Sips Through the Ages: History and Art of the Cocktail

All throughout the ages, humans have sipped alcoholic mixes. From humble beginnings as fermented liquids, they evolved as alembics and stills made stronger, more diverse distillates possible. Technology, efficiency and cost considerations, societal norms, and changing tastes modified these concoctions over time. They have progressed in complexity and taste from mild medicinal tonics to reflect the changing predilections of human society.

This book follows the history of these alcoholic mixes, emphasizing the liqueurs that were created throughout history as tastes and technology changed, while taking the reader through more than 180 recipes. These include unforgettable classics in addition to the author’s original cocktails that recreate the tastes of the past using currently available liqueurs. Added to the mix are historical facts and curious anecdotes that place the cocktails in their historical context and are sure to entertain and enlighten you.

Unlike other books about cocktails, this book categorizes recipes by their liqueurs, not by the main alcoholic spirits, making it easier for the reader to recreate the recipes. You will also find an extensive index at the end of the book providing easy guidance to specific cocktails.