Book Review: Forbidden Cocktails

Turner Classic Movies and and Running Press have another winner with FORBIDDEN COCKTAILS: LIBATIONS INSPIRED BY THE WORLD OF PRE-CODE HOLLYWOOD by Andre Darlington.

FOBIDDEN COCKTAILS came out in mid-2024; though I'm only now reviewing it, but that's certainly no reflection on this beautifully designed book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope putting this book in front of my readers now will bring the book renewed attention, which it deserves.

As I wrote in my 2023 review of EDDIE MULLER'S NOIR BAR, I'm for the most part a non-drinker. But while I may not find the recipes themselves a significant aspect of FORBIDDEN COCKTAILS, I enjoyed the book for other reasons: I love reading and learning from cookbooks of all types, and I also love pre-Code movies. The book is so beautiful that it could honestly be enjoyed for the glossy photographs alone.

The book begins with an introduction by pre-Code expert Mark Vieira, whom I've had the pleasure of hearing introduce pre-Code movies a few times over the years. I've also enjoyed a couple of Vieira's books. He presents a brief look at the '30s, pre-Codes, and what's coming in the pages to follow.

Author Andre Darlington then provides his own introduction to pre-Codes and the recipes, saying the cocktails "are inspired by some of the most enjoyable and fascinating pre-code movies. The recipes employ period ingredients in formulations that pay homage to characters, locations, and scenarios in the films."

From there it's on to the recipes and films, headlined as "Sinful Sips and Demon Drinks." Each of the 50 films and related cocktail recipes in the book receive four to six pages containing photos, short yet incisive looks at the films, and a drink recipe along with related background on the drink's creation and ingredients.

Lovers of pre-Codes will recognize a great many favorite titles in the book, including NIGHT NURSE (1931), SHANGHAI EXPRESS (1932), BABY FACE (1933), MIDNIGHT MARY (1933), and THE THIN MAN (1934) to name just a few.

The book contains some fabulous photos I've never seen before, such as Bebe Daniels, a raised glass in each hand, posing with several suitors under a clock for COCKTAIL HOUR (1933). I include my own photo of that page spread here as a sample; the other page spreads in this review are courtesy of the publisher.

There's also a marvelous photo of Kay Francis, drink in hand, posing for TROUBLE IN PARADISE (1932). The book contains many more photographic treasures.

FORBIDDEN COCKTAILS concludes with a brief "Manual for Making Mixed Drinks" including thoughts on garnishes and "when to shake," plus a pantry list and a few cocktail recipes which actually date from the pre-Code years.

I quite enjoyed this book, which stands as a unique companion to Eddie Muller's noirish take on cocktails, and I recommend it for both teetotalaers and those who imbibe. 

Those who love pre-Codes will find FORBIDDEN COCKTAILS thoroughly enjoyable, and it also provides a marvelous viewing road map for those who are new to films of the era.  And though I've seen most of the included films, I took notes on a few titles I need to watch myself!

FORBIDDEN COCKTAILS is a small, nearly square book measuring roughly seven by eight inches. It has 238 heavy, glossy pages, including the index, and weighs in at a little under two pounds.

As a side note, there's more pre-Code goodness coming from TCM and Running Press this fall with the October publication of PRE-CODE ESSENTIALS: MUST-SEE CINEMA FROM HOLLYWOOD'S UNTAMED ERA, 1930-1934 by Kim Luperi and Danny Reid.

Thanks to TCM and Running Press for providing a review copy of this book.

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