Cowboy Cocktails

60 Recipes Inspired by the American West

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Friends ~

Cowboy Cocktails has arrived. It hit bookstores nationwide this week. I am thrilled to share this amazing project with you. If you haven’t yet, order it here.

I will be touring Cowboy Cocktails later in the year - more details when the dust settles on the planning.

Working on this book was a true joy and the research for it was a fascinating journey. Why? Because no one has written much about cocktails on the American frontier after the Civil War. While writing this book, I explored everything from cochineal production at the San Antonio missions to railroad shipping routes for beef (mainly to New York where the steaks ended-up on plates at Delmonico’s). There is wondrous — and sometimes surprising — information on every page. Want to know what was in Frontier Scamper Juice? Or did you know that Stirrup Cups were offered while customers were astride their horses (if they dismounted they were given a slip for their steed like valet parking)? Do you know the origin of chili powder? Or what Snakehead is? Have you ever made an eggless cake? What about jerky gravy?

The story of the cowboy is tangled up in everything from the booming American economy after the Civil War (many cowboys were former soldiers) to technological and social upheaval — to a general land rush as the U.S. spread west. It is a fascinating time and place, and with good reason it caught the world’s attention. The American cowboy is an icon, and these drinks (and food recipes) pay homage to, and evoke, their style and time. I hope you enjoy.

I will be sharing some interesting tidbits on social media in the coming weeks, so be sure to follow along.

Cimarron

The Cimarron River flows through four states, from New Mexico to Kansas. It was known as the Red River to cowboys because its red-clay banks colored the water. The Chisholm Trail crossed the Cimarron south of Dodge City, and the river was a dangerous obstacle when it was swollen. While gunfights get the press and popular attention, river crossings posed the gravest threat to cowboys.

Using fruit preserves in mixed drinks is an old bartender’s trick and any jam in your pantry is fair game. Strawberries are a great choice with agave spirits, providing an especially winning foil for mezcal.

2 ounces reposado tequila

1/2 ounce mezcal

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

1 heaping barspoon strawberry preserves

Strawberry, for garnish (optional)

Shake the tequila, mezcal, lime juice, and strawberry preserves with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a strawberry, if you like.

[Excerpted from Cowboy Cocktails: 60 Recipes Inspired by the American West. Available from Quarto. André Darlington. Copyright © 2024.]

~ Upcoming ~

Monday, May 6 - New York - Porchlight, Forbidden Cocktails launch party

Tuesday, May 7 - National - Forbidden Cocktails: Libations Inspired by the World of Pre-Code Hollywood (Turner Classic Movies) - BOOK LAUNCH

- THANK YOU FOR READING -