Gatsby Cocktails: Classic cocktails from the jazz age

The glamor of the cocktail comes to life in this collection of authentic recipes from the 20s and 30s.

Prohibition in the United States began in 1920 and cocktails became the height of fashion. The underground Speakeasy grew in popularity and strong flavors were used to mask the taste of bootlegged booze. Learn the art of mixing period cocktails celebrating F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby. Try re-creating Jazz-age Classics such as the Sidecar. In Juleps & Smashes, discover the secret to Jay Gatsby’s tipple of choice the cooling Mint Julep. Perfect the classic Martini in Martinis & Aperitifs or try a tempting 20s classic such as a Raspberry Rickey from a sparkling selection of Rickeys & Fizzes. Get out your Flapper dress and re-live the Speakeasy experience with this collection of authentic cocktails. With more than 20 classic recipes, Gatsby Cocktails captures the iconic elegance of the Prohibition era.

Ben Reed has mixed cocktails all over the world. Former bar manager of the Met Bar and Woody’s in London he was then appointed Executive Director of IPBartenders and is now a freelance consultant. Ben has made many TV appearances. His column ‘Barfly’ ran in The Times Magazine and he has been in a wide range of publications, including Vogue, Red and GQ. His previous books include The Art of the Cocktail and The Cocktail Hour, both published by Ryland Peters & Small. Ben lives in Queen’s Park, London.