The ideal bartender

11 recipes resurrected from The ideal bartender — each published with its full origin story, era, and historical context.

TOKAY PUNCH

This luxurious frozen punch from 1917 transforms sweet Tokay grapes and red Bordeaux wine into a sophisticated, semi-frozen dessert drink. The base is a rich grape and wine sorb…

CHAMPAGNE CUP (2-gallon mixture)

This elegant Champagne Cup is a sophisticated large-batch cocktail perfect for celebrations, blending the richness of Cognac and Tokaji wine with the brightness of fresh citrus.…

COUNTRY CLUB PUNCH

This monumental punch recipe from 1917 is a true showstopper for large gatherings, featuring a classic oleo-saccharum base where sugar is infused with fresh lemon and orange oil…

PINEAPPLE JULEP (for a party of 6—Use a small punch bowl)

This elegant historical punch from 1917 combines the crisp, floral notes of sparkling Moselle wine with the botanical depth of Old Tom Gin and aromatic bitters. Fresh slices of…

CLARET CUP (2-gallon mixture)

This large-batch Claret Cup is a sophisticated and refreshing punch that combines the deep, tannic notes of red Bordeaux wine with the brightness of fresh citrus and sparkling c…

LADIES' DELIGHT—Thursday Luncheon Punch

This elegant 1917 punch combines the tannic depth of cold Orange Pekoe tea with the warmth of brandy and a refreshing trio of citrus juices for a sophisticated flavor profile. A…

DORAY PUNCH

This pre-Prohibition cocktail is a complex and frothy punch that balances the herbal depth of Green Chartreuse with the honeyed sweetness of Tokay wine and pineapple syrup. The…

DORAY SOUR

This sophisticated 1917 cocktail combines the richness of brandy and sweet Tokay wine with the herbal complexity of Green Chartreuse. The Doray Sour balances sweet and tart elem…

CLUB HOUSE PUNCH (for a party of 20)

This elegant Club House Punch is a sophisticated large-batch cocktail that marries the sweetness of Catawba or Tokay wine with the robust depth of brandy and Jamaica rum. Infuse…

PUNCH A LA ROMAINE (for a party of 16)

This luxurious historical punch, known as Punch à la Romaine, blends the effervescence of Champagne with the richness of rum and a bright citrus base. The unique preparation inv…

APPLEJACK FIX

This refreshing 1917 cocktail combines the robust flavor of apple brandy with the brightness of fresh lemon and sweet fruit syrup. The "Fix" is a classic style of drink served o…