Fix the Pumps tells the real history of the soda fountain, starting with its invention, through its golden era of creativity and its dependence on patent medicine and narcotics. The history of the soda fountain is as vibrant as any other period in American history.Fix the Pumps documents a wealth of information on soda fountain techniques, employed in the 1800s, and includes recipes that span the spectrum from simple concoctions to complex formulations using ingredients like aromatic elixir, Lactart and Acid Phosphate.This information is invaluable to anyone who enjoys creative drinks and recipes.

Fix the Pumps includes over 450 recipes that made soda-pop America's most popular drink. 

Recently nominated for a Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award (Best New Cocktail / Bartending Book of the Year)


About the Author

Darcy S. O'Neil was born in Sarnia, Ontario and spent many of those years living near the beach. A cold Canadian beach, but a beach none-the-less. After high school, the decision of a career choice was whittled down to chemistry or the culinary arts. Chemistry was the winner. At the time it seemed logical that laboratory skills were more transferable to the kitchen than cooking skills to the lab. Four years later, he received his diploma in chemistry.

After a six year stint working in a world class oil and gas research facility the time for change arrived, via a downsizing notice. After a couple of false starts in the pharmaceutical and information technology worlds the possibility of going to chef school returned. During a period of quiet contemplation, and a few drinks, he was whacked with the epiphany stick and the marriage of chemistry and bartending dawned upon him.

With a little research into the world of mixology and a completely stocked home bar, that rivaled many restaurants, and an irritating amount of clutter, the fusion of science and art began. As he rifled through the classic drinks and modern interpretations--plus the occasional vile concoction--the chemistry skills started to refine the art. A whole new world of experimental flavours opened up in a way that satisfied his experimental curiosity and his culinary cravings. A bartender was born.

With this new found knowledge in hand, Darcy set about looking for a place to apply these skills. His optimism was soon dashed when he discovered that very few, if any, bars shared his passion for fine drinks. Darcy bided his time, learning the ropes, while trying to make the best of a poor situation. At every turn Darcy would try to make a bad cocktail slightly better, and eventually people started to notice. 

Darcy turned to the Internet and started writing about tasteful cocktail on his website, Art of Drink. It started slowly with a few people taking notice. Then more people latched on when he transcribed a copy of Jerry Thomas' Bartenders Guide from the 1800s, and placed it on his website. From there it has grown to over 3,000 unique readers per day.

Currently, Darcy works part-time in the Robarts Molecular Pathology lab at the University of Western Ontario and bartends occasionally. He can also be found writing about original cocktail creations and other drink related topics at Art of Drink and promoting his book Fix the Pumps.




Shipping Weight 0.3100kg

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