For much of the nineteenth century, the "Cocktail" was a simple affair: spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. Then came the Manhattan, and everything changed. It so altered the drinking landscape that the original cocktail soon became old hat, old school: the Old-Fashioned. Cocktail historian Philip Greene expertly traces the evolution of this new drink from its competing origin stories through its continuing influence and extensive progeny, including the almighty Martini itself. Richly illustrated with vintage ads and artwork and luxe photographs, this definitive, illustrated story of the Manhattan also offers 65 easy-to-follow recipes. Classic variations and contemporary updates range from the Brooklyn and the Vesper to the Little Italy and Red Hook. If youre thirsty for a good story, you've come to the right place.--adapted from Amazon.com.