With lots of vintage ads and photos, this book looks at the history of classic cocktails. While there aren't lots of recipes, the variety of spin-offs related to the original Rickey or Sour, and the various Martini methods, are interesting. ( )

This was fun- a terribly opinionated book generally is! Lots of interesting facts about prohibition plus gorgeous old graphics plus snarky comments in the recipes. F'rinstance, regarding something called a Pegu Club cocktail:

"One of the chief, if unsung, achievements of the British colonial era was putting good gin into the hands of people who knew how to use it."

Lots of fun. ( )

Companion to Cocktail Hour, see entry. Great illustrations.