Picture an American storyteller who stirred up the world of cocktails and music history with a shaker full of wit and a bassline of curiosity—meet David Wondrich! Born on the banks of the Monongahela, this former punk bassist turned cocktail historian and music scholar has poured his eclectic passions into books that bring America’s spirited past to life. From the clink of 19th-century bar glasses to the stomp of early jazz, Wondrich’s work is a toast to forgotten cultural gems.
The Making of David Wondrich
David Wondrich’s journey to literary fame was anything but conventional. Raised in suburban New York City, he dabbled in odd jobs—house painter, mattress stuffer, even a process server for a mob lawyer—before rocking the stage as a bassist in countless bands. His love for music and storytelling led him to a doctorate in Comparative Literature, specializing in Latin scientific poetry, but academia felt like a flat note. Instead, he found his rhythm writing about jazz and ragtime for outlets like the Village Voice, eventually mixing in cocktails for Esquire in 1999, where his knack for historical sleuthing took flight.
David Wondrich’s Unforgettable Stories
Wondrich’s books are like a perfectly crafted cocktail—rich, layered, and impossible to put down. His 2007 masterpiece, Imbibe!, is a spirited tribute to Jerry Thomas, the father of American bartending. This James Beard Award-winning book blends meticulous research with colorful anecdotes, offering over 100 classic drink recipes and a vivid portrait of 19th-century bar culture. In 2010, Punch took readers on a rollicking journey through the history of the punch bowl, from British sailors to American presidents, packed with recipes and historical zest. On the music front, Stomp and Swerve: American Music Gets Hot, 1843–1924 (2003) dives into the raw energy of minstrelsy, ragtime, and early jazz, tracing how ‘hot’ music shaped rock ’n’ roll. As editor of the 2021 Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, Wondrich cemented his status as a leading drinks historian, compiling 1,150 entries with a team of 160 writers. His style? Think scholarly rigor with a dash of humor, like a professor who moonlights as a bartender.
Whether he’s decoding a 19th-century mint julep or spotlighting African-American contributions to pop music, Wondrich’s work is a masterclass in unearthing lost stories. His ability to weave primary sources—newspapers, bar manuals, and obscure recordings—into engaging narratives makes history feel as lively as a speakeasy on Saturday night.
Why David Wondrich Matters
David Wondrich didn’t just write books; he sparked revolutions. Imbibe! and Punch fueled the modern craft cocktail movement, inspiring bartenders worldwide to revive classic recipes and techniques. His music scholarship in Stomp and Swerve gave early American pop the respect it deserves, shining a light on its African-American roots. Wondrich’s influence extends beyond the page—he’s a founding partner of Beverage Alcohol Resource, a top training program for mixologists, and a frequent lecturer at venues like the Smithsonian. His eight Tales of the Cocktail Spirit Awards and a 2019 ranking as the third most influential figure in the bar world underscore his impact. For readers and drinkers alike, Wondrich makes history a party you don’t want to leave.
- Born: Monongahela, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Imbibe! (2007), Punch (2010), Stomp and Swerve (2003), Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails (2021)
- Awards: James Beard Award (2007), eight Tales of the Cocktail Spirit Awards
About David Wondrich
Ready to sip on history or groove to America’s musical roots? Snag Imbibe! or Stomp and Swerve and dive into David Wondrich’s intoxicating world of cocktails and culture!