How it all began
When Greg Boehm, owner of Mud Puddle Books decided to become the major publisher of cocktail books in the world, he did not yet know what that would entail. But lo and behold, several months later, a book publishing program based on the cocktail was born! With its sensitivity to authenticity, high-quality reproduction, and complete roster of the top classics, this one-of-a-kind collection is now ready to be unleashed to the public.
The idea for this series originated from Boehm's substantial (some may say obsessive) antique cocktail book collection and his passion for a stiff drink. Antique cocktail guides are chock full of valuable information for the modern bartender, drink connoisseur, cocktail history buff, attentive host, or even the casual drinker with a delicate palate. As the modern cocktail renaissance flourishes, this information is more in demand now than ever. However, the original books are extremely scarce and very pricey. It would be unwise to keep a copy of the ultra rare Harry Johnson's Bartenders' Manual anywhere near a bar.
The Books
The first book Mud Puddle republished is a true legend in the cocktail world. Anyone familiar with the term, "mixology," knows The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks by David Embury to be one of the most important books of cocktail philosophy. Out of print since the 1950s, when copies make their rare appearance on eBay, they sell for hundreds of dollars.
Once Mud Puddle secured the rights to Embury's classic, the rest of the publishing program kicked into drive. Boehm, along with the advice of several top cocktailians, developed a list of rare and significant vintage cocktail books. The first six authentic reproductions were decided, and to help explain the relevance of these vintage books in modern times, a veritable "who's who" of the cocktail world was enlisted to write the introductions.
Finally, to prove its dedication to earning the title of "the major publisher of cocktail books in the world" Mud Puddle Books will soon begin to publish original cocktail books. The first title will be The Essential Bartender's Guide by Robert "Drinkboy" Hess, a veteran of the cocktail circuit; Robert's first solo book is filled with top-notch advice and well-balanced recipes.
Mud Puddle will also soon announce the next group of authentic reproduction cocktail books, plus a large illustrated cocktail book, cocktail books in several other languages, and whatever else it takes to make sure no one snags the "major publisher" title out from underneath their martini.
We hope you enjoy reading our new cocktail books as much as you have enjoyed reading a bit of our history. Thank you, and cheers!