Party Like It's 1965

Posted by Kerstin, Online Editor

I recently came across an amazing party essential tucked away amid my mom’s many cookbooks. Hidden between Mario Batali’s Simple Italian Food and The Joy of Cooking was the Esquire Party Book.

Because Mom didn't remember where it came from or making one thing from it, I quickly stashed it in my suitcase and flipped through it on the train ride home. The first thing that struck me? Dozens of genius, quirky illustrations by Seymour Chwast -- a founding member of Pushpin Studios.

The second? The consistent proposal of cocktails with every (and I mean every) menu (breakfast and hangover breakfast included). I plan on testing many of the recipes and ideas at upcoming gatherings. My top priority is to whip up a batch of Moscow Mules, a kind of hybrid Vodka and Soda Dark and Stormy. 

Here's the recipe:

Moscow Mule

In a special brass or copper mug, or in a highball glass, put a lump of ice and 1 1/2 ounces vodka. Fill the glass with ginger beer, and garnish with a stick of cucumber.

If you want to see more, you'll have to track down a copy for yourself. Although its final printing was 1965, it is possible to find copies online. Just this week, I found used copies on the following sites:

Alibris

Tomfolio

eBay

Anyone else have a favorite vintage party-planning gem?

Comments

[Sarah Bee]

I bought the 1949 edition of this book a couple years ago because I thought it'd be a funny addition to my cookbook collection. After letting it sit on my coffee able for a few weeks, I finally got around to thumbing through it and now I use it all the time. It's become my go-to guide for hors d'oeuvre and cocktails.

[Will Schofield]

I just posted some covers by Chwast on my site.

[kim]

Moscow Mules are my favorite! Add some fresh lime juice and a dash of bitters and you have a wonderful drink.

[Clara Luiza de Lacerda]

Thank you very much for sharing this precious book with us. The drawings are lovely!
It deservs a new printing. Let us know.

[Beth]

No more Blueprint magazine print version?! Did anyone else get the customer service card in the mail today? This is just sad.

[Ryan]

Sorry about the mis-type: it's Helen Gurley Brown's The Single Girl's Cookbook.

[Ryan]

I have a copy of helen gurley brown's The Girl's Cookbook with chapters on planning dinner when the boss comes over, breaking up with your boyfriend by searving foods that men don't like, and several party menus. It includes a tip on measuring out your cocktails using measuring spoons if you don't have a jigger (just don't let your guests see).

[Stephanie]

I found a 1940s version of the same book about a year ago at a second hand store and absolutely love it. Over the years whoever owned it had tucked newspaper recipe clippings, postcards, etc. into its pages and that adds a nice personal touch to the book's campy fare.

[Emily]

Ah! I bought this book at an antique store a number of years ago. What a fun read, eh!?