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Beyond the cocktail recipe and technique books I've read, Robert's book A Proper Drink transformed my understanding of how cocktails arrived at where they are. 

Robert recalled a (potentially illegal) seminar conducted by Ted Breaux about Absinthe

Drinks and bottles that were big in San Francisco: Mojito, Pisco Punch, and Pisco Sour, and Fernet Branca

Drinks and bottles that were big in New Orleans: Pimm's Cup, French 75, Ramos Gin Fizz, Milk Punch, Sazerac, and The Hurricane

Robert mentions drinks like Little Italy and Tom & Jerry.

He reminds us that until books like The Craft of the Cocktail and The Joy of Mixology came out, forums like DrinkBoy and egullet were how people learned. He also recommends Straight Up or On the Rocks.

Greg Boehm of Cocktail Kingdom launched Mud Puddle Books which began reissuing and publishing various books.



Robert's latest book is Modern Classic Cocktails. Check him out via his website, Instagram, and Substack.