Some of you may have read my earlier post about a surprise party for some dear friends who were celebrating an anniversary. It seems they could not think of anyone who would appreciate this a super fun recipe book for drinks then me, so my 92 year old friend thought I should have it. The book was original printed in 1935 and this is the 1940 edition, hardbond with gold script and 160 pages long. Drinks are listed in alphabetic order and also divided into specifics in the Index. The back pages include a graphic of drink glass shapes and the last page is 'When to Serve Beverages' (really, I thought it was anytime after breakfast). It was a great read-through from a long time ago. He said if he put it in a garage sale it might bring 50 cents. Well, I just looked it up on the internet and it's selling for 50 dollars! (Geeeeezzzzzee don't tell him). I loved the book as soon as I saw it and knowing from where it came.

He said he has no idea why his parents would have had it but its been in the family as long as he can remember.

These were the top 12 most popular party drinks every host should know, even though the book was prepared primarily for professionals (clearly my friend knew I was one. In fact, I am having a chilled Kahlua & Vodka as I type this.) So, to continue, I looked at this list and realized what a non-professional I really am. I have heard of almost every one but have I really tried them. No. Definitely had the first one but after that I must admit I had to look it up (sugar, bitters (?), etc... I get the 2 oz. of bourbon or rye. It was a differnt time. I recall my parents talking about some of these and no doubt having done a few. I think it would be great fun to work my way down the list if there was a bar in my town who could make them (not likely in my John Deere town); perhaps if I lived in Boston and maybe not, as this is nearly 80 years later. Anyways, here is the list:

1. Manhattan
2. Old Fashion
3. Mint Collins
4. Daiquiri
5. Tom Collins
6. Dry Martini
7. Whiskey Sour
8. Mint Julep
9. Sloe Gin Fizz
10. Rum Collins
11. Golden Martini
12. Cuba Libre

I kept wondering what Collins was -- seems its nothing more than a 12 ounce glass (a fancy name for a jelly jar); so maybe I've had more than I thought. How about you? Had any?

 

The original publication date makes sense as mixed drinks were the Prohibition solution to drinking otherwise inedible rot-gut alcohol. I'm sure there a copy of this lil' book in my liquor cabinet. These days mixed drinks are "training drinks" rather like lite beer.

-- Chuck

 

I'll bet a few of us "Vintage" folk have a copy. I've still got mine...!!!

 

I never was a big drinker. The only mixed drink I can say I enjoy (and that only rarely) is gin and tonic. I don't like any gin except Bombay Sapphire or Hendricks. Back in the day when I was younger and my stomach was made of steel I enjoyed Black Jack and ginger. It has been many years since I drank much alcohol with the exception of an occasional glass of wine.

 

My Dad had one of those books in his bar set up. Not many fancy drinks were made though....

 

Used to have a copy. I've witnessed more than one bartender referring to this exact book in the days before they could just look up the recipe on the point-of-sale computer. That's a particularly nice edition, Dave. Of the drinks on the list, I've tried a Manhattan (too sweet), daiquiri (They freeze them to go in Louisiana), Tom Collins (great summer time cocktail), dry martini (dirty, please), whiskey sour.(Yum), and Cuba Libra (well made ones are really good). Mint Juleps are a southern cliche but I've never tried one. These days its usually a craft beer or maybe a Wild Turkey neat. But a cocktail is fun now and then. Cocktails seem to be gaining popularity with 20 somethings. My daughter in law favors Manhattans.

And, Dave, you might be surprised. Even in small "John Deer" towns, many bartenders are prepared to fix the drinks on your list and most bars will have the necessary ingredients. OK, maybe not fresh mint but certainly bitters and the required liquors.

 

I've had about 8 of those on that list, most a long time ago. I think my folks had one of those books, or something similar. About 10 years ago I was involved with an Indiana Jones recreation group and we used to have a cocktail night right there on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. One of the group was a master mixer, even down to chipping ice off of a block instead of using cubes from an ice machine. When I was about 21, slo gin fizzies were popular. I thought that I was growing up with whisky sours, and dry martinis. I still enjoy a rare martini and keep a bottle of vodka in the freezer just in case. A cocktail is typically a rare event, but enjoyable when it happens. A good stout or bold red wine are more likely to appear more often, certainly not daily.

 

Mike, you and Dancer sure got head start on me when it comes to mixed drinks. So what's a dirty dry martini? We do have pizza bar just down the road that specializes in martini's. I don't recall ever having one, so I guess I'll have to try one.

 

Dirty Martini, dry. Gin, pass the vermouth bottle over the shaker, add olive juice, shaken, not stirred with ice, strain and enjoy in a chilled glass with an olive or two.

 

"Dirty" = cloudy. I really like them because I love green olives.

Don't worry, Dave. Plenty of time to catch up.