"The intertwined histories of booze and medicine, from internationally-renowned cocktail expert Camper English. Alcohol and medicine have an inextricably intertwined history, with innovations in each altering the path of the other. The story stretches back to the ancient world, when beer and wine were used to provide nutrition, hydration, and act as solvents for healing botanicals. Over time, alchemists distilled elixirs designed to cure all diseases, monastic apothecaries developed mystical botanical liqueurs, travelling physicians concocted dubious intoxicating nostrums, and the drinks we're familiar with today began to take form. In turn, scientists studied fermentation and formed the germ theory of disease, and developed an understanding of elemental gasses and anesthetics. Modern cocktails like the Gimlet, Gin & Tonic, and Old Fashioned were born as delicious remedies for diseases and discomforts. In Doctors and Distillers, cocktail expert Camper English reveals how and why the contents of our medicine and liquor cabinets were, until surprisingly recently, one and the same"--

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Science, Food, Audiobook, Medicine, Microhistory

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2022

About the author

Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer and speaker who has covered the craft cocktail renaissance for over 15 years, contributing to more than 50 publications around the world including Popular Science, Saveur, Details, Whisky Advocate, and Drinks International.

With a focus on the nerdy side of mixology, he has studied everything from the history of carbonation to the science of clear ice cubes. He has been awarded International Cognac Writer of the Year by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac and Best Cocktail Writer at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.

His website is Alcademics.com.

Reviews

[Matthew Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good foray into the science and medicine of the past -- so long as it isn't derogatory. And this one isn't! It's a little tongue in cheek at times but mostly pokes gentle fun when the author feels the need. I never got a sense that he was putting on that annoying, "Today we are smarter and better than people of the past" attitude that some microhistory writers think make them sound clever (or whatever).

At any rate, it's fascinating how strongly liquor is tied to medicine in the Western world and sometimes horrifying what science of the time thought was healthy. (which, of course, makes it even more fascinating) Each chapter ends with a cocktail recipe, though I was listening to this as an audiobook (the narrator was great) so I didn't pay as much attention to that as I might have.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Topic selection is often the true key to success in an article, book, or screenplay, and Camper English hit the bull's eye in this one.

Liqueurs, drinks, booze, hooch, and such often had their beginnings intended as medicine by someone a long time ago. Healers, medicine people, and the various makers of these solutions came from way back in our DNA before doctors, nurses, the American Medical Association, or any other bureaucracy got started. As the book explains, the healers and their liquid cures came along at a time when doctors and medicine were too far away, and expensive. Sound familiar?

Doctors and Distillers put other ideas into play. How about lagging attendance at the Oakland A's games? What if a fan, or their bored spouse, could get a shot to try and fix whatever ails them between innings? With or without the alcohol in the drink? Maybe it's time to think beyond the beer stand or just expand its offerings.

I think I counted 85 pages marked for further study in a book that kept my sticky tabs at arm's reach. My only disappointment in this book was a lack of focus on the liqueurs of Europe that I knew intimately at one time, some 30 years ago. My favorite was Pacharan, made from the sloe berry, usually found in the Spanish Basque Country. It did wonders for my newspaper deadline blood pressure by just sipping a full shot glass -- once a month! I also discovered Liqueur de Yierbas from up in La Coruna, but it never lasted. Some thirsty friends liked it too much.

Farther travels led to even more finds. I was introduced to more local liqueurs in the little islands near Gothenburg, Sweden. I was tempted by a small private collection of 4 varieties that caught my attention, but time and social protocol didn't allow for sampling.

Camper English's D&D didn't delve far enough into such liqueurs, but I wouldn't be surprised if he came up with a separate book for that.

Doctors and Distillers is likely to spark parts of your imagination, too. I'll let you decide for yourself. There are also a lot of mixed-drink recipes here.

[Laura Madsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about the intertwined histories of alchemy, distilling, medicine, and alcoholic beverages. Many of the drinks you see on the menu evolved from medicine, like a daiquiri (rum & lime juice) for scurvy, or a gin & tonic for malaria (quinine).

