Tom Bullock facts for kids

Tom Bullock (1872–1964) was an important Black American bartender who lived before Prohibition. This was a time in the United States when making and selling alcoholic drinks was against the law.

He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 18, 1872. His father, Thomas Bullock, had been a slave and later fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Tom was one of at least three children in his family.

Who Was Tom Bullock?

Tom Bullock became a very skilled bartender. He worked at several well-known places. These included the Pendennis Club and the Kenton Club. He was most famous for his work at the St. Louis Country Club.

The First African-American Cocktail Author

Tom Bullock made history as the first known African-American to write and publish a book about making drinks. This special book was called The Ideal Bartender. It came out just before Prohibition began. This makes his book very important. It shows us what kinds of drinks were popular back then. It also gives us a look into the social life of that time. When Prohibition started, it seems Tom Bullock stopped working as a bartender.

Friends and Famous Drinks

Tom Bullock was known for his amazing bartending skills. He was also a friend to George Herbert Walker. George Herbert Walker was a well-known businessman. He even wrote the introduction for Bullock's cocktail book. He said it was a "genuine privilege" to talk about Bullock's skills.

The Mint Julep Story

In 1913, a story about Tom Bullock and former President Theodore Roosevelt became famous. Roosevelt was involved in a legal case. He said he had only taken a few sips of a mint julep drink made by Bullock. However, a newspaper called the St. Louis Post-Dispatch joked about this. They said that no one could ever leave one of Bullock's amazing drinks unfinished! This shows how highly people thought of his bartending talent.

A New Drink Idea

A person who studies the history of drinks, David Wondrich, thinks Tom Bullock might have created a new version of a drink called the gimlet. This new drink was called the Stone Sour. It shows how creative and innovative Tom Bullock was in his work.

Tom Bullock's Legacy

Tom Bullock passed away in 1964. His book, The Ideal Bartender, continues to be a valuable resource. It helps us understand the history of drinks and the important role he played. He was a pioneer as an African-American author in the world of bartending.