Everyday Drinking by Kingsley Amis is more than just a book; it’s actually a compilation of three collections of columns that Amis, the celebrated British novelist and poet, wrote for UK newspapers from 1971 to 1984. These columns, gathered and published in 2008 by Bloomsbury, remain unaltered from the originals, preserving Amis’s wit and insights into the world of drinking. The book is divided into three sections: On Drink, Every Day Drinking, and How’s Your Glass?
On Drink
In On Drink, Amis provides 90 pages of thought-provoking essays on topics like The Miser’s Guide, Hangovers, Drink on a Diet, and How Not to Get Drunk. These reflections are much more than amusing tales; they offer insights that could prove valuable to bartenders and drink enthusiasts alike. Amis shares practical tips, such as making the most out of a lemon by briefly soaking it in hot water before squeezing to extract more juice.
He also lists general principles, or “O.P.s” (Ordinary Principles), which he applies to cocktails. For instance, in an ode to the Dry Martini, Amis advises using smaller glasses to ensure that the drink stays cool and fresh till the last sip. He even recommends letting the cocktail rest for a couple of minutes after mixing, arguing that an ultra-chilled drink trumps concentration when it comes to flavor.
In another astute observation, Amis recommends using Italian dry vermouth rather than the classic French Noilly Prat for a Dry Martini, claiming that the latter can give the cocktail a darker color and overpower the gin with its strong flavor. The section is packed with valuable advice and offers a refreshing look at how to think critically about cocktails.
Every Day Drinking
One of Amis’s favorite subjects is the Bloody Mary, which he explores in Every Day Drinking. This classic cocktail, which Amis had a renewed passion for in the 1980s, embodies everything he loves about cocktails—mixing ingredients, experimenting with flavor, and perfecting presentation.
Amis’s Bloody Mary recipe is anything but conventional, featuring half a bottle of vodka, a liter of tomato juice, two tablespoons of ketchup (!), four tablespoons of orange juice, four tablespoons of lemon juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a teaspoon of celery salt. He defends his recipe, explaining that the orange juice softens the acidity of the lemon, and ketchup’s sweetness balances the drink’s tartness. While he encourages using cheap vodka, he insists on high-quality tomato juice, adding, “Avoid artificial flavoring agents and don’t overdo the spice—it can overwhelm the drink.”
Amis also revisits the Singapore Sling, preferring a simplified version that omits many ingredients used in the original Raffles Hotel recipe. His version calls for two parts gin, one part cherry brandy, and three parts fresh orange juice. Simple, memorable, and highly recommended by the author, this drink showcases Amis’s philosophy that simpler cocktails often lead to a better experience.
How’s Your Glass?
The final section, How’s Your Glass?, includes 88 pages of quizzes and trivia to test your drink knowledge. These quirky challenges are as fun as they are informative, but you may want to brush up on history and cultural references before diving in—Amis’s questions can be as obscure as asking about the most important outcome of the Battle of Culloden. While the questions are sometimes challenging, the section is a reminder of Amis’s deep love for the world of drinking and all its history.
Yet, Amis’s style isn’t without its occasional slip-ups or strong opinions, which only endear him further to his readers. For instance, he once mistakenly referred to tequila as being made from a cactus—a mistake he later corrected by clarifying that agave only looks like a cactus. He’s also refreshingly candid with his critiques, calling out American cocktail writer David Embury for his “pleasantly companionable style” but chiding him for occasionally “missing the mark.”
Amis isn’t shy about his opinions on drinking customs, either. He makes a strong case for always following Italian meals with a glass of grappa, calling it an “outright folly” to skip it. He’s equally emphatic when he states, “Strong drinks inspire strong emotions!” Whether you agree with him or not, Amis’s reflections on drinking customs are undeniably entertaining.
Why Read Everyday Drinking?
Amis’s Everyday Drinking isn’t just for drinkers; it’s for anyone interested in the rich cultural world surrounding cocktails and spirits. Bartenders, mixologists, and drink aficionados will find his insights useful, humorous, and thought-provoking. Through his delightful storytelling, Amis turns everyday drinks into memorable experiences and offers a practical approach to enhancing cocktail culture. For anyone interested in the art and philosophy of drinking, this book is a timeless guide filled with wisdom, humor, and Amis’s unique perspective on the joys of a well-made drink.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a cocktail enthusiast, Everyday Drinking is an engaging and informative read that encourages you to think deeply about each sip, laugh at the idiosyncrasies of cocktail culture, and appreciate the fine art of the drink.
