My desire to place in the hands of my friends and patrons the information contained in this little book, is to recognize their appreciation of my efforts to please, them. This has been shown by their many inquiries and requests for recipes and points relating to the many varieties of fancy drinks and beverages, for which they have come to me for many years.
It is my purpose, however, in preparing the following pages to name the best brands of wines, liquors and cordials, to point out the most redeeming qualities to be found in high class beverages and to produce a book which will prove both interesting and instructive to those who are lovers of the most appetizing productions of the connoisseur’s judgment and selections.
My knowledge of this business has been acquired by many years of constant and attentive work in the service of large hotels and clubs; during which time I have had sole care of this important end of the business from the time of storing or binning the sparkling liquids in the cellar to the time of their coming forth, to bring delight and satisfaction to the palate of the most critical Judge. From time to time I have gained many good points and obtained information of value from being constantly associated with the wine merchants from all countries, and men whose travels have made them familiar with the methods employed in those famous cellars and vineyards of Italy and other European countries.
I ask you, therefore, to judge this book, not as a masterpiece of literary art, but for the practical information contained therein, and taking for granted that it will be received with consideration in this regard, I offer it to you and trust that my work has not been in vain.
Selections from the book “Jack’s Manual. A Treatise on the Care and Handling of Wines and Liquors, Storing, Binning and Serving. Recipes for Fancy Mixed Drinks and When and How to Serve by J. A. Grohusko. Printed by Edward V. Brokaw & Bro., New York, 1908”
