The School of Sophisticated Drinking

“A very entertaining book that deserves a leather armchair, a fine cigar, and a double measure of cognac. ” – Gaz Regan, author of The Joy of Mixology

An engrossing romp through the social, political, and scientific history of alcohol and art of cultured intoxication.

The School of Sophisticated Drinking traces the deep-seated lineage of drinking in the social, political, and even scientific developments of our culture. Inspired by an ongoing series of lectures at Berlin’s legendary cocktail den, the Victoria Bar, each chapter delves into the sociopolitical significance of and technological innovations behind a familiar wine or spirit—brandy, vodka, whisky, rum, gin, tequila, and champagne—and shares plenty of tales of adventure, from the glamour of Hollywood and Broadway to the tormented worlds of well-known writers, to the outbreak of wars and the unending struggle for economic and military power. Whether you’re an expert drinker or a novice barfly, it’ll give you plenty to contemplate inside your glass.

Kerstin Ehmer is a cofounder the Victoria Bar in Berlin and part of the team that began the legendary lecture series there known as the School of Sophisticated Drinking. A former photojournalist and writer, Ehmer now curates an annual exhibition at the Victoria Bar, manages its art collection, and handles public relations.

Beate Hindermann is a cofounder the Victoria Bar in Berlin and part of the team that began the legendary lecture series there known as the School of Sophisticated Drinking. Hindermann has distinguished herself in the bartending world, not only at the Victoria Bar but also writing for Mixology, jurying cocktail competitions, and as an explorer of worldwide bar and alcohol cultures.