The best edition of The Bon Vivant’s Companion depends on the format and listing details you want: the 1862 reprint is a clear choice for readers seeking that specific edition, while the Kindle listing suits digital reading. The hardcover options may appeal to buyers who prefer a physical book, and the paperback editions offer another print format. The five listings below are selected because each is explicitly titled as, or closely identifies with, Jerry Thomas’s classic drink-mixing guide.
| Edition | Format | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| 1862 edition reprint | Paperback | Readers seeking a specifically identified reprint |
| Bartender’s Guide | Kindle | Digital readers |
| Bon Vivant’s Companion | Hardcover | Buyers seeking a hardcover listing |
| Bon Vivant’s Companion or How to Mix Drinks | Hardcover | Readers comparing a Jerry Thomas and Herbert Asbury listing |
| How to Mix Drinks | Paperback | Readers seeking a paperback edition |
1862 Edition Reprint Paperback

This listing identifies the book as Jerry Thomas’ How to Mix Drinks; or, The Bon-Vivant’s Companion: A Reprint of the 1862 Edition. The format is paperback, and the listed contributors include Jerry Thomas as author and William Schmidt as contributor.
Best for: Readers who want a listing that explicitly names the 1862 edition as its source. That edition detail makes it easier to distinguish from other books with similar titles.
Consider: This is a paperback, so choose another listing if hardcover is essential. The supplied product information does not specify additional features or explain how the reprint differs from other versions.
Bartender’s Guide Kindle Edition

The Bartender’s Guide: Bon-Vivant’s Companion is listed as a Kindle edition. The credited names are Jerry Thomas and Christian Schultz as authors, with Thomas Majhen listed as editor. Its alternate title wording makes it identifiable among the available versions.
Best for: Readers who prefer a digital copy or are comparing editions by title and contributor credits. A Kindle listing can be a practical choice for someone who does not want a physical paperback or hardcover.
Consider: The product information provided does not describe specific digital features, layout, or device compatibility. Check the listing before buying if those details matter to you.
Bon Vivant’s Companion Hardcover

This hardcover listing is titled The Bon Vivant’s Companion: Or How to Mix Drinks and names Herbert Asbury as author. The title closely matches the familiar book name, but the supplied listing does not identify an edition year or provide further publication details.
Best for: Buyers specifically looking for a hardcover under this title. It may also suit readers comparing listings based on the credited author information shown in the product details.
Consider: The listing credits Herbert Asbury rather than Jerry Thomas. Check the full product page if author attribution, editorial context, or a particular text edition is important to your purchase.
Jerry Thomas and Herbert Asbury Hardcover

This hardcover is titled The Bon Vivant’s Companion or How to Mix Drinks. Its credits list Jerry Thomas as author and Herbert Asbury as editor. Those details distinguish it from the hardcover listing that names Asbury as author.
Best for: Buyers who want a hardcover listing that explicitly credits Jerry Thomas as the author and Herbert Asbury as editor.
Consider: The product information supplied does not state which edition or printing it contains. If you need a specific historical edition, confirm that detail before choosing this version.
How to Mix Drinks Paperback

How to Mix Drinks: The Bon Vivant’s Companion is listed as a paperback by Jerry Thomas. The title presents the “How to Mix Drinks” wording first, making it easy to identify for shoppers searching under that name.
Best for: Readers who want a paperback edition credited to Jerry Thomas and prefer the alternate title order.
Consider: The listing details provided do not specify an edition year, editor, or other contents. Choose the 1862 reprint listing instead if an explicitly named source edition is a priority.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Edition
Do you want print or digital?
Start with format. The Kindle listing is the only digital option among these five products. The other four listings are paperbacks or hardcovers. Select a print format if you prefer a physical book; confirm the exact format on the listing page before ordering.
Does the edition or contributor credit matter?
Compare the complete title and credits, not just the shared phrase “Bon Vivant’s Companion.” One paperback explicitly says it is a reprint of the 1862 edition. Other listings name different contributors, editors, or authors. The supplied details do not establish that these editions contain identical text, so verify the edition information if accuracy to a particular version matters.
Which format is better for display or regular use?
A hardcover may suit buyers who prioritize a hardcover format, while a paperback may be preferable to shoppers seeking a softcover book. The product data does not provide binding durability, page count, dimensions, or illustrations, so compare those details on the individual listings rather than assuming one edition offers them.
What should you check before buying?
- Confirm the listed format and title.
- Check author and editor credits if attribution matters.
- Look for an edition year or reprint statement when seeking a specific text.
- Review the full product description for details not included in the information above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which listing explicitly identifies the 1862 edition?
The paperback titled Jerry Thomas’ How to Mix Drinks; or, The Bon-Vivant’s Companion explicitly describes itself as a reprint of the 1862 edition.
Is there a Kindle version among these choices?
Yes. The Bartender’s Guide: Bon-Vivant’s Companion is listed as a Kindle edition.
Which options are listed as hardcover?
Two listings are hardcover: The Bon Vivant’s Companion: Or How to Mix Drinks and The Bon Vivant’s Companion or How to Mix Drinks.
Are all five listings confirmed to contain the same edition?
No. The supplied information gives different titles, formats, and contributor credits, and only one listing explicitly identifies the 1862 reprint. Compare full edition details before purchasing.
Which listing is credited to Jerry Thomas as author?
The 1862 reprint, the Kindle listing, the Jerry Thomas and Herbert Asbury hardcover, and the paperback titled How to Mix Drinks list Jerry Thomas as an author.