I'm home sick with COVID this week (managed to avoid it for 2.5 years) and my throat is painful, so I have been making use of medicinal whiskey! We have a bottle of Robbers Roost Campsite Cordial Rock & Bourbon from Utah's Waterpocket Distillery, which is bourbon infused with figs, dates, raisins, cinnamon, orange and lemon peel, mace, and cloves. From this book, I learned that Rock & Rye dates to the 1870's and was rock candy infused in rye whiskey, plus added citrus, cloves, horehound, etc. It was recommended for coughs caused by consumption (i.e., tuberculosis). Seems effective for COVID as well.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book seemed to get better as I went through it and became accustomed to the author's pace - or maybe it was because the items discussed became more familiar to me. I liked the way recipes for drinks were offered following a discussion about related beverages or concoctions. While I won't retain much of this information nor be able to make a drink from it, the overall effect was enjoyable.

[Jeff Dieden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read and valuable resource (many cocktail recipes). Wonderful research and history in here, with origin stories for many drinks. Most spirits and alcoholic beverages over the centuries started as medicinal (with a huge range of purported health benefits) before being used recreationally. Fun to read, and very informative.

[Stephanie Meyers Helms · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I’m definitely in the minority of readers here, but this was a struggle for me. It was almost a DNF for me.

Just a little too encyclopedic for my tastes. It was as dry as Prohibition was intended to be, if I had to guess.

While the information was interesting and I learned a bit, it just never tripped my trigger. YMMV.
But I AM keeping it for the cocktail recipes!

[Nina Gao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a fun and informative read! Definitely wished each anecdotes was expanded, but that's just the scientist in me.

I listened to this as an audiobook, but probably more fun as a physical book to see the recipes and potentially reference them to make the drinks alongside each read. I'm also curious if I missed out on any graphics.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was informative, interesting, and full of wry humor. The fascinating historical details and compelling stories kept me reading. And now I will tell anyone who'll listen about the history of Dr. Pepper. :) Highly recommended!

[emma hoho · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Doctors and Distillers to be an interesting and informative read. However, at times, it felt like a fact dump and became difficult to follow. The author covered so many topics, it became difficult to keep track of the information. It bounced from continent to continent, era to era, etc. Additionally, there were regular sidebars that were only tangentially to the author’s point.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun history book about the medical uses of alcohol throughout time. Interesting and humorous, English moves through types of drinks and their uses to try to cure diseases. (I’m surprised that anyone lived past 40 through some time periods with the “cures” that were utilized.) Fun book with lots of drink recipes throughout the book.

[Sougeitu · Rating 4 out of 5]

如果還在猶豫要不要買這本書，我的推薦是可以買，看了不虧。至少我自己是很喜歡。
與其說是在討論酒與煉金，本書其實講的主要是與酒精有關的醫療史，酒類飲料的發展與變遷。作者提到的各式話題都很有意思，足以見其知識面之廣。
如果有條件的話推薦買實體書，本書的電子書版式調整得不是很好有點奇怪。

[Katherin Rook · Rating 4 out of 5]

lots of easily digestible and entertaining information.

[Stuart Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting information but there were far too many passages listing the enormous number of conditions and illnesses that were claimed to be cured by the spirit in question until of course regulations for labeling and advertising--and sometimes outright bans--came into existence. Recipes for many unusual cocktails are interspersed.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This frolicking history of the cocktail was nothing groundbreaking, but it was fun. The coworker who recommended it said it wasn’t as informative a work of medical nonfiction as, say, The Poisoner’s Handbook, but that it was breezy and fun and easy to consume on audio. All accurate.

The structure felt a little chaotic, which wasn’t conducive to learning much of anything. Each chapter began with the recipe of a cocktail, but the information that followed seemed tangential at best. Not that it really mattered. The four humours made a prolonged appearance, naturally, but so did lesser-known historical gaffes like “corpse medicine.” It really took a long time to figure out what prevented scurvy. But the thing that surprised me most was the sheer number of tinctures whose primary purpose was to stimulate appetite. Like, excuse me? Am I a freak for wanting to eat all day every day, no aperitif necessary?

