New Book Toasts Cocktail Pioneer

Yesterday, The New York Times Dining section looked at an upcoming book, Imbibe!, which chronicles the life and work of Jerry Thomas, hailed as the originator of the American bar by author David Wondrich. In 1862, Thomas wrote The Bartender's Guide, which laid out lists of cocktails and specific instructions for their creation. The master bartender's trademark concoction, the Blue Blazer, is created by passing its ingredients back and forth—aflame—between two mixing glasses. The book serves as a primer on fine drinks, and includes a foreword by modern-day master mixologist Dale DeGroff. The hardcover will be available Tuesday from Amazon.com.