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The Hon.William T. Boothby
His title was derived from a term in the California legislature,but
his fame rests on his reputation as an autliority on the mixing of drinks
and a nation-wide experience in the leading bars and hotels of New
York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Kansas City, New Orleans, and Cali
fornia. "Cocktail" Bill Boothby was known in his day as a premier
professional "mixologist" and it was his beloved hobby to collect
outstanding mixed-drink recipes from all over the world.
In 1891 he published "Cocktail Boothby's American Bartender,"
designed ior professional use, and for many years it was recognized
as a standard authority. Many people, unconnected with the liquor
business, eagerly purchased the book, which ran to three editions,
totaling over 50,000 copies.
When Boothby issued his fourth edition, in 1908, he changed
the title to "The World's Drinks and How to Mix Them." Sales of
the book to both professionals and amateurs continued until the ad
vent of prohibition.Private demand for the work continued thereafter
on an increasing scale and in 1930 an enlarged edition was completely
sold out in a short time.
The present edition is the culmination of over fifty years of re
search, testing and experience, and the publishers present it with
every confidence that it is the most authentic and complete work of
its kind in existence.