The Complete Book of Mixed Drinks

Wines & Vines, August, 1993 by Philip Hiaring

Being of legal age (almost) at Repeal and knowing the ignorance and curiosity then of how to mix a drink, I am aware of the plethora of books, booklets, label hints and articles detailing how to fashion a Manhattan properly. Or an Old Fashioned. The spirits and set-up trade wanted to sell their products, and rightly so. And with almost 15 years of prohibition the distillers knew how little the drink-thirsty public was privy to the secrets of mixed drinks.

Today, although not faced with the problem of prohibition (not yet) the distillers' profits (as well as the beer barons) are not as robust as they would like. Lo and behold, Andy Blue has come up with more than 1,000 recipes sub-titled "The Cocktail has Returned"

It is a reliable guide by the San Francisco writer although my friends--having tried mixed drinks such as Rob Roy and Bolshoi Ballet--have abandoned them in favor of Martinis, Scotch and water over ice, Tom Collins in the summer, sherry, champagne and white wine. Something simple is what they prefer. And what could be more simple than pouring wine or champagne in a glass?