From the James Beard Award-winning author of Bitters and Amaro comes this poignant, funny, and often elegiac exploration of the question, What is the last thing you’d want to drink before you die?, with bartender profiles, portraits, and cocktail recipes.
JAMES BEARD AWARD FINALIST WINNER OF THE TALES OF THE COCKTAIL SPIRITED AWARD NAMED ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR BY CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Everyone knows the parlor game question asked of every chef and food personality in countless interviews: What is the last meal you’d want to eat before you die? But what does it look like when you pose the question to bartenders? In Last Call, James Beard Award-winning author Brad Thomas Parsons gathers the intriguing responses from a diverse range of bartenders around the country, including Guido Martelli at the Palizzi Social Club in Philadelphia (he chooses an extra-dry Martini), Joseph Stinchcomb at Saint Leo in Oxford, Mississippi (he picks the Last Word, a pre-Prohibition-era cocktail that’s now a cult favorite), and Natasha David at Nitecap in New York City (she would be sipping an extra-salty Margarita). The resulting interviews and essays reveal a personal portrait of some of the country’s top bartenders and their favorite drinks, while over 40 cocktail recipes and stunning photography make this a keepsake for barflies and cocktail enthusiasts of all stripes.
Praise for Last Call
[Parsons] captures the people and places through stunning photographs and prose. Like a perfectly balanced cocktail, it is equal parts cocktail recipes, travelogue and mixtape.The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Measure equal parts travelogue, tell-all, discography, and cocktail companionin service of an obituary of all patronsand you have Last Call; Brad Thomas Parsonss best book yet. Through soulful photos and gritty interviews, he and photographer Ed Anderson capture the rawness, vulnerability, and ecstasy of the metamorphosis between the end of a guests night and the beginning of a bartenders.Jim Meehan, author of Meehans Bartender Manual and The PDT Cocktail Book
This book is a delight. Last Call shows us the sense of community evoked by bartenders across the country, whose wisdom and tenderness are captured here both in words and beautiful photographs. It made mean erstwhile bartender and faithful customerhappy to remember that we all have nights when we unexpectedly hear the words last call, and that noble and fascinating bartenders are out there waiting to share it with us.Alan Cumming
**Last Call: A Poignant Journey into the Heart of Bartending, Cocktails, and Closing Time Rituals** What is the last drink a bartender would choose before the final curtain falls? James Beard Award-winning author Brad Thomas Parsons (of *Bitters* and *Amaro* fame) explores this intriguing question in *Last Call: Bartenders on Their Final Drink and the Wisdom and Rituals of Closing Time*. This is more than just a cocktail recipe book; it's a deeply personal and often humorous exploration of the lives, philosophies, and favorite libations of bartenders across America. *Last Call* delves into the often-unseen world behind the bar, showcasing the wisdom, camaraderie, and sometimes, the bittersweet realities of the bartending profession. Parsons doesn't just ask the "last drink" question; he uses it as a springboard to uncover the individual stories and unique perspectives of a diverse range of mixologists. From established figures in legendary bars to rising stars shaking up the cocktail scene, each bartender's answer reveals a glimpse into their personal journey, their approach to the craft, and their connection to the rituals of closing time. Imagine yourself sitting at the bar, engaging in conversation with the very people who craft your drinks. Brad Thomas Parsons brings that experience to life, allowing you to eavesdrop on intimate discussions about favorite cocktails, late-night confessions, and the enduring appeal of the perfect drink. Discover why Guido Martelli from the Palizzi Social Club would opt for an extra-dry Martini, or why Joseph Stinchcomb at Saint Leo craves The Last Word. Hear Natasha David of Nitecap's appreciation of a perfectly salty Margarita. The book doesn't shy away from the poignant realities of the profession, capturing the exhaustion, the quiet moments of reflection, and the undeniable bond forged between bartenders and their regulars. *Last Call* is beautifully crafted and visually stunning. Ed Anderson's photography provides a raw and intimate look into the lives of these bartenders, capturing their personalities and the unique atmospheres of their bars. The book features over 40 carefully curated cocktail recipes, many of which are inspired by the bartenders' final drink choices. Readers will find themselves eager to recreate these libations at home, experimenting with new flavors and techniques while gaining a deeper understanding of the art of cocktail creation. Beyond the recipes and stunning visuals, *Last Call* provides insight into cocktail history, the evolving landscape of American bars, and the important role that bartenders play in their communities. It's a celebration of the bartending profession, a tribute to the people who dedicate their lives to crafting exceptional drinks and providing a welcoming space for all. This book is a must-have for cocktail enthusiasts, aspiring bartenders, and anyone who appreciates a good story and a well-made drink. It's a conversation starter, a coffee table centerpiece, and a valuable resource for expanding your cocktail knowledge and appreciation. *Last Call* is a testament to the enduring power of the cocktail, the wisdom of bartenders, and the magic of closing time. It is no wonder that this title was nominated for a James Beard Award and won a Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award! Prepare to be captivated by the stories, inspired by the recipes, and moved by the heartfelt portraits of the bartenders who make *Last Call* a truly unforgettable read.