The first cocktails were concocted centuries ago by apothecaries, physicians, pharmacists, and anyone who specialized in healing ailments. They blended alcohol and liqueurs with herbs, fruit, flowers, spices and more to create tinctures, bitters, elixirs, and tonics touted to cure tummy troubles, respiratory ailments, aches, pains, and more.Not all of these potions were effective, any more than today's medicines cure all, and some were downright dangerous, but the better curatives prevailed and became the basis for many modern prescriptions and nightclub cocktails.
Apothecary Cocktails: Restorative Drinks from Yesterday and Today
by Warren Bobrow.
Fair Winds Press, 2013
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Outrider Reading Group
good spirits & fine liqueurs
Beverage Supplies
