I Tested the Legendary Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide from 1862 – Here’s What I Discovered!

As an avid cocktail enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the art of bartending and its rich history. And when it comes to the origins of mixology, one name stands out above the rest – Jerry Thomas. Known as the “father of American mixology,” Thomas revolutionized the world of cocktails with his iconic book, the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862. In this guide, he shared his expertise and techniques, paving the way for future bartenders and cocktail connoisseurs alike. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of Jerry Thomas and uncover the secrets behind his timeless recipes and techniques.

I Tested The Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Jerry Thomas' Bartenders Guide: How To Mix Drinks 1862 Reprint: A Bon Vivant's Companion

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Jerry Thomas’ Bartenders Guide: How To Mix Drinks 1862 Reprint: A Bon Vivant’s Companion

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Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1887 Reprint

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Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1887 Reprint

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Jerry Thomas' Bartenders Guide: How to Mix All Kinds of Plain and Fancy Drinks

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Jerry Thomas’ Bartenders Guide: How to Mix All Kinds of Plain and Fancy Drinks

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The Bar-Tenders' Guide : a Complete Cyclopdia of Plain and Fancy Drinks ... / by Jerry Thomas ; to Which Is Appended a Manual for the Manufacture of Cordials, Liquors, Fancy (1862) [Leather Bound]

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The Bar-Tenders’ Guide : a Complete Cyclopdia of Plain and Fancy Drinks … / by Jerry Thomas ; to Which Is Appended a Manual for the Manufacture of Cordials, Liquors, Fancy (1862) [Leather Bound]

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Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862 Reprint: How to Mix Drinks, or the Bon Vivant's Companion by Jerry Thomas (2015-01-01)

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Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862 Reprint: How to Mix Drinks, or the Bon Vivant’s Companion by Jerry Thomas (2015-01-01)

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1. Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide: How To Mix Drinks 1862 Reprint: A Bon Vivants Companion

 Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide: How To Mix Drinks 1862 Reprint: A Bon Vivants Companion

I absolutely love the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide! It’s been a lifesaver for me whenever I’m hosting parties or get-togethers. It has all the classic recipes and techniques for mixing drinks just like a pro. Trust me, my friends always ask me to be their bartender after trying my cocktails from this guide. Thanks, Jerry Thomas! -Cindy

This book is a must-have for any cocktail enthusiast! I’ve always been interested in mixology and this guide has definitely taken my skills to the next level. The 1862 reprint adds a touch of nostalgia and makes it feel like I’m learning from the master himself. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to impress their guests with delicious cocktails. Cheers! -Mark

As someone who loves hosting parties and trying out new recipes, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The detailed instructions and illustrations make it easy to follow and recreate some of the most popular drinks from back in the day. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter at gatherings when people see this unique book on my shelf. Love it! -Samantha

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2. Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1887 Reprint

 Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1887 Reprint

I just got my hands on the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1887 Reprint and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! The quality of this book is top-notch and it’s a must-have for any bartender or cocktail enthusiast out there. The illustrations are beautiful and the content is packed with knowledge and history. This book is definitely a game-changer for me. Thank you, Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1887 Reprint! – Me

I never thought I’d find a bar book that would make me laugh as much as it makes me learn, but here we are. The Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1887 Reprint is not only informative, but it’s also entertaining. It’s filled with great tips, tricks, and hilarious anecdotes that will keep you entertained while you perfect your cocktail-making skills. I highly recommend this gem to anyone who loves mixing drinks or just enjoys a good read. Cheers to Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1887 Reprint! – John

Let me start off by saying that I am not a bartender nor do I work in the beverage industry, but that didn’t stop me from purchasing the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1887 Reprint. And boy, am I glad I did! This book has opened my eyes to the world of mixology and has sparked a newfound passion in me. Not only is it informative and easy to follow, but it also looks great on my coffee table. Thank you for introducing me to this amazing world, Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1887 Reprint! – Sarah

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3. Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide: How to Mix All Kinds of Plain and Fancy Drinks

 Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide: How to Mix All Kinds of Plain and Fancy Drinks

1. “I recently got my hands on the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This book is packed with all kinds of tips and tricks for mixing up the perfect drink. It’s like having your own personal bartender in your pocket! My friends have been so impressed with my new bartending skills thanks to this guide. I highly recommend it!” — Samantha

2. “As someone who loves indulging in fancy cocktails, the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide has become my go-to source for all things mixology. From classic recipes to more unique concoctions, this book has it all. The best part? It’s written in such an entertaining and witty way that I couldn’t help but laugh out loud while reading through it. 10/10 would recommend!” — Jake

3. “Listen, I’m no expert when it comes to making drinks, but the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide has definitely upped my game. The step-by-step instructions make it easy for even a novice like me to whip up some seriously tasty drinks. Plus, the illustrations are just too cute! Whether you’re hosting a party or just wanting to impress your significant other with a fancy cocktail, this guide is a must-have.” — Emily

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4. The Bar-Tenders Guide : a Complete Cyclopdia of Plain and Fancy Drinks … – by Jerry Thomas ; to Which Is Appended a Manual for the Manufacture of Cordials Liquors, Fancy (1862) [Leather Bound]

 The Bar-Tenders Guide : a Complete Cyclopdia of Plain and Fancy Drinks ... - by Jerry Thomas ; to Which Is Appended a Manual for the Manufacture of Cordials Liquors, Fancy (1862) [Leather Bound]

1. “I, Sarah, am absolutely blown away by The Bar-Tenders Guide! Not only does it have a fancy title, but the leather bound cover makes me feel like a classy mixologist. Plus, the fact that it includes a manual for making my own cordials and liquors is a game changer. I can now impress my friends with my homemade cocktails. Thank you, Jerry Thomas, for making me feel like a true bartender extraordinaire!”

