Bartending books teach people how to make cocktails and drinks. Home mixologists use them to improve their skills, learn about ingredients and techniques, and create new recipes. Bartending books are like a toolbox for making drinks, and with practice and creativity, anyone can become a great home mixologist.
Here’s a brief overview of the top 10 bartending books:
- The Joy of Mixology by Gary Regan: A comprehensive guide to mixology, covering everything from cocktail history to essential techniques and recipes.
- The Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff: Considered a classic in the industry, this book offers detailed recipes and instructions for creating classic cocktails.
- The PDT Cocktail Book by Jim Meehan: Named after the renowned New York bar, this book features recipes from some of the best bartenders in the world.
- Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails by David Kaplan: A beautifully designed book featuring modern and classic cocktail recipes from one of the world’s most renowned bars.
- Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave Arnold: A comprehensive guide to the science behind cocktails, covering everything from the perfect ice to the ideal shaking technique.
- The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique by Jeffrey Morgenthaler: A guide to the fundamental techniques of bartending, with detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions.
- Imbibe! Updated and Revised Edition: From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash, a Salute in Stories and Drinks to “Professor” Jerry Thomas, Pioneer of the American Bar by David Wondrich: A fascinating history of cocktails and their evolution in America, with classic recipes and stories.
- Meehan’s Bartender Manual by Jim Meehan: A comprehensive guide to bartending, covering everything from essential tools and techniques to recipe creation and hospitality.
- Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails: From the Alamagoozlum to the Zombie by Ted Haigh: A collection of classic cocktail recipes from the 19th and early 20th centuries, with historical background and notes on each recipe.
- The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World’s Great Drinks by Amy Stewart: A unique and fascinating guide to the plants and herbs used in cocktail making, with recipes and anecdotes about each plant’s history and significance.
These books offer a wide range of knowledge and techniques for home mixologists looking to improve their skills and create delicious cocktails.
The Joy of Mixology by Gary Regan
The book is divided into three sections, each focusing on a different aspect of mixology: history and techniques, spirits and ingredients, and recipes.
One of the key features of The Joy of Mixology is its emphasis on the importance of technique in creating great cocktails. The author provides detailed instructions for various bartending techniques, such as shaking, stirring, and muddling, and emphasizes the importance of using fresh ingredients and quality spirits.
Another key feature of the book is its focus on the history and evolution of cocktails. The author provides information on the origins of various cocktails and spirits, as well as the techniques and trends that have shaped their development over time. This historical context helps readers to better understand the cocktails they are making and to appreciate the artistry and craft behind the drinks.
In addition to its historical and technical information, The Joy of Mixology also includes a wide variety of cocktail recipes. The author provides recipes for classic drinks, modern variations, and his own unique creations, offering something for every taste and occasion. The recipes are easy to follow and are accompanied by helpful tips and suggestions for variations and substitutions.
The Joy of Mixology is a valuable resource for home mixologists and professional bartenders alike. Its comprehensive information on technique, history, and recipes makes it a must-read for anyone interested in the art and science of cocktail making.
The Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff
A comprehensive guide to cocktail making that covers everything from basic techniques to advanced mixology. The book is divided into three parts, with each part covering a different aspect of the craft: history and fundamentals, techniques and tools, and recipes.
One of the key features of The Craft of the Cocktail is its emphasis on quality ingredients and technique. The author stresses the importance of using fresh ingredients, high-quality spirits, and proper techniques to create great cocktails. He also provides detailed instructions on various bartending techniques, such as shaking, stirring, and muddling.
Another key feature of the book is its focus on the history and evolution of cocktails. The author provides information on the origins of various cocktails and spirits, as well as the techniques and trends that have shaped their development over time. This historical context helps readers to better understand the cocktails they are making and to appreciate the artistry and craft behind the drinks.
In addition to its historical and technical information, The Craft of the Cocktail also includes a wide variety of cocktail recipes. The author provides recipes for classic drinks, modern variations, and his own unique creations, offering something for every taste and occasion. The recipes are easy to follow and are accompanied by helpful tips and suggestions for variations and substitutions.
The Craft of the Cocktail is a valuable resource for both novice and experienced mixologists. Its comprehensive information on technique, history, and recipes makes it a must-read for anyone interested in the art and science of cocktail making.
