Last Call

“It comes off as charming, in large part thanks to Mr. Parsons’s understated and often witty writing. From this simple idea, Mr. Parsons has assembled a collection of interviews that touch not only on last drinks, but also reflect knowingly on bar culture, regulars and much more… . It’s a worthy read, and makes the idea of ‘closing time’ seem rather more poignant.”—The Wall Street Journal“Brad Thomas Parsons brilliantly takes us behind the scenes in this insider’s visit with bartenders across the country, who disclose what they’d choose as their last libation. Not only do they share their thoughts, they also give us a taste of their favorite cocktails with a host of inspiring recipes that anyone can shake or stir up at home. You’ll savor every sip of this spirited look at what goes on behind the bar—from small-town dives to big-city speakeasies—when closing time finally arrives.”—David Lebovitz, author of My Paris Kitchen and Drinking French“This book is brimming with great recipes, but Last Call reminds us, with intimacy and warmth, that stories and the people who tell them are the very best portion of bar life.”—Rosie Schaap, author of Drinking with Men “With the constant companionship of bartenders along the way, Brad Thomas Parsons takes us on a tour of some of the country’s finest establishments in a somber yet seductive celebration of that hard-earned final moment of reflection, often paired with the perfect tune and a flawlessly poured drink in hand.”—Charlie Hall, drummer, The War on Drugs “Brad Thomas Parsons’ Last Call is a glorious multi-tool of a book. Its profusion of smart cocktail recipes makes it invaluable behind the bar—or tucked into your suitcase, as it’s also a supreme travel guide to some of the finest saloons in America, a treasure map for late-night explorers. It’s also, sublimely, a gravelly disquisition on life, death, pleasure, and what it all means. Parsons has become our preeminent thinker-drinker—our best surveyor of that heady, complex zone where liquid spirits meet the human spirit.”—Jonathan Miles, author of Dear American Airlines and Anatomy of a Miracle “A thoughtful and enjoyable book that will delight cocktail aficionados and lovers of bars alike.”—Library Journal“Cocktail books typically lean in the direction of fun and entertainment—and while the latest book from Parsons certainly doesn’t skip out on the good times, he strikes a tone more elegiac with Last Call, asking bartenders heavy questions about mortality and legacy. In twenty-three cities across the country, Parsons inquires about what their final drink would be—and the question opens a wider discussion into bar rituals, cocktail culture, and the inherent appeal of these welcoming rooms in the wee hours of the night.”—Imbibe

Brad Thomas Parsons is the author of Bitters (which was the winner of the James Beard and IACP Cookbook Awards, and a finalist for the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards), Amaro, and Distillery Cats. He received an MFA in writing from Columbia University, and his work has appeared in Bon Appetit, Lucky Peach, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, PUNCH, and more. He lives in Brooklyn.

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