An American invention, the cocktail fluctuated in popularity following Prohibition and had firmly taken root in the culinary landscape by the 1990s. The Bay Area played a significant role in reviving it--as much as New York and London. From the distillers who pioneered craft spirits and Alice Waters' revolutionary take on simple, fresh food at Chez Panisse to the bartenders who cared enough to grow a dedicated cocktail community, this is the story of how the Bay Area shaped the art of elevated drinking in America. Through oral history interviews and recipes, author Shanna Farrell chronicles the narrative history of the modern cocktail renaissance.

An American invention, the cocktail fluctuated in popularity following Prohibition and had firmly taken root in the culinary landscape by the 1990s. The Bay Area played a significant role in reviving it--as much as New York and London. From the distillers who pioneered craft spirits and Alice Waters' revolutionary take on simple, fresh food at Chez Panisse to the bartenders who cared enough to grow a dedicated cocktail community, this is the story of how the Bay Area shaped the art of elevated drinking in America. Through oral history interviews and recipes, author Shanna Farrell chronicles the narrative history of the modern cocktail renaissance.

An American invention, the cocktail fluctuated in popularity following Prohibition and had firmly taken root in the culinary landscape by the 1990s. The Bay Area played a significant role in reviving it--as much as New York and London. From the distillers who pioneered craft spirits and Alice Waters' revolutionary take on simple, fresh food at Chez Panisse to the bartenders who cared enough to grow a dedicated cocktail community, this is the story of how the Bay Area shaped the art of elevated drinking in America. Through oral history interviews and recipes, author Shanna Farrell chronicles the narrative history of the modern cocktail renaissance.

“[Bartels] takes us on a fascinating bar crawl across the country, explaining the history of America’s cocktail and drinking culture along the way.” —Wylie Dufresne, chef and owner of Du’s Donuts The United States of Cocktails is a celebration of the cocktail history of every state in America. After traveling this great nation and sampling many of the drinks on offer, cocktail authority Brian Bartels serves up a book that is equal parts recipe collection, travelogue, historical miscellany, bartender’s manual, and guide to bar culture today—with bar and drink recommendations that are sure to come in handy whether or not you are crossing state lines. Delving into the colorful stories behind the creation of drinks we love, this book includes more than 100 recipes alongside spirited analysis of each state’s unique contributions to cocktail culture. Filled with colorful illustrations, The United States of Cocktails is an opinionated and distinctively designed love letter to the spirits, bars, and people who have created and consumed the iconic drinks that inspire us and satisfy our thirst. “You could hardly ask for a more personable guide than Brian Bartels. He knows the oldest bars, the coolest bars, the can’t-miss bars and the oddest local quaffs in all 50 states, so you’ll never make the mistake of ordering a Whiskey Ditch in Louisiana or search for Allen’s Coffee Flavored Brandy on an Arizona back bar.” —Robert Simonson, author of The Old-Fashioned “Brian Bartels is a spirits traveler extraordinaire and this informative, highly-entertaining book is my new go-to guide for the most social of vices—drinkin’.” —Greg Mottola, director of Superbad, Adventureland, and The Newsroom

Mix up a taste of the City by the Bay and experience San Francisco without ever leaving home! Eating and drinking are always the topics of the day in this city that is unlike any other. With San Francisco Cocktails, you will be transported to the biggest small-town city in America. Inside, you will find: Easy-to-follow recipes sure to be crowd pleasers Cocktail basics for your home bar, including glassware, tools, and spirits Chapters dedicated to your favorite San Francisco neighborhoods Profiles on some of the most recognizable bars in San Francisco along with the cocktail recipes that make them stand out Interviews with local bartenders Gorgeous, full-color photography gives you a taste of each cocktail long before you mix them up yourself A list of songs and movies that will help you truly grasp the San Francisco experience No matter where you find yourself, San Francisco Cocktails is the perfect gift for cocktail lovers everywhere. This is the perfect guide for drinking like a true San Franciscan.

Over the past decade, the popularity of cocktails has returned with gusto. Amateur and professional mixologists alike have set about recovering not just the craft of the cocktail, but also its history, philosophy, and culture. The Shaken and the Stirred features essays written by distillers, bartenders and amateur mixologists, as well as scholars, all examining the so-called 'Cocktail Revival' and cocktail culture. Why has the cocktail returned with such force? Why has the cocktail always acted as a cultural indicator of class, race, sexuality and politics in both the real and the fictional world? Why has the cocktail revival produced a host of professional organizations, blogs, and conferences devoted to examining and reviving both the drinks and habits of these earlier cultures?

Approximately 49 square miles and surrounded by three sides of water, San Francisco isn't ever going to be confused with the mega metropolises of the world. But it is a city unlike any other, where ocean waves crash to the west, cable cars roar up Russian Hill, buffalo roam in Golden Gate Park, and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge stops locals in their tracks; it's a city of stagecoaches and amazing arts; of computers and Beat Generation writers; of Barbary Coast pirates and tech hackers. And the Bay Area's vibrant cocktail scene is a reflection of the region's greatest traits: stunningly beautiful and exceptionally creative. More than 100 exciting cocktail recipes from acclaimed bars, A Who's Who of Bay Area mixologists who have been at the forefront of the region's exciting and dynamic drinks scene, Detailed bartending tips and techniques, An overview of local cocktail history, from Peruvian pisco to the dot-com boom, Vibrant and evocative photographs of these drinks, Whether you're planning a trip, are a local looking for a new place to enjoy a cocktail, or are trying to recreate that unmistakable Bay Area vibe at home, San Francisco Cocktails contains everything you need to drink like a local. Book jacket.