Henry McNulty was born in 1913 to American parents. He began his career by reporting on international relations during World War Two, meanwhile beginning to gather observations on the drinking habits of different countries. Progressing to a career in drinks journalism, he came to be considered somewhat of an international expert on drinks and a cocktail aficionado. He was a frequent contributor to many publications including Vogue, with whom he published this book in 1982 as the culmination of a successful and varied career in drinks journalism.