Nonfiction Book Review for ‘The Old-Fashioned’ by Robert Simonson
About the Book: A complete history of one of the world's most iconic cocktails--now the poster child of the modern cocktail revival--with fifty recipes for classic variations as well as contemporary updates.
No single cocktail is as iconic, as beloved, or as discussed and fought-over as the Old-Fashioned. Its formula is simple: just whiskey, bitters, sugar, and ice. But how you combine those ingredients—in what proportion, using which brands, and with what kind of garnish—is the subject of much impassioned debate.
The Old-Fashioned is the spirited, delightfully unexpected story of this renowned and essential drink: its birth as the ur-cocktail in the nineteenth century, darker days in the throes of Prohibition, re-ascension in the 1950s and 1960s (as portrayed and re-popularized by Don Draper on Mad Men), and renaissance as the star of the contemporary craft cocktail movement.
Also featured are more than forty cocktail recipes, including classic variations, regional twists, and contemporary updates from top bartenders around the country. All are accessible, delicious, and elegant in their simplicity, demonstrating the versatility and timelessness of the Old-Fashioned formula.
With its rich history, stunning photography, and impeccable recipes, The Old-Fashioned is a celebration of one of America’s greatest bibulous achievements. It is a necessary addition to any true whiskey- or cocktail-lover’s bookshelf, and destined to become a classic on par with its namesake beverage.
MY REVIEW: 5 stars! This is a fun and interesting read. The history of the drink was great to read, and of course the recipes are nice. I got this book for my husband, who enjoys a cigar and a drink most evenings. I knew he would like this book, and he did! I’m not a fan of the drink myself, but did enjoy reading the history. I have noticed this drink has gained favor lately with the young “hipster” crowd. One bartender told me they have noticed young men asking for this drink, when before it was only the older crowd who asked for it, and even then rarely. It was interesting to read that the drink, served with the fruits, was more of a lady’s drink, and that the men preferred it without the fruit. It was also interesting to read about the preferred ice in the drink, and that some people used it as a morning drink. Overall, I really liked this book. Good pictures, good information. I recommend it.
I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
No single cocktail is as iconic, as beloved, or as discussed and fought-over as the Old-Fashioned. Its formula is simple: just whiskey, bitters, sugar, and ice. But how you combine those ingredients—in what proportion, using which brands, and with what kind of garnish—is the subject of much impassioned debate.
The Old-Fashioned is the spirited, delightfully unexpected story of this renowned and essential drink: its birth as the ur-cocktail in the nineteenth century, darker days in the throes of Prohibition, re-ascension in the 1950s and 1960s (as portrayed and re-popularized by Don Draper on Mad Men), and renaissance as the star of the contemporary craft cocktail movement.
Also featured are more than forty cocktail recipes, including classic variations, regional twists, and contemporary updates from top bartenders around the country. All are accessible, delicious, and elegant in their simplicity, demonstrating the versatility and timelessness of the Old-Fashioned formula.
With its rich history, stunning photography, and impeccable recipes, The Old-Fashioned is a celebration of one of America’s greatest bibulous achievements. It is a necessary addition to any true whiskey- or cocktail-lover’s bookshelf, and destined to become a classic on par with its namesake beverage.
MY REVIEW: 5 stars! This is a fun and interesting read. The history of the drink was great to read, and of course the recipes are nice. I got this book for my husband, who enjoys a cigar and a drink most evenings. I knew he would like this book, and he did! I’m not a fan of the drink myself, but did enjoy reading the history. I have noticed this drink has gained favor lately with the young “hipster” crowd. One bartender told me they have noticed young men asking for this drink, when before it was only the older crowd who asked for it, and even then rarely. It was interesting to read that the drink, served with the fruits, was more of a lady’s drink, and that the men preferred it without the fruit. It was also interesting to read about the preferred ice in the drink, and that some people used it as a morning drink. Overall, I really liked this book. Good pictures, good information. I recommend it.
I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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