Esquire Drinks

Esquire Drinks presents a collection of cocktail recipes and drinking wisdom originally published in Esquire magazine. The book compiles David Wondrich's drink-related articles and research from his tenure as the magazine's drinks correspondent. The text includes historical context for classic cocktails, detailed mixing instructions, and commentary on drinking culture through different eras. Wondrich documents the origins and evolution of numerous cocktails while providing practical guidance on techniques, ingredients, and proper serving methods. The writing balances technical drink-making information with cultural observations and historical anecdotes about American drinking traditions. The recipes span from pre-Prohibition classics to mid-century standards and modern interpretations. At its core, Esquire Drinks illustrates how cocktail culture reflects broader social changes and attitudes in American society. The book positions cocktail-making as both a practical skill and a window into evolving customs and tastes.

Readers appreciate the historical context and cultural commentary mixed with the drink recipes. Multiple reviews highlight Wondrich's writing style as entertaining and humorous while delivering cocktail knowledge. Likes: - Clear drink-making instructions - Stories behind each cocktail's origins - Practical bartending tips - Quality of research and citations - Hand-drawn illustrations Dislikes: - Some recipes call for hard-to-find ingredients - Paper quality and binding issues reported - A few readers found the historical details excessive - Limited cocktail selection compared to other guides Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (26 reviews) Notable reader comment: "The author's voice makes this feel like having a knowledgeable, slightly tipsy friend teaching you about cocktails" - Amazon reviewer Several readers noted the book works better as an entertaining read than a practical bar guide, though the recipes produce good results when followed.

The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks by David A. Embury A bartender's manual from 1948 presents detailed recipes and techniques through the lens of an attorney's systematic, analytical approach to cocktail creation.

Imbibe! by David Wondrich This historical examination traces the roots of American cocktail culture through the life of pioneering bartender Jerry Thomas and his original recipes.

The Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff A comprehensive guide combines classic cocktail recipes with their origin stories and the technical fundamentals of proper drink preparation.

The Joy of Mixology by Gary Regan This reference book organizes cocktails into families based on their composition and provides the historical context behind classic drink recipes.

Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh A collection resurrects lost cocktail recipes from the pre-Prohibition era and illuminates their place in drinking culture through historical documentation.

🍸 David Wondrich is considered one of the world's foremost authorities on cocktail history and was the first cocktail writer to win a James Beard Award 🍸 Many recipes in the book are sourced from rare pre-Prohibition cocktail manuals and vintage bartending guides, some dating back to the 1800s 🍸 The author spent years as Esquire magazine's drinks correspondent, helping revive many forgotten classic cocktails during the early days of the craft cocktail renaissance 🍸 Wondrich's research for the book uncovered that many popular drink origin stories are myths, including the widely believed tale that the Martini was invented at San Francisco's Occidental Hotel 🍸 The book not only provides recipes but delves deep into the cultural history of American drinking, from colonial taverns through Prohibition and into modern times