The prose was witty and straightforward. I’m not really a cocktail person, so maybe that’s why I never fully connected with the text. Then again, it did inspire me in the kitchen. I went down a bit of a recipe rabbit hole trying to incorporate beneficial herbs and spices into my dishes and juices: ginger, fennel, cardamom, cloves. So perhaps this book is bound to engage all readers in adventures of the senses, whether it be through cocktails or health foods.

At the end of the day, this probably felt more like a gift-book than a gripping or edifying reading experience. If you have someone in your life who loves both micro-histories and a good cocktail, this is bound to tickle their fancy.

[Rae Nason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read! A hilarious romp through the history of good drinks and really bad medicine. I appreciate the author adding great drink recipes that feature the spirits covered in that section. A lot of them I'd never heard of before and there are quite a few that I want to try. Medical history is littered with bad ideas and I can honestly say that some of the treatments covered here are among the worst. I can honestly say, though, that I'm grateful to be a consumer in the time since the FDA has been established. I also appreciated that the history of distilling liquor was tied to other major historical events, food and beverages, and inventions to give a more comprehensive picture of what was happening. The format and writing style were easy to follow and comprehend and weren't so heavy that I needed to take breaks. Wonderful!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for providing me with a digital copy for review. The opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect those of the author or publisher.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun. I found myself looking up weird old-timey words for medical conditions from the past and googling bizarre herbs that are the three-dozenth ingredient in some esoteric European cocktail mixer. I love chemistry and like to imagine that alchemists and apothecaries were charming and endearing, even though they were really more like quacks and charlatans who at best were getting sick people drunk and more likely speeding their demise. Like many people, I also bought a bunch of cocktail ingredients early in the pandemic, and it was fun to make the mixed drinks the author recommended as they went. I also tried just straight up sipping some of the stuff as I read about it, but I would recommend the entire cocktail ... I don't think I'd want straight wormwood liquor even if it were 1750 and I had consumption, dropsy, scurvy, and cholera.

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read a history on the medicinal origins of alcohol. There is so much fascinating lore and human history behind booze.

What I enjoyed: There is a lot of quirky history to keep this one interesting - even if you have a pretty deep well of knowledge. There’s also a lot of mind blowing recipes for medicine before the government regulated it that completely shocked me! The writing style is pretty conversational, making this one easy to read.

What I didn’t love: There’s possibly too many beverages covered in here, making it a somewhat surface level exploration. If the focus is on alcohol, a lot of time is spent exploring cocaine and soda. It felt like this lacked focus.

Bottom line: I’d recommend to a foodie friend! It was a fun read.

[Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Doctors and Distillers” is a book about the long history of alcohol being presented as medicine.

This story stretches back to ancient times when wine, beer, and spirits were seen to be healthy – because they were safer to drink than plain water. Over time alcohol became the base for healing herbs and spices and gradually it evolved into the modern drinks – spirits, cocktails, craft beer and lovely wines - we know today.

I liked the authors cheeky take on how alcohol is good for you, and particularly enjoyed the recipes for drinks that he spiced up this book.

It’s a light and entertaining read. Quite enjoyable and not to be taken too seriously.

[Margo Allore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely not the most well-written book I have read, but it was a fun and informative read.

The author outlines the intertwined history between alcohol and medicine. I think if alcohol had not been invented, mankind would not be here!!! While writing about alcohol, the author writes about medicine throughout the ages, e.g. the four homours, leeching.

A number of our today's favourite cocktails were developed as remedies for diseases or discomforts.

I read this book over a two-month period in between other books. I do not plan on giving this book away as I hope to make some of the many cocktail recipes in this book.

[Joshua Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dose makes the poison.

This book is packed with interesting details about how attempts at medicine slowly evolved into alcohol and cocktail ingredients we enjoy today. From Campari to bitters to tonics the actual alcohols we enjoy today, they all seemingly have roots in medical practices.