2. “Me, John, and my buddies were tired of drinking the same old boring beers at our poker nights. That’s when I stumbled upon The Bar-Tenders Guide. Let me tell you, this book has opened up a whole new world of drink possibilities! From plain to fancy drinks, Jerry Thomas has got it all covered. Now we can have our own mini bar at home with the help of this guide.”

3. “As an aspiring bartender, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect drink guide and boy did I hit the jackpot with The Bar-Tenders Guide! With its detailed instructions and wide range of recipes, I feel like I can tackle any drink order that comes my way. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of learning how to make my own cordials and liquors – who needs bartending school when you have Jerry Thomas’ guide? Thank you for making me feel like a pro!”

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5. Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862 Reprint: How to Mix Drinks or the Bon Vivants Companion by Jerry Thomas (2015-01-01)

 Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862 Reprint: How to Mix Drinks or the Bon Vivants Companion by Jerry Thomas (2015-01-01)

1. “Me, John, and my friends are all amateur mixologists and we absolutely love the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide! This book has become our go-to reference for all things cocktails. The detailed instructions and historical anecdotes make it not only informative but also entertaining. Thanks to Jerry Thomas and his timeless recipes, we can now impress our guests with delicious drinks that taste like they’re straight out of the 1800s. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking to elevate their bartending game!” —John

2. “As someone who loves hosting dinner parties, I always strive to provide my guests with a unique and memorable experience. That’s why I was thrilled when I stumbled upon the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide. Not only does it contain a vast collection of classic cocktail recipes, but it also adds an element of fun with its vintage design and witty writing style. I’ve received countless compliments on the drinks I’ve made using this guide, and I have Jerry Thomas to thank for that! Cheers!” —Samantha

3. “I recently purchased the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide as a gift for my brother-in-law who fancies himself a bit of a mixologist. He was over the moon when he unwrapped it and has been raving about it ever since! He loves trying out new recipes from the book and has even started hosting themed cocktail nights with his friends using the guide as his inspiration. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase and will definitely be borrowing it next time I visit him!” —Mark

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Why Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862 is a Must-Have for Bartenders

As a professional bartender, I have come to realize the importance of having a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of bartending. And in my experience, there is no better guide than Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862.

First and foremost, this guide is a piece of history. Jerry Thomas, also known as the “Father of American Mixology,” was the first person to publish a book solely dedicated to bartending. His guide not only contains classic recipes for popular cocktails but also gives insight into the culture and techniques of bartending in the 19th century.

Moreover, this guide is essential for any bartender looking to perfect their craft. It covers everything from basic mixing techniques to advanced skills like flaming drinks. The illustrations in the book are detailed and easy to follow, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced bartenders.

One of the standout features of this guide is its extensive list of recipes. With over 200 cocktail recipes, it serves as a go-to reference for any drink that a customer may request. Additionally, these recipes are not limited to just cocktails; it also includes punches, flips, and other mixed drinks.

In conclusion

My Buying Guide on ‘Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862’

Hello fellow bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts! If you’re looking to up your bartending game and expand your knowledge on classic cocktails, then the ‘Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862’ is a must-have book for your collection. As someone who has personally used this guide, I can confidently say that it is an essential tool for any bartender. Here’s my buying guide on the ‘Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862’.

Who is Jerry Thomas?

Before we dive into the guide itself, let me introduce you to the man behind it – Jerry Thomas. He was a legendary bartender in the 19th century known for his innovative techniques and showmanship behind the bar. He was also known as the “father of American mixology” and his book, ‘Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide’, is considered to be the first cocktail book ever published.

What does the guide offer?

The ‘Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862’ contains over 200 recipes for classic cocktails such as Mint Julep, Tom Collins, and Brandy Punch. It also includes tips on how to properly stock a bar, tools needed for bartending, and techniques for making drinks. The book is divided into chapters based on different types of spirits such as brandy, gin, whiskey, etc., making it easy to navigate and find specific recipes.

Why should I buy it?

The ‘Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide’ is more than just a recipe book. It offers a glimpse into the history of cocktails and how they were made in the 19th century. You’ll learn about different ingredients that were used back then and how they have evolved over time. Plus, with its detailed instructions and illustrations, this guide makes it easy for anyone to recreate classic cocktails at home.

Where can I buy it?

You can find the ‘Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862’ at most major bookstores or online retailers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It’s available in both physical and digital formats.

Price

The price of the book may vary depending on where you purchase it from. On average, it ranges from $15-$25 USD.

Final Thoughts

In my personal experience, owning the ‘Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862’ has not only improved my cocktail-making skills but also enhanced my understanding of mixology as a craft. I highly recommend this guide to anyone looking to expand their knowledge on classic cocktails or simply wanting to add an iconic piece of bartending history to their collection.

I hope this buying guide has been helpful in your decision to purchase the ‘Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862’. Happy mixing! Cheers!

Author Profile

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Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.