Cocktail and Wine Digest ~ Encyclopedia & Guide for Home & Bar

This pocket sized book was published in 1943 and was published every year after that until 1951. I believe this book to be the 1951 edition. At the time, Oscar Haimo was the President of the International Bar Manager's Association and decided to produce an easy guide for the home and bar. Adding wit, wisdom and mixed drinks to entertaining. Everything in moderation. Within the first few pages there is a black and white photo of Edward G. Robinson and Oscar Haimo at the Café Pierre. Robinson is sitting at the bar, while Oscar Haimo is behind the bar handing him a copy of his book. It is obvious that the book is *placed* between them. So kitschy. This book is filled with all sorts of cocktails and drinks to enhance your entertaining. Whether you are relaxing in the back garden, celebrating one of life's monumental moments, enjoying the holiday, hosting a dinner party, ringing in the New Year or cheering for your favourite sports team. There is a drink for almost every occasion. The World Cup starts tomorrow and what a great way to kick things off than with a cocktail. Taken form the book, I will share the recipe for the International Cocktail.

International Cocktail

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3/4 ounce Dry Vermouth

2 dashes Absinthe (substitute)

2 ounces Gin 

Stir well.  

Truly, this is the simplest of cocktails. Here are a few photos I took of the book.   

The basic guide is the quick guide. Find the drink, choose the correct glass, grab the ingredients and add ice.  

Cocktail making can be fun and mixers are important. This book is in compliments of Canada Dry Ginger Ale Inc. and suggests that Canada Dry Water and Ginger Ale best meet the requirements of good mixers.   

Hmmm... The Zodiac of Wines. A zodiac wheel that coincides with your astrological sign.  

 

This illustration made me laugh a bit. However, yes everything in moderation. 

And here are a two poems from the book by Oscar Haimo.

And let's not forget the Drink Mixer's Commandments. 

Remember: Measure, ice, fresh fruit juices never canned, powdered not confectioner's sugar, shake don't rock, stir don't shake, stirring equals clear drink, shaking equals cloudy drink, chill glasses, and don't let cocktails stand! 

Hope you all had a great weekend! - JW