Imbibe!

Overview of "Imbibe!" by David Wondrich

Key Themes:

1. Cocktail History: The book delves deeply into the history of cocktails, focusing on the evolution of bartending and the cultural context in which cocktails emerged.
2. Jerry Thomas: The life and influence of "Professor" Jerry Thomas, a pioneering bartender in the mid-1800s, are central to the book. Thomas is credited with writing the first book on drinks in the United States, "Bar-Tender’s Guide," and popularizing several classic cocktails.
3. American Drinking Culture: The book explores the social, economic, and gastronomic contexts of American drinking culture, particularly during the 19th century.
4. Cocktail Recipes: The book includes a comprehensive collection of cocktail recipes, each accompanied by detailed stories and historical insights.

Plot Summary: The book is structured into three main parts:

1. Cocktail Story: This section provides a biographical overview of Jerry Thomas, tracing his life from his early days as a bartender to his rise as a celebrated figure in American bartending. It also delves into the cultural and historical context of his time.
2. Recipes and Stories: The second part of the book focuses on the recipes themselves, presenting a wide range of classic cocktails with detailed stories about their origins and evolution.
3. Context and Insights: The final section offers additional insights into the world of cocktails, including discussions on the impact of Prohibition and the cultural significance of bartending.

Critical Reception:

• James Beard Award Winner: "Imbibe!" has been recognized with the James Beard Award, which underscores its reputation as one of the most in-depth cocktail books available.
• Research and Scholarship: Critics praise Wondrich's meticulous research and his ability to make complex historical information engaging and accessible. He is noted for his superior scholarship in the field of cocktail history, with other historians acknowledging his work as a benchmark.
• Engaging Narrative: Reviewers highlight the engaging narrative style, particularly in the "context" section, which helps readers visualize and immerse themselves in the historical period described.
• Comprehensive Collection: The book is praised for its comprehensive collection of cocktail recipes, each accompanied by rich historical context and stories.

Overall, "Imbibe!" is a seminal work in the field of cocktail history, offering a rich and engaging exploration of the evolution of bartending and the cultural significance of cocktails in American history.