Imbibe! Updated and Revised Edition

From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash, a Salute in Stories and Drinks to "Professor" Jerry Thomas, Pioneer of the American Bar

By: David Wondrich

Narrated by: David Colacci

Cocktail writer and historian David Wondrich presents the colorful, little-known history of classic American drinks - and the ultimate mixologist's guide - in this engaging homage to Jerry Thomas, father of the American bar.

The first edition, published in 2007, won a James Beard Award. Now updated with newly discovered recipes and historical information, this updated edition includes the origins of the first American drink, the mint julep (which Wondrich places before the American Revolution) and those of the cocktail itself. It also provides more detail about 19th-century spirits, many new and colorful anecdotes and details about Thomas' life, and a number of particularly notable, delicious, and influential cocktails not covered in the original edition, rounding out the picture of pre-Prohibition tippling.

This colorful and good-humored volume is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the timeless appeal of a well-made drink - and the uniquely American history behind it.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2015 David Wondrich (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This book will leave you shaken and, I hope, stirred. Wondrich, one of the top spirits writers in the country, delves into the rich and fascinating history of mixology in America." ( USA Today)

its a great book to learn history of many drinks

I loved the narrator. I also loved the dry humor of the book itself

Doesn't Get Any Better for Cocktail Lovers

Wondrich is a gift to the bar world, and this his magnum opus. I loved it when first published and this update packs enough new info to justify a second read (and purchase).

Good, but...

Great book, strong performance, wrong format... It's a lot to have to listen to the book and reference back to the included pdf.

Seriously required if you want to claim the title “bartender”

David’s book was so rich in content and story. I felt like I was dropped in America 200 years ago and I found myself wanting to mix drinks at every hour of the day. That would probably well embody the aforementioned times. This book has served as a foundation for my ongoing cocktail obsession. My only criticism would be that I wish the audiobook at least listed off the ingredients in the cocktail recipes as they were being described as the bonus PDF wasn’t always accessible as I listened to the book during my commute. However, i DO recommend downloading the PDF ahead of time as it’s great to follow along to the described recipes with the actual recipe in front of you.
L

One of my favorite nonfiction books.

One of my favorite nonfiction books. I’ve read it twice now. Will probably listen again soon.