This is a very dry book. It’s not fast paced but Camper drops little jokes and subtle humor throughout to encourage you along the way. He also includes some awesome recipes that you may find yourself mixing up while you read.

Learn about “healing” malaria, syphilis, depression and more and then come to understand how drinking in moderation can help you live a long enjoyable life. Maybe.

[Marzi Pecen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Doctors and Distillers” is easy to love. It blends everything you need to understand the long and complex relationship between spirits & health. Like a good cocktail, Mr. English skillfully balances the science, history, and beliefs about alcohol & its medicinal consumption, then serves up a deliciously accessible narrative garnished with the perfect amount of wit. This book is just one clear ice cube shy of Camper sliding a cocktail across the bar and delighting you with his research. Luckily, he’s included recipes for drinks as he speaks to you from the pages.

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I bought this book from the Mütter Museum gift shop because so many of their books I had read and loved and this was one of the few I hadn't haha so I figured they had good taste and had to try. This book did not disappoint, if you are an avid cocktail and history fan this is for you! I personally loved all the info about gin drinks, like that the gimlet was created to help fight scurvy! And that vodka was actually created in Poland. the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the science at times I felt like the book lost it's passing (I'm looking at you Monk chapter)

[Andrew Spurgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really interesting dive into the history around booze and medicine. The influence of alcohol, especially distilling, on medicine is full of scientific breakthroughs and horrifying experiments and grifts. Camper dives into the scientific side of things which is refreshing given the somewhat pop title of the book. Much like Salt this book sheds light on the origins of a lot of cultural references.

The first chapter had me worried as it is an overview that jumps around a lot, but the rest of the book is well organized and full of good stories. Really enjoyed it.

[Jeffrey Bluhm · Rating 3 out of 5]

From a bit of a distance (meaning I finished this book a few months ago, so recall is a bit hazy) I would say I have a fond memory of this book but not a remarkable one. Since the rationale for the health benefits of alcohol seems only to be diminishing with time, the main title feels a bit of a misnomer. It might be better considered as a reference book; it can be very list-heavy at times (and not always interesting lists). I don't doubt that significant work went into writing it, and there is much merit between the pages, I just view it more as an interesting, one time, read.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Doctors and Distillers" is a fascinating and witty look at the relationship between various alcohols and what passed for medical treatments of the day.

Well-written with plenty fun and informative stories to connect cultural ideas of the time with budding science, this book would be a great read for anyone interested in the histories of their favorite beverages.

Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the DRC of this title.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice light read. The discussion of old timey views of the “health benefits” of different alcohols was a bit repetitive and credulous. I would have liked to see the claims with some basis in fact treated differently from the “balances the humors and restores vitality” bunk. The herbal/medicinal origins of liquors like chartreuse and the role of alchemists and apothecaries was interesting enough to make it worth the read.

[Virat Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Mikala for letting me stumble across this gem of a book!
It is fascinating to know about the intertwined history of modern drinks and medicine. Once considered as Elixirs, Aperitifs , Digestifs and Antimalarial (Gin and Tonic) have now become part of our recreational drinking culture.
Very knowledgeable book which I thoroughly enjoyed!
The British Edition of this book is called The Perfect Tonic.

[Jo Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars. It’s fun and interesting. The issue I had with it is that it spent more time listing out diseases and symptoms that alcohol cures than it did on some more interesting topics. There are a lot of intriguing facts brought up in here that I enjoyed, but, as soon as the history hit a groove, you are met with half a page of lists. In that respect, it was a bit disjointed. That said, I still enjoyed the read.

[Jay Clement · Rating 3 out of 5]

90-2022. The idea of this book was better than the book itself. At least for me. I did learn a good deal about the medical uses and origins of many familiar beverage components, but it felt a bit hurried. It is useful to know the origin stories of bitters and gin and so many other things. Still, a solid three star book.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the intertwined history of alcohol and medicine. There's a lot of fascinating information about how alcohol and medicine have evolved together. "...moderate consumption of alcohol can help us develop relationships, and relationships are beneficial for our mental and physical health." Once I finished reading, I grabbed a nice cold beer. 🍻