Best of
Cocktails

2017

Meehan's Bartender Manual


Jim Meehan - 2017
     Meehan's Bartender Manual is acclaimed mixologist Jim Meehan's magnum opus--and the first book to explain the ins and outs of the modern bar industry. This groundbreaking work chronicles Meehan's storied career in the bar business through practical, enlightening chapters that mix history with professional insight. Meehan's deep dive covers the essential topics, including the history of cocktails and bartending, service, hospitality, menu development, bar design, spirits production, drink mixing technique, and the tools you'll need to create a well-stocked bar--all brought to life in over 150 black- and-white illustrations by artist Gianmarco Magnani. The book also includes recipes for 100 cocktail classics--including Meehan originals--plus insights as to why he makes them the way he does, offering unprecedented access to a top bartender's creative process. Organized by spirit base, the recipes contain detailed annotations and are accompanied by fine art photographer Doron Gild's breathtaking, full-color photos. Thoughtful contributions from more than 50 colleagues around the world who've greatly contributed to global cocktail culture further contextualize Meehan's philosophy. Timeless black-and-white portraits of these industry experts round out this comprehensive tome. This densely informative, yet approachable manual is presented in an iconic package--featuring a textured cover with debossed type, rounded corners, and nearly 500 pages--making it an instant classic to be enjoyed now, and for years to come. Whether you're a professional looking to take your career to the next level or an enthusiastic amateur interested in better understanding concepts like mise en place and the mechanics of drink making, Meehan's Bartender Manual is the definitive modern guide.

3-Ingredient Cocktails: An Opinionated Guide to the Most Enduring Drinks in the Cocktail Canon


Robert Simonson - 2017
    3-Ingredient Cocktails is a concise history of the best classic cocktails, and a curated collection of the best three-ingredient cocktails of the modern era. Organized by style of drink and variations, the book features 75 delicious recipes for cocktails both classic (Japanese Cocktail, Bee's Knees, Harvey Wallbanger) and contemporary (Remember the Alimony, Little Italy, La Perla), in addition to fun narrative asides and beautiful full-color photography.

The Essential Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks with 150 Recipes


Megan Krigbaum - 2017
    How do you create the perfect daiquiri? In what type of glass should you serve a whiskey sour? What exactly is an aperitif cocktail? A compendium for both home and professional bartenders, The Essential Cocktail Book answers all of these questions and more--through recipes, lore and techniques for 150 drinks, both modern and classic.

Beach Cocktails: Favorite Surfside Sips and Bar Snacks


Coastal Living - 2017
    More than just a pretty cocktail book, BEACH COCKTAILS covers it all: learn the origin and key ingredients of tiki bar favorites, gear up with the 4-1-1 on must-have bar essentials, and refresh your bar-basics like making simple syrups, creating fun garnishes and learning to muddle! Whether you prefer a classic sip on the sand, a cutting-edge contemporary toddy, or a refreshing mocktail while watching the tide roll in, BEACH COCKTAILS is your thirst-aid kit.

The Curious Bartender's Rum Revolution


Tristan Stephenson - 2017
    The Curious Bartender’s Rum Revolution is the fifth book by bestselling author Tristan Stephenson. Explore rum’s remarkable history from its humble origins to its status as life-blood of the Royal Navy and its love affair with Cuba. Discover its darker past, with tales of devils, pirates and its reputation as the revolutionary spirit. This fabled drink is in the midst of another revolution, transforming from uninspiring grog to premium product, with aged and spiced premium varieties leading the charge. Learn about how rum is made, from the science of sugar cane and molasses to distillation and unique ageing techniques. The Rum Tour will transport you to the most exciting rum distilleries the world has to offer, with Tristan’s signature tasting notes guiding you towards the right rum at the right time. Explore the legendary Caribbean home of rum to the pioneering rum makers around the world embracing dynamic new techniques and taking flavor to dizzy new heights. Finally, Tristan’s mixology skills will help you master jazzed-up versions of the Mai Tai and Mojito, perfect a Planter’s Punch and keep you on trend with Brazil’s famous Caipirinha and Batida cocktails, made with rum’s sister spirit, cachaça.

"That S*it Will Never Sell!": A book about ideas by the person who had them


David Gluckman - 2017
    He created drinks, mostly alcoholic ones. Everyone knows Baileys Irish Cream. How it began, where the idea came from, and the rocky road it took to becoming the world’s best-selling liqueur are all described in this accessible and extremely entertaining book. There are successes, Baileys, Sheridan’s, Le Piat d’Or, The Singleton, Ciroc and Tanqueray Ten. Some interesting failures too like Abercrombie’s Prairie Dog and Stubbs Australian white rum. Each has a fascinating story to tell. And the author’s love of ideas shines through. The book is also beautifully illustrated with full colour pictures throughout.The title? When a bottle of Baileys was put onto the desk of an American drinks industry pundit in New York, he looked, he pondered, and he pronounced “That s*it will never sell!” Well it did.printed in full colour229mm x 153mm

New Orleans Cocktails: Over 100 Drinks from the Sultry Streets and Balconies of the Big Easy


Sarah Baird - 2017
    Tour the best bars in NOLA and around the world. Evocative photos, scene-setting bar descriptions, mixologist insights, party planning themes, and shopping tips make this the perfect guide to the art of New Orleans drinking.With gorgeous, full-color photography throughout, and cocktails inspired by Crescent City writers, musicians, and revolutionaries, New Orleans Cocktails features unique libations shared by the best bartenders in the Big Easy, as well as creative new twists on old classics.

Mezcal: The History, Craft Cocktails of the World’s Ultimate Artisanal Spirit


Emma Janzen - 2017
    See what sets this cousin of tequila apart from the rest of the pack. Produced in Mexico for centuries but little known elsewhere until recent years, mezcal has captured the imagination of spirits enthusiasts with its astonishing complexities. And while big liquor is beginning to jump aboard the bandwagon, most mezcal is still artisanal in nature, produced using small-batch techniques handed down for generations, often with agave plants harvested in the wild. ​Join author Emma Janzen through Mezcal as she presents an engaging primer on all things related to the spirit; its long history, the craft of distilling it, and a thorough guide to many of the most common agaves used in production and how they shape the resulting spirit. In addition, top mezcal bars across the United States and Mexico contribute a selection of nearly fifty cocktails that accentuate its distinguishing qualities.Beautifully produced and authoritatively written, Mezcal is the definitive guide to exploring and unraveling the mysteries of this extraordinary handcrafted spirit. An Editors’ Pick for Amazon Best Books of the month of July 2017.

Where Bartenders Drink


Adrienne Stillman - 2017
    The best 300 expert drink-makers share their secrets - 750 spots spread across 60 countries - revealing where they go for a drink throughout the world when they're off-duty. Venues range from late-night establishments and legendary hotel bars to cosy neighbourhood 'locals' - and in some surprising locales. The 750 expert recommendations come with insightful reviews, key information, specially commissioned maps, and an easy-to-navigate geographical organization. It's the only guide you need to ensure that you get the best drinks in the most memorable global locations.