From the foremost figure on the New Orleans’ drinking scene and the owner of renowned bar Cure, a cocktail book that celebrates the vibrant city

New Orleans is known for its spirit(s)-driven festivities. Neal Bodenheimer and coauthor Emily Timberlake tell the city’s story through 100 cocktails, each chosen to represent New Orleans’ past, present, and future.

A love letter to New Orleans and the cast of characters that have had a hand in making the city so singular, Cure: New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em features interviews with local figures such as Ian Neville, musician and New Orleans funk royalty, plus a few tips on how to survive your first Mardi Gras. Along the way, the reader is taken on a journey that highlights the rich history and complexity of the city and the drinks it inspired, as well as the techniques and practices that Cure has perfected in their mission to build forward rather than just looking back. Of course, this includes the classics every self-respecting drinker should know, especially if you’re a New Orleanian: the Sazerac, Julep, Vieux Carré, Ramos Gin Fizz, Cocktail à la Louisiane, and French 75.

Famous local chefs have contributed easy recipes for snacks with local flavor, perfect for pairing with these libations. Cure: New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em​ is a beautiful keepsake for anyone who has fallen under New Orleans’s spell and a must-have souvenir for the millions of people who visit the city each year.

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Review

This is more than just a cocktail recipe book. This book dives into the history of New Orleans and what makes it a unique place to visit. There are multiple restaurants, bars, and other famous sites that bring a richness to the city that compares to none.

I wish that I could say that I have spent a lot of time in New Orleans, but sadly I cannot. Which is odd since I have family in that region! But this book took me on an adventure of my own from my couch in Texas. I love the various stories about how drinks were concocted, the cocktail bucket list, and the history that is shared that makes New Orleans unique.

Each chapter focuses on a different type of cocktail. This makes it easier if you know what you want to make. The number of recipes is overwhelming to me, along with all of the ingredients. I love a good cocktail, but I have to admit that my personal bar is lacking. I guess it is because my spouse prefers wine. This book makes me want to go out and purchase various items I need to create these drinks. I might have to focus on a drink a week, so I don’t blow the grocery budget!

I love learning all sorts of facts about the city, including that in 2008, lawmakers made Sazerac the official drink of the city. They were going to try statewide but got cold feet and just made the bill for New Orleans. There are other stories sprinkled throughout, and it makes for some interesting reading.

This is more than a recipe book, so if all you want are recipes, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you want to enjoy a book rich in culture, this is the book to pick up.

About the Authors

Neal Bodenheimer was born and raised in New Orleans. In 2009 he opened his first cocktail bar, Cure, on a flood-damaged stretch of Freret Street. Since then he has opened several more bars in New Orleans, including Cane & Table, Bellocq, Vals, and Dauphine’s, which is in Washington D.C. In 2018 Cure won a James Beard Award for “Best Bar Program.” He is the co-chair of the board of directors for the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, a leader in the global cocktail community committed to educating, advancing, and supporting the hospitality industry around the world.

Emily Timberlake is a writer and editor based out of Oakland, California. Previously an editor at Ten Speed Press, Timberlake acquired and edited 12 James Beard and IACP Cookbook Award winners. Her writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Punch, TASTE, and more.