Customer Reviews

Mr. Boston: Official Bartender's and Party Guide (Mr. Boston: Official Bartender's & Party Guide)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have tried several guides over time and years ago settled on Mr. Boston's guide. It provides accurate ratios and, best of all, a picture of the recommended glassware for each drink. It is simple, easy to follow and provides information such as sections on Eggnogs, Punches, the usage of Wine in Mixed Drinks and even Non-Alcoholic drinks.

The book is broken down by type of alcohol (also Shooters, Cordials, Frozen Drinks, etc.) and has a complete alphabetical index in the back. This means if you have a bottle of Tequila you have an entire section (45 mixes) from which to choose a drink. On the other hand, if your in-law wants to throw you a curve ball and asks for a Rum Runner you know you will find it on page 66.

Color photographs scattered throughout complete this guide giving a visual for many different drinks and the glassware recommended. Also included is how to stock your bar, how to float liqueurs, the art of pouring, chilling and muddling and much more.

I not only use this book in my own home but often include it as part of a housewarming gift basket.

If only it was spiral bound it would be a five-star guide.

The publishers of this guide simply aren't making an effort: they just reprint this book year after year. They fail to take notice of readers' hopes for changes, as well as the changed landscape for alcoholic drinks. Until we stop buying this awful book, they'll keep printing it.

One of the major weaknesses of the book is its index. Want to find all drinks with orange juice? No go. How about a "hot toddy?" Sorry--you have to look up "hot brandy toddy," but that's not its common name! Maybe you'd like to make something with the last of your coffee liquor, so maybe the index or table of contents will guide you there? No ma'am.

Then, as many reviewers have mentioned, half the drinks in the guide are dated, and countless modern favorites are not included. If I were buying a drink guide I would definitely look elsewhere.

I consider myself a professional bartender. I also collect barbooks. For years I had heard how awful this book was from people in the industry, so I never bothered to buy it. One of my previous day-time bar gigs (pool bar, Hyatt, Key West) had a copy, so I'd thumb through it in my down time. Soon it morphed into a game I'd play with my customers. Name your favorite drink, and then see how bad Mr. Boston would muck it up.
If you are shopping for an end all be all guide for cocktails at home, or for professional use, I recommend..."The Craft of the Cocktail" by Dale Degroff. Or try "Killer Cocktails" by David Wondrich. "The Joy of Mixology" by Gary Regan is also a great book.

I have just learned that their is a "platinum edition" of this book that has been updated by many experts in the industry who I respect and admire. If it has to be Mr. Boston, you should check out that version.

This is the grand-daddy of all drink recipe books. I worked behind bars for years and this is the only one I ever needed. Clear and concise. Nicely organized. This is a book for the home or business. Avoid the embarrasment of making the drink incorrectly or having to ask.

While there are better books on the subject, this is the standard reference, or must have for anyone wanting to tend bar, as this contains the traditional/old fashioned recipes that are all the latest fad due to the MadMen craze (which is a great show). I remember my Dad looking over his copy of Mr. Boston in the early 60s when it was his turn to host the latest cocktail party, and he would get all his bar gagets ready to go, the jigger, ice strainer, shot glass etc.

first time i have bought a used book and i must say it arrived like new. very happy with my purchase. was said that it was like new, well it really was new.

This is a great collection of beverages choices, even includes some nonalcoholic beverages. Several winners here!!