Mr. Boston official bartender's guide

by Leo Cotton, Design by Andrius Balukas (Editor), Joyce Winslow (Narrator)

Celebrating Mr. Boston's 50th Anniversary! For both the amateur and professional mixologist. What is interesting about the bartender guides from Mr. Boston is that you can pinpoint what was in fashion any given time period as the editions were frequently reprinted and revised; so there is an ability to pinpoint beverage history and to revise and revamp recipes not in a current issue and promote them as retro cocktails. The cocktails are listed alphabetically in a small compact hardbound book. These were not issued with dust jackets as they would not be needed in a bartending situation (beit home or establishment). Joseph DeSoto, the owner of the Boston Bartending School partnered with Old Boston Distillers after Leo Cotton (the original editor) ended his tenure with them. It was rare to find a bartender whom did not own a copy of this guide to help him or her accurately mix cocktails and to use as a reference in case an unfamiliar cocktail was called for. There is a Special Section which is a reference on the proper way to mix the drinks, bar hints and measurements, glassware, how to chill a glass, how to frost a glass, ice, sugar, when to stir, when to shake, using a strainer, pouring, how to float cordials, how to flame liquor, using eggs, using fruit juices and fruit, using bitters, peel twists, vermouth, a liquor dictionary and so much more.

Genres: Cookbooks, Reference, Food, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food and Drink, Booze

271 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1935

Reviews

[R J Royer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book when I was a 🍺 beer tender back in the day and found it very useful. Now I am giving it to a friend who is just starting her career.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there's a fire, this book goes with me! And not just because I've filled in every margin with notes. I like the amount of information packed into a compact size. The book feels wonderful to handle. Chapters are organized by spirit. There is a section on bartending for parties, and some fun party tricks strewn throughout the book.

[Whitetrashhistorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide to make it seem like you know everything about booze

[Dylan Alvarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic but this edition feels a bit outdated (already) and although the volume of recipes is massive, it could use more drink-specific background instead of just a laundry list of ingredients.

[Mell · Rating 4 out of 5]

We own a vintage hardcopy (1965, thank you Goodwill book pile) and a modern paperback. I'm not sure if the Old Mr. Boston brand of liquors still exist? But this small guide is a fun resource. The internet has likely made this book obsolete, but my household is a bit old-school. Cheers to books, cocktails, and books about cocktails. >-

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

For amateurs and muscled barhands alike, revamped with help from the best bartenders: tiki classics by Beachbum Berry, culinary Manhattans from Eben Freeman, and the sublime Gin Gin Mule by Audrey Saunders (gin, ginger, mint and lime; search for it, then surrender).

This volume is sturdy, condensed, and intuitively organized with standards in the front, virgin, punch and hot drinks in the back, and the rest grouped by base liquor. Gin is the largest category, followed by rum and whiskey. If you'd like to rescue vodka from Kappa Gamma parties, check out the new vodka cocktails flavored with basil, pickle, cucumber, or bitters.

One missing piece: recipes for ingredients. If you're cheap or choosy, you can easily make ginger beer concentrate, grenadine, bitters, crème de menthe and orgeat (almond syrup). Though I've cobbled together a list of recipes from online sources, it would be nice to have all the recipes in one place.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This recipe collection has come a long way from earlier editions on which I cut my teeth (and irritated my stomach lining). Back then the book was an accurate reflection of the dismal 1980s cocktail scene, with recipes for Fuzzy Navels and Slow Comfortable Screws, but nary an authentic vintage formula. The current (65th) edition makes Mr. Boston relevant again; it's not only caught up with today's cocktail revolution, but includes authentic versions of pre-Prohibition and midcentury classics. (But the main reason I've got a man-crush on Mr. B is because editor Jim Meehan saw fit to include seven of my original drink recipes.)

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

By whatever slightly different title it may be known or by whatever edition you may have, the elegantly executed hand-sized Mr. Boston drink recipe guides, published since 1935 by Glenmore Distilleries, have been a part of life 'round these Kentucky parts for as long as I can remember. The edition I bought was the 1988 one (the one listed here); but there are older editions over at my parents' house, I'm sure. I'm no drink magician; I've only attempted a few of these. But pretty much the basic popular drinks are all here.

[Gabriel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terribly organized, dated, and out-of-touch with reality this book offers nothing to the serious or beginning imbiber.

Basically a poorly written attempt to get you to purchase Mr. Boston products which, really, tells you all you need to know about it.

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best part about this book is that it has the recipes divided by base spirit (and it has quite a few recipes). The Joy of Mixology actually breaks down cocktails into families and explains some of the evolution too.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mixology book for all the standards although it is lacking in the modern beverages department.

[Chris Ronemus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great guide for basic bartending knowledge. While this book is a helpful starting point, it definitely lacks recipes for any modern/trendy/common contemporary drinks (Lemon drops, etc).

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Boston: Official Bartender's & Party GUide by Renee Cooper (1994)

[Tasha]

I can see why this is America's most popular drink guide.