Booksplode #79 – The Comic Book History of the Cocktail: Five Centuries Mixing Drinks and Carrying On (2025)
Summary
Host Connor Kilpatrick joins guests Gordon, Dr. Ryan Haupt, and Mike Romo to discuss *The Comic Book History of the Cocktail*. They review the graphic novel’s dense history of mixology while tasting and critiquing four specific recipes from the book, including the Reading Club Cocktail and the Ohio. The group explores how pop culture influenced bar trends, the impact of Prohibition, and the evolution of cocktail culture from the 18th century to the modern speakeasy renaissance.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest introductions
Tasting cocktails from the comic book
Overview of the book and modern cocktail revival
Early history: Navy grog and morning drinks
Prohibition era and oral tradition
Personal stories and the loss of classic recipes
College drinking habits and vodka culture
Hollywood bars and martini variations
The rise of Tiki culture and escapism
Distillation science and final thoughts
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