Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs, and Juice

Starred review from September 1, 2023

The new title from Tipton-Martin (Jubilee), James Beard Award winner and editor in chief of Cook's Country, is a stunning blend of recipes and history from behind the bar. Her inspiration was the lack of historical representation of African American mixologists and their contribution to the modern craft. Her detailed research is evident throughout, including chapter and recipe introductions that take readers back in time and make for fascinating reading. The layout includes primary-source recipes, both historical and modern, that provide prospective on Tipton-Martin's recipe development and ideas for experimentation. From the fermented to the shaken and stirred, recipes cover the classics to the lesser-known drinks, and the inclusion of a zero-proof chapter provides something for everyone. The elegant photography highlights the beauty in each drink and its matching glassware and will inspire home bartenders to dig through their hutches for the perfect glass. Included is an extensive bibliography that includes titles from 1827 to the present, and the accompanying recipe and name index ensures that the author's work is available for researchers. VERDICT Tipton-Martin's dedication to researching African American foodways is unparalleled; paired with her glorious cocktail recipes, this is a perfect mix for the home bar.--Sarah Tansley

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 15, 2024
James Beard Award winner Tipton-Martin (Jubilee) explores the storied history of Black contributions to the world of mixology in this enlightening and appealing volume. She pulls recipes from her extensive collection of African American cookbooks dating back as far as 1827, testing and adapting the drinks to make them accessible to anyone with a liquor cabinet. These stellar libations are sorted into four categories: “fermented, brewed and steeped” (including strawberry wine and ginger beer), batch-made (eggnog, champagne punch), shaken (a sidecar, a cosmopolitan), and stirred (gin and juice, sazeracs). From a classic whiskey sour to a delightful pineapple-lemon highball, there is something here for every taste. Some drinks are instantly recognizable, such as a bellini or a strawberry wine cooler, while others are less well-known. Among the latter are a potent absinthe frappé, a simple yet beautiful gin-based cloverleaf, and a beet-a-rita, an unusual take on a traditional margarita. Tipton-Martin intersperses historical insights throughout, with stories of taverns, jazz clubs, and individual Black mixologists adding delightful context. It’s a satisfying combination that sates both the mind and the palate.