Jazz Age Cocktail recipes? Yes please!

Cecelia Tichi’s book Jazz Age Cocktails is my favourite type of book: One that interprets social history through recipes. Normally, I love books that provide modern recipes inspired by the time period discussed. But this book works the other way as well. The cocktail recipes themselves inspire the history discussed.

I’ve always found cocktail titles somewhat mysterious. Despite a dedicated reading of the Savoy Cocktail book, I’ve never really understood why a Manhattan (whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters and a cherry garnish) is called a Manhattan and why a drink with Cognac and orange is always called a Sidecar. It turns out that these names spring from the pop culture references of the day. Sort of like naming a cocktail from 2007 “Charlie bit my finger” or a 2020 drink being called “The Lockdown”.

And, as Tichi explains, despite Prohibition being one of the defining features of the Jazz Age, a LOT of drinking took place. Cocktails were creatively and ironically named with the devil may care attitude of a post-war generation flouting the rules and enjoying the ride. Some of the cocktails have lived on (in name at least) while others have died out. I haven’t heard anyone ask for a “St Valentine’s Day massacre” (whisky, rum, quince, champagne and orange) recently.

Tichi takes the reader on a tour through several important aspects of 1920s society, then provides the cocktail recipes as a kind of post-tour beverage. She discusses the big topics like Prohibition and the loophole-filled Volstead Act that banned the sale of alcohol but ultimately resulted in more drinking than ever before, as well as a rise in crime and violence. But she also looks at topics like music, literature, language, aviation, the economy as well as several others making this a comprehensive, but easy to read book summary of the American Jazz Age.

Jazz Age Cocktails is perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered what’s behind the name of their drink or anyone wanting to impress friends with knowledgeable anecdotes at their next cocktail party.

Buy from Booktopia in Australia or buy from Amazon.com

NB: I received a free digital copy of this book to honestly review through Net Galley.

Jazz Age Cocktails by Cecelia Tichi