Drink Like a Woman: Shake, Stir, Conquer, Repeat

There's something about a well-crafted cocktail that can transport you to a different time and place. The clink of ice cubes, the swirl of colors and flavors, the smooth elegance of a perfectly mixed drink – it's a siren call that has lured both men and women alike for centuries. But what if I told you that the world of mixology was once considered a man's domain?

Some may be surprised to learn that women have played a significant role in the history of cocktails. From bartenders and distillers to tastemakers and influencers, women have left their mark on the world of libations in more ways than one. And while it's easy to get lost in the romanticized notion of a glamorous cocktail hour, it's important to recognize the challenges and triumphs that women have faced along the way.

The Rise of Women Behind the Bar

In the early 19th century, the cocktail scene was predominantly male-dominated. Men were the ones crafting and serving drinks, while women were often excluded from even entering the establishments where these libations were enjoyed. However, that all began to change with the rise of influential female bartenders.

Drink Like a Woman: Shake. Stir. Conquer. Repeat.

by Jeanette Hurt(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12921 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages

FREE

One woman who made a significant impact on the industry was Ada Coleman, also known as "Coley." She was the head bartender at the prestigious Savoy Hotel in London during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for her impeccable palate and creative concoctions, Coleman became a trailblazer in a profession that was otherwise dominated by men.

Another influential woman in the world of mixology is Audrey Saunders, often referred to as "the mother of the modern cocktail revival." Saunders opened the Pegu Club in New York City in 2005, a bar that quickly became a hotspot for both cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals. Her dedication to using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques has earned her numerous accolades and helped redefine the craft of bartending.

Breaking Barriers in Distilling

While women have made great strides in the bartending world, they have also been breaking barriers in the distilling industry. Historically, distilling was considered a male-dominated field, with women being largely relegated to roles such as secretaries or lab assistants. However, that narrative has been slowly changing.

Take for example the story of Marianne Eaves, the first female Master Distiller in Kentucky since Prohibition. Eaves worked her way up through the ranks of the spirits industry, starting as an intern and eventually becoming the mastermind behind some of the most celebrated bourbon brands. Her expertise and passion for the craft have made her a force to be reckoned with in an industry that still has a long way to go in terms of gender equality.

Another woman making waves in the distilling world is Lesley Gracie, the Master Distiller behind Hendrick's Gin. Gracie is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her unconventional approach to gin-making. She experiments with unique botanicals and flavors, resulting in a gin that stands out in a saturated market. Her innovative spirit has helped redefine what it means to be a Master Distiller.

Empowering Women in the Industry

As more and more women continue to make their mark in the world of cocktails and spirits, it's important to empower and uplift one another. Organizations such as Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails (LUPEC) and Women of the Vine & Spirits are working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive industry.

LUPEC, for example, focuses on raising funds for women's charities while also providing a platform for education and networking. Their mission is to preserve the history and art of bartending while supporting women in their pursuit of professional development. Similarly, Women of the Vine & Spirits aims to empower and advance women in the alcohol beverage industry through education, networking, and fostering gender equality.

Shake, Stir, Conquer, Repeat

The world of mixology is no longer just a man's world. Women have been shaking things up behind the bar and breaking barriers in the distilling industry, all while creating innovative and delicious cocktails. From Ada Coleman to Audrey Saunders, Marianne Eaves to Lesley Gracie, women have left an indelible mark on the world of libations.

So the next time you order a cocktail, take a moment to appreciate the trailblazing women who have paved the way for bartenders and distillers today. Raise a glass to their accomplishments, and let their stories inspire you to shake, stir, conquer, and repeat.

Remember to drink responsibly and always support the women in the industry who have worked hard to bring you incredible libations.

Drink Like a Woman: Shake. Stir. Conquer. Repeat.

by Jeanette Hurt(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12921 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages

FREE

Cocktail marketers and male bartenders like to tell women what we want to drink and it’s usually fruity, frilly, fancy, and pink. In Drink Like a Woman,  Jeanette Hurt shakes up barroom expectations, stirs up some new ideas, and pours a lively collection of feminist cocktails that are just as varied, flavorful, and strong as women are. Sharing basic techniques, cocktail classics, hangover cures, drinking games, and more, this spirited guide takes the misogyny out of mixology by offering fun and functional tips for the at-home barista who doesn’t need a man to mix it up. She also exposes the surprisingly sexist history of cocktail culture, and offers more than 50 recipes, crafted by top women bartenders around the country, including: Anarchy Amaretto, Bloody Mary Richards, Nelly Bly-Tai, The LBD (The Little Black Dress),Ruth’s Pink Taboo, WoManhattan, Zeldatini, The Suffragette SourRide, Sally Ride, and Curie Royale. With feisty illustrations and original recipes that call for a generous splash of female empowerment, Drink Like a Woman  is sure to subvert the patriarchy, one drink at a time.