Washoe County Library System

From beer to Coca-Cola, the six drinks that have helped shape human history.

Throughout human history, certain drinks have done much more than just quench thirst. As Tom Standage relates with authority and charm, six of them have had a surprisingly pervasive influence on the course of history, becoming the defining drink during a pivotal historical period.

A History of the World in 6 Glasses tells the story of humanity from the

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"From the U.K.'s preeminent bartender and one of the leading authorities on "modernist mixology" comes this collection of 60 revolutionary cocktails, all grounded in the classics but utilizing technologies and techniques from the molecular gastronomy movement. The right cocktail is more than just a drink. It's the perfect combination of scent, color, sound, and taste. In the hands of Tony Conigliaro, drinks like the Vintage Manhattan, Dirty Martini...

John deBary is a veritable cocktail expert with a 100-proof personality, a dash of fun, and garnished with flair--there's nothing muddled about him. In Drink What You Want, John breaks down the science of mixology (yes, it's a science) and explains the rules of drink-making. Most important, you'll learn how to tweak any drink, both classic and creative, to your preferences and moods. Are you adventurous or traditional? Sweet or bitter? Brown liquor...

"The intertwined histories of booze and medicine, from internationally-renowned cocktail expert Camper English. Alcohol and medicine have an inextricably intertwined history, with innovations in each altering the path of the other. The story stretches back to the ancient world, when beer and wine were used to provide nutrition, hydration, and act as solvents for healing botanicals. Over time, alchemists distilled elixirs designed to cure all diseases,...

"A nonalcoholic cocktail recipe book for expecting mothers, teetotalers, those hoping to lose weight, and anyone else looking for alternatives to alcoholic cocktails"--

"A sober hedonist's guide to living a decadent, wild, and soulful life--alcohol-free. In a culture where sipping "rosé all day" is seen as the epitome of relaxation, "grabbing a drink" the only way to network; and meeting at a bar the quintessential "first date," many of us are left wondering if drinking alcohol really is the only way to cultivate joy and connection in life. Jardine Libaire and Amanda Eyre Ward wanted to live spontaneous and luxurious...

"Step aside, rosé. A more refreshing drink is here, in a bubbling array of colors and flavors. The iconic Italian export, the Aperol spritz, with its classic (and simple) makeup of fizzy prosecco, sparkling water, and a splash of the bittersweet, citrus-flavored liqueur, is just the beginning. In Just a Spritz, author Danielle Centoni shares an inspired world of spritz variations. Add in sweet liqueurs and bitter amari, fresh juices, flavored kombuchas,...

Amy Stewart explores the dizzying array of herbs, flowers, trees, fruits, and fungi that humans have, through ingenuity, inspiration, and sheer desperation, contrived to transform into alcohol over the centuries.

"With Boozy Brunch, you have your pick of more than one hundred eye-opening drink recipes and twenty-five food pairings, with entertaining drink histories and liquor-laden quotes from the famous and infamous. The first book of its kind, Boozy Brunch offers brunchy alternatives and revved-up variations to the classic set of champagne-based, coffee-based, or fruit or vegetable juice-based cocktails that will help you make the most of your brunch. Plus,...

Featuring anecdotes from the many hours spent at the author's favorite Boston pub, the star of "Cheers" covers everything related to the beer-drinker's lifestyle, combining real knowledge of the hops with humorous tips for the ultimate beer-drinking experience.