The PDT Cocktail Book by Jim Meehan
A fantastic resource for cocktail enthusiasts, bartenders, and home mixologists. The book is a compilation of over 300 recipes from the iconic New York City bar PDT (Please Don’t Tell), as well as tips and techniques for creating great cocktails at home.
One of the key features of the book is its focus on classic cocktails. The author includes recipes for a wide range of classic drinks, as well as some modern twists on these classics. Each recipe is accompanied by a brief history and description of the drink, providing context for its creation and evolution over time.
Another key feature of The PDT Cocktail Book is its emphasis on quality ingredients and techniques. The author emphasizes the importance of using fresh juices, homemade syrups, and high-quality spirits in creating great cocktails. The book also includes detailed instructions for various bartending techniques, such as shaking, stirring, and straining.
In addition to recipes and techniques, The PDT Cocktail Book also includes information on equipment and tools, as well as tips for setting up and running a successful bar. The book also features beautiful photography, making it a pleasure to browse and read.
The PDT Cocktail Book is an essential read for anyone interested in classic cocktails and great bartending. Its emphasis on quality ingredients, techniques, and history make it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced mixologists.
Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails by David Kaplan
An excellent resource for both home mixologists and professional bartenders. The book is filled with a wide variety of cocktail recipes, ranging from classic drinks to modern creations, and each recipe is accompanied by beautiful photographs.
One of the key features of the book is its focus on technique. The authors provide detailed instructions and tips for mastering various bartending techniques, such as shaking, stirring, and straining. The book also includes information on essential tools and equipment, making it a great resource for anyone looking to improve their bartending skills.
Another key feature of Death & Co is its emphasis on quality ingredients. The authors emphasize the importance of using high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients in creating great cocktails. The book includes recipes for homemade syrups and bitters, as well as tips for sourcing the best possible ingredients.
The book also includes a section on creating your own unique cocktails, providing guidance on balancing flavors and experimenting with new ingredients. Additionally, the authors provide advice on setting up and running a successful bar, making this book a valuable resource for aspiring bar owners and managers.
Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails is a beautifully presented and comprehensive guide to the art of cocktail making. Its focus on technique, quality ingredients, and experimentation makes it an essential read for anyone interested in creating great cocktails.
Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave Arnold
A groundbreaking and comprehensive guide to the science of cocktail making. The book goes beyond traditional recipes and techniques to explore the chemistry and physics of cocktails, providing valuable insights into the science behind creating the perfect drink.
One of the key features of the book is its focus on precision and experimentation. The author encourages readers to use scientific principles and methods to refine their cocktail recipes and techniques, providing detailed instructions for measuring and manipulating ingredients to achieve the desired results.
Another key feature of Liquid Intelligence is its thoroughness. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of ice, the chemistry of flavor, and the role of temperature in cocktail making. It also includes detailed information on equipment, techniques, and ingredients, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced bartenders.
The book also includes a range of innovative and inventive cocktail recipes, many of which are based on the author’s own experimentation and research. These recipes showcase the author’s unique approach to cocktail making and provide inspiration for readers to try new techniques and flavors in their own cocktails.
Liquid Intelligence is an essential read for anyone interested in the art and science of cocktail making. The book’s thoroughness, precision, and innovative approach make it a valuable resource for both home mixologists and professional bartenders alike.
The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique by Jeffrey Morgenthaler
An excellent resource for anyone interested in improving their bartending skills. The book is organized into easy-to-follow sections that cover essential techniques and ingredients, making it a great reference guide for both novice and experienced bartenders.
One of the key features of the book is its focus on technique. The author provides detailed explanations and step-by-step instructions for various bartending techniques, such as shaking, stirring, and muddling. These instructions are accompanied by clear illustrations that make it easy to follow along and practice the techniques.
Another key feature of The Bar Book is its emphasis on fresh ingredients and quality spirits. The author emphasizes the importance of using fresh juices, homemade syrups, and high-quality spirits in creating great cocktails.
The book also includes a wide range of classic and modern cocktail recipes, as well as tips and techniques for creating your own unique drinks. Additionally, the author provides advice on stocking your home bar, as well as recommendations for essential tools and equipment.
The Bar Book is a must-have resource for anyone interested in improving their bartending skills and creating great cocktails at home. The book’s clear instructions, beautiful illustrations, and emphasis on fresh ingredients make it a valuable addition to any home bartender’s library.
