Jerry Thomas is one of the pioneers of the American bar scene. His real name was Jeremiah P. Thomas, but he was better known as “Professor” or “The Father of American Mixology” due to his highly creative works & professional manner behind the bar. Most of his career has been in New York where he stayed most of his life.
“An efficient bartender's first aim should be to please his customers…”
Bartending Life
Thomas was born in New York in 1832 & learned bartending in Connecticut. He later moved to California for the Gold Rush while still working in bars & saloons. It’s only in 1851 that he decided to go back to New York to manage its first own establishment. He then proceeded to explore other parts of the United States, before touring in Europe. Thomas later returned to the United States, in San Francisco, to work at the Occidental Hotel, where he was allegedly paid more than the Vice President at the time. Wherever he went, he was known for having a propensity to show off. He was often seen with high-end watches, elegant clothes & stone encrusted fancy barware.
His most famous bar was located on Broadway & this is where he demonstrated some of his most theatrical techniques including juggling & playing with fire which is part of his signature cocktail, the Blazing Blue. This place was full of mirrors & paintings, creating a nice portrait of his own eclectic personality.
Later in his life, he lost most of his money speculating on Wall Street. Eventually he had to sell his bar as well as other things he enjoyed like his art collection in order to survive. After getting back on his feet, he tried to start anew although he never managed to climb to the same level of success as before. He died in 1885 in New York. Obituaries in every state mentioned its contribution to the world of alcohol.
His Legacy
During his phenomenal career, he took the time to write a compilation of cocktails along with anecdotes & proper techniques on mixing drinks all in one book. It was published in 1862 by the name Bar-Tender’s Guide or How to Mix Drinks or The Bon-Vivant’s Companion. The recipes in it were partly from him & partly recollected from different moments in the history of cocktails. Multiple editions have followed, always adding new drinks & information. However, the first one contained some of the most essential classics of all time, such as the Flip or the Sour. As mentioned before, something else important he left the bar industry in heritage is his signature cocktail the Blue Blazer. It consists of flaming whiskey thrown from one shaker to another.
The Reference
More information @Imbibe!: From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash, a Salute in Stories and Drinks to "Professor" Jerry Thomas, Pioneer of the American Bar by David Wondrich
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