<Li> Food and Drink </Li> <P> The book gained immediate popularity and quickly became one of the most referenced and cited cocktail books . The book was highly influential on generations of cocktail enthusiasts and professionals, including many who were responsible for today's cocktail Renaissance, and it elevated Embury, an attorney who never worked within the liquor profession, to great levels of respect within the liquor profession . </P> <P> Today, certain first editions of the book can go for upwards of $8,500 . </P>

The three characteristics of any classic cocktail according to david embury are