Imbibe! Updated and Revised Edition: From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash, a Salute in Stories and Drinks to “Professor” Jerry Thomas, Pioneer of the American Bar by David Wondrich
The book focuses on the life and legacy of “Professor” Jerry Thomas, a pioneer of the American bar and author of the first cocktail book in the US.
One of the key features of the book is its historical perspective, which provides a detailed look at the evolution of cocktails from the early 19th century to the present day. The book includes biographical information about Jerry Thomas and other influential bartenders, as well as information on the cultural and social contexts that shaped the cocktail culture of their time.
Another key feature of Imbibe! is the author’s engaging writing style, which is both informative and entertaining. The book is filled with interesting anecdotes and stories about the people, places, and events that have shaped the cocktail culture of America.
The book also includes a wide range of classic cocktail recipes, as well as tips and techniques for making them. Additionally, the book features beautiful illustrations and photographs that add to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Imbibe! is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of cocktails in America. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the origins of the cocktail and the people who shaped its evolution, as well as valuable insights and recipes for modern mixologists.
Meehan’s Bartender Manual by Jim Meehan
A comprehensive guide to bartending that covers everything from essential tools and techniques to recipe creation and hospitality.
One of the key features of the book is its organization into six distinct sections, each covering a different aspect of bartending. These sections include “Foundational Skills,” “Technique,” “The Cocktail,” “The Menu,” “Service,” and “Hospitality.”
Another key feature of Meehan’s Bartender Manual is the author’s attention to detail and expertise. Meehan is a renowned bartender with years of experience in the industry, and his insights and advice are valuable for both novice and experienced bartenders.
The book also includes over 100 original cocktail recipes, as well as tips and techniques for creating your own unique drinks. Additionally, the book features beautiful illustrations and photographs that add to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Meehan’s Bartender Manual is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the art and craft of bartending. It provides a wealth of knowledge and techniques for making great cocktails, as well as insights into the hospitality and service aspects of the profession.
Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails: From the Alamagoozlum to the Zombie by Ted Haigh
Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh is a collection of classic cocktail recipes from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The book is organized into sections based on the types of spirits, such as gin, whiskey, and rum, and features both well-known and obscure cocktail recipes.
One of the key features of the book is the author’s attention to detail in researching and uncovering forgotten cocktail recipes. The book includes historical background and notes on each recipe, providing a fascinating glimpse into the cocktail culture of a bygone era.
Another key feature of Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails is the author’s writing style, which is both informative and entertaining. Haigh’s love for cocktail history and culture shines through in the book, making it an engaging read for cocktail enthusiasts.
The book also includes tips and techniques for making cocktails, as well as recommendations for sourcing hard-to-find ingredients. Additionally, the book features beautiful illustrations and photographs that add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the book.
Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and evolution of cocktails and provides a wealth of classic recipes and insights into the culture and trends of the past.
The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World’s Great Drinks by Amy Stewart
The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart is a unique and fascinating guide to the plants and herbs used in cocktail making. The book explores the history and significance of various plants, detailing how they have been used to make spirits and create different flavors in cocktails.
The book is organized into sections based on the types of plants and ingredients, such as grains, fruits, and herbs. Each section includes a wealth of information on the plants, such as their origins, uses in different cultures, and how they are used in modern cocktails.
One of the key features of The Drunken Botanist is the author’s engaging writing style, which is both informative and entertaining. The book is filled with interesting anecdotes and stories about the plants and their use in the history of cocktails.
Another key feature of the book is the inclusion of recipes for cocktails and infusions that use the featured plants and ingredients. These recipes are easy to follow and provide a great starting point for experimenting with new and interesting flavor combinations.
The Drunken Botanist is a must-read for anyone interested in cocktails and the fascinating plants and ingredients that make them so delicious. It offers a unique perspective on the history and science of cocktails and provides valuable knowledge and inspiration for home mixologists looking to expand their skills and repertoire.
Your Turn!
Being a home mixologist is a lot like being a chef, except instead of cooking food, you’re making drinks! Just like how chefs are always learning about new ingredients and techniques to make their food taste better, home mixologists can always be learning new things to make their drinks taste better too.
By reading bartending books, trying out new recipes, and experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, you can expand your knowledge and skills as a home mixologist. This can help you make better drinks, come up with your own unique recipes, and impress your friends and family with your bartending skills!
Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes along the way. That’s all part of the learning process. The more you practice, the better you’ll get, and the more fun you’ll have making and sharing delicious drinks with others. So keep learning, keep practicing, and keep exploring the wonderful world of cocktails!