The Neat History of Mr. Boston’s Little Red Book
To call Mr. Boston’s Official Bartender’s Guide simply a condensed encyclopedia of cocktails it to misunderstand its singular contribution to cocktail culture.
When Irwin “Red” Benjamin and Hyman C. Berkowitz founded the Old Mr. Boston Distillery, they quickly became renowned for selling high-quality cordials and collectable bottles, but arguably their greatest concoction was what was then called The Old Mr. Boston Deluxe Official Bartender’s Guide.
Published in the early days after the repeal of Prohibition, the tidy red-covered book became the must-have “Cocktail Bible†for bartenders everywhere and the cocktail adventurer in all of us.
The novelty of Mr. Boston’s Official Bartender’s Guide was pooling the expertise of four crusty Boston bartenders for an amalgam of authority on ingredients, spirits, and the proper service of cocktails ensuring each and every recipe was actually bartender-tested, making it an actual “Official†bartender’s guide.
85 years strong, Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s Guide still resides on bars all over the world, offering cocktail recipes, party planning tips, and historical tidbits.
Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s Guide enters the digital age, with more than 10,500 recipes meticulously sourced from 1935 -2012 editions, each representing the evolution of the cocktail and underscoring the legacy of Mr. Boston’s little red book as an indispensable index and preserves the traditions and recipes that forever define cocktail culture.
Understand cocktail creation as inspired by the iconic Mr. Boston Bar Guide with our Cocktail Basics tasting.
Events
In The Mix Cocktail Class
In the Mix is an immersive cocktail class where music, flavor, and storytelling come together. Guests learn to craft three iconic drink, the Vieux Carré, Southside, and Painkiller, while experiencing curated soundscapes that enhance each cocktail’s character and mood. More than a mixology lesson, this class connects taste and sound to culture, creating a memorable, multi-sensory experience that lingers long after the last sip.
Tequila Tasting
Join us for an immersive tasting class that explores the craftsmanship and character behind Corazón Tequila. This guided experience features a curated lineup of expressions, including Corazón Blanco, Corazón Reposado, Corazón Añejo, and a rare Corazón Sazerac Barrel Select. Throughout the class, you’ll journey through the full tequila-making process, from harvesting blue agave to fermentation and distillation, gaining a deeper understanding of what defines quality tequila. We’ll also break down how aging influences flavor, aroma, and complexity as you compare each expression side by side. To round out the experience, you’ll learn how tequila shines in cocktails, with insights into balance, pairing, and technique that you can take home. Whether you’re new to tequila or looking to refine your palate, this class offers a flavorful and educational exploration of one of Mexico’s most iconic spirits.
The Art of Proof: Sazerac Rye Edition
Explore the depth and character of Sazerac Rye in this guided whiskey class designed for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Led by a knowledgeable expert, guests will learn about the history, production, and flavor profile that define this iconic rye. The experience includes a comparative tasting of each expression—90 proof, 100 proof, and Sazerac Rye Full Proof—allowing guests to discover how proof influences aroma, body, and finish. This side-by-side journey highlights the versatility and craftsmanship behind one of the most recognized names in American rye whiskey.
Here’s to classic cocktails and those destined to be.
