Old Mr. Boston is a rare and versatile gentleman, everlastingly young and ever ready to accept the difficult role of host. Follow the advice of this joyful and genial friend and there will be many pleasant times in store for you.  (from the Introduction)

{HISTORY}

Cheers! Old Mr. Boston is here!

First published in 1935, the Old Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide has been in the back pocket of every good bartender, novice and professional, for 87 years. Published just after Prohibition ended, this ultimate guide to classic cocktails has been a beloved teacher, steadfast barkeep, and trusted resource inspiring many a happy hour and many a convivial time over many, many decades.

The icon of a Massachusetts whiskey distillery, which was in operation between 1933 and 1986, the Old Mr. Boston bartender guides sold 4 million copies by the time this edition in November 1968 was published. Known as the little red book of cocktail hour, Old Mr. Boston is the only American cocktail guide that tells the story, through drink recipes, of libation in America and how cocktail tastes have evolved over the course of the 20th century. Some decades it was all about gin, then all about vodka, then all about whiskey. In the 1960s, vodka was the most popular spirit of the day, but thanks to Old Mr. B all the spirits are represented here with delightful aplomb. 

One of the best parts of flipping through the 150 pages of this book are the fun names given to a whole host of interesting recipes. The Highland Fling. The Mamie Gilroy. The flying Grasshopper. The old Pal. The Thunderclap. Jamaican Glow. Whispers of the Frost. Lady Love. Leap Frog. So many ones to explore! 

Throughout the publishing of Old. Mr. Boston various editions were updated and added to in order to reflect the time and taste of current cocktailers, making it fun to collect different editions of the Old Mr. Boston books. Around, here, we like to say you can never have too many choices when it comes to scouting just the right cocktail for just the right occasion. You won't be disappointed with this mid-century selection. If you explore it with an extra dose of vigor and vitality, you'll be in good spirits for many nights to come! 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- November 1968 edition (44th printing)

- Contains color photographs and black and white illustrations throughout

- Cocktails are arranged alphabetically by recipe name with special sections on classic drinks like martinis and eggnog as well as info on helpful hints, brief histories of specific liquors, and serving suggestions peppered throughout. 

- 150 pages including a detailed index

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. There are some random spots and stains on a few pages as expected with a merry-making, good time, happy hour book like this, but for the most part, this book is in clean and tidy condition. The spine is tight and all pages are intact.

{SIZE}

Measures 7.5" inches (length) x 4.5" inches (width) x .5" inches (thickness) and weighs 7 oz. 

{STYLE IDEA}

Pair this cocktail book with other vintage barware-inspired pieces found here for a totally festive vintage good time.