Cocktail books are an essential part of any mixologist’s library, offering a glimpse into the history of cocktail culture and the evolution of drinks over time. For collectors, vintage cocktail books are not only a treasure trove of cocktail recipes but also a window into the past.
Among the many cocktail books published before 1960, there are some that stand out as the most collectible. These books not only offer a fascinating insight into the drinking culture of the past but also showcase the unique art and design of their time.
In this blog post, we will explore the six most collectible pre-1960 cocktail books that are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike, celebrating the art of mixing and the rich heritage of cocktail craftsmanship.
The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock (1930)
The Savoy Cocktail Book is one of the most iconic cocktail books ever published. It was written by Harry Craddock, the head bartender at the Savoy Hotel in London, and it features over 700 recipes for classic cocktails. This bartending guide is considered a must-have for any serious cocktail enthusiast. Notable cocktails from The Savoy Cocktail Book include the Sidecar, the Negroni, the Bloody Mary, the French 75, and the Manhattan.
The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book by Albert Stevens Crockett (1935)
The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book is a classic cocktail book written by Albert Stevens Crockett, the head bartender at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The book contains over 600 recipes for classic cocktails, along with captivating history and anecdotes from the cocktail world. Notable cocktails from The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book include the Old Fashioned, the Martini, the Daiquiri, the Margarita, and the Cosmopolitan.
ABC of Mixing Cocktails by Harry McElhone (1923)
ABC of Mixing Cocktails is a celebrated cocktail book authored by Harry McElhone, the head bartender at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris – the bar where the Bloody Mary was invented. With over 300 recipes for classic cocktails, the book provides a delightful blend of mixology expertise, cocktail history, and captivating stories. Notable cocktails from Harry’s ABC of Cocktails include the Corpse Reviver #2, the French Connection, the Vieux Carré, the Singapore Sling, and the Hurricane
Cocktails: How To Mix Them by Robert Vermeire (1922)
Hundreds of thousands know how to drink a cocktail, but few can mix one. Cocktails: How To Mix Them explains in detail how to make the perfect cocktail. It features over 150 cocktail recipes including tips and tricks and in-depth information on cocktail making. Authored by Robert Vermiere, a notable London barman of the 1920s, this recipe book has truly withstood the test of time. Notable drinks include the Clover Club, the Bee’s Knees, the Sidecar, the White Lady, and the Aviation.
The Bar-Tender’s Guide by Jerry Thomas (1862)
The Bar-Tender’s Guide: How to Mix Drinks is a classic cocktail book written by Jerry Thomas, one of the most influential bartenders of the 19th century. Published in 1862, the book features over 200 recipes for classic cocktails, providing a glimpse into the cocktail culture of that era. This drink recipe book is probably the most famous cocktail book of all time. It was first known as How to Mix Drinks, or the Bon Vivant’s Companion, and published in 1862. Notable cocktails from The Bar-Tender’s Guide include the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, and the Martini.
