Old Mr. Boston deluxe official bartender's guide

by Leo Cotton

2013 Reprint of 1935 First Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. "Old Mr. Boston" was a distillery located at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts from 1933 to 1986. It produced its own label of gin, bourbon, rum, and brandies, as well as a few cordials and liqueurs. The "Mr. Boston" name is known not only for its brands of distilled spirits, but also for its unique reference book, "Old Mr. Boston Deluxe Official Bartender's Guide," used by both professional and home bartenders as the "Bible of Booze." The Guide was first published 1935 and is reprinted in its entirety in our edition. It was first published during the early days after the Repeal of Prohibition, when the distillery started up business again. As late as 2009 new editions were printed.

Genres: Cookbooks, Reference, Nonfiction, Cooking, Cocktails

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1935

Reviews

[Shelby Bisbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite cocktail momentos and inspiration for egg white and gin lovers. Get yourself a tister like mine to share them with.

[Judity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book teaches how to mix drinks from sweet Abbey Cocktail all the way to the powerful Zombie that uses 151 proof rum. There are also helpful sections covering eggnog, the martini, bar hints and suggestions,and finally the liquor dictionary.

I wish I could remember the name of the delicious drink my date and I would get in a Tiki restaurant. It came in a very large bowl, and we drank it through two straws. I do remember Jerome's Bar in Boston's combat zone and drinking Singapore Slings. Now that's a sneaky drink, and this red book tells exactly how to make it.

[Drew Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some real odd recipes in here. I was given the 1941 edition of this out of my great-granfather's estate year ago, but I picked it up again yesterday to find some traditional 'Christmas' recipes. I stumbled upon the Hot Buttered Rum, and I was impressed, but I'm convinced anything is delicious with nutmeg added to it.

[Diana Suddreth · Rating 4 out of 5]

My granddaughter found this 1960 edition in an antique store and bought it as a gift for me, knowing that I like to whip up interesting drinks and I also love old stuff. There are some truly bizarre recipes in here with ingredients like milk, cream, whole raw eggs, or sloe gin. And, of course, there are all the standards from martinis to manhattans to old fashioneds. It was fun to spend an evening just reading through the recipes and thinking about trying some. I think I'll start with the Fair and Warmer since I've never heard of it and the name is appropriate for our weather.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this slender volume in a heap of used books at the library. The copyright made it as old as I am and I found the recipes unremarkable, and dated, along with the photographs (one shows bullet shells with two bottles of Canadian whiskey...!). It made me want to find a contemporary edition for comparison...

[Jeffrey Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

My copy is from 1949 and was given to me by my Dad. In that regard, it has far more sentimental value. But you can't argue that this book is not a great reference for concocting an array of mixed drinks. An absolute Bible you might say.

[Brandon Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handy little pocketbook containing the classics of cocktails and mixes.

If you ever attend a party with 90 year old men, impress them with your ability to mix drinks that haven't been made for them since they were 13 working the coal mines.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always wonderful. Used this many, many times, but the first time reading through the entire book. Fun.

[Mark Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This your grandfathers (or maybe your great-grandfathers) cocktail book. Originally published in 1935, this contains many old and out of date recipes; many of which are worth revisiting. Scattered throughout the book are pictures from the now-shuttered “Mr Boston” brand liquors.

[Chris Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 1949 & 1984 editions are also good (this is the 1974 ed). Good resources all three, if a bit on the proprietary side.

[Roniq · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of great drink recipes and cool classic illustrations.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential guide to cocktails.