When it comes to cocktail making, some ingredients work harder than others. It's rareto find a cockt...
Top Ten Spirit Books You Need In Your Life
Jump to
- 1. Michelle Brachet: The World of Cognac
- 2. Amy Stewart: The Drunken Botanist
- 3. Klaus St. Rainer: Ginspiration
- 4. Gavin D Smith: Whiskey, Wit and Wisdom
- 5. Andre Domine: The World of Spirits and Cocktails
- 6. Jesse Estes: From Dram to Manhattan
- 7. Tristan Stephenson: The Curious Bartender’s Gin Palace
- 8. Rob Cooper and Chantal Martineau: Finding Mezcal
- 9. Kate Hawkins: Apertif
- 10. Gilles Lapalus and Shaun Byrne: The Book of Vermouth
Any good mixologist should have a bookshelf full of reference material and we think these ten books are perfect to inspire your at-home cocktail recipes.
1. Michelle Brachet: The World of Cognac
Written by an award-winning cognac expert, The World of Cognac does exactly what the name suggests, giving you the background information you need to know about the age-old spirit, as well as explaining how it is made, classified and how best to store it.2. Amy Stewart: The Drunken Botanist
Proving that mixology is more than just pouring a few liquids into a glass, The Drunken Botanist looks at how alcohol has derived from natural ingredients, proving that even the healthiest of foods can make you drunk with the right distillation process.
3. Klaus St. Rainer: Ginspiration
A look at the nation’s current favourite spirit, Ginspiration features recipes, tips, tricks and facts about gin that you never knew you wanted to know! Work your way through 45 of the world’s best craft gins, while reading the important tasting notes on each one.4. Gavin D Smith: Whiskey, Wit and Wisdom
One of the quirkier spirits, whiskey has a reputation for light-hearted silliness, which is celebrated in this book. Take a look at whiskey from every angle, from creation to consumption, and what happens afterwards.
5. Andre Domine: The World of Spirits and Cocktails
More than a reference book, this all-encompassing book covers the history and location of every spirit you could ever imagine, with a look at some of the most popular recipes, famous bars and the most important brands on the market today.6. Jesse Estes: From Dram to Manhattan
Taking a look at some of the most popular whiskey cocktails, this guide will introduce you to different whiskeys from around the world, helping you to put them to best use in you mixology in order to enjoy the very best cocktail blends.
7. Tristan Stephenson: The Curious Bartender’s Gin Palace
Mr Stephenson takes the reader on a tour of gin distilleries around the world, as well as a journey back in time to discover the roots of this very British spirit. With new blends and botanical infusions cropping up all the time, this is a very interesting read.8. Rob Cooper and Chantal Martineau: Finding Mezcal
A jam-packed book full of different cocktail recipes with Mezcal at the heart of them all, this is an essential buy for every true cocktail enthusiast. Give your bartending skills a little hit of agave fermented spirit and learn a little something along the way!
9. Kate Hawkins: Apertif
What is an aperitif and how do we go about creating the perfect one? In this book, Kate Hawkins delivers a comprehensive study into the subject, with a few recipes at the back for you to try.10. Gilles Lapalus and Shaun Byrne: The Book of Vermouth
One of the most under-rated cocktail ingredients out there, Vermouth is becoming ever-more important in the bartending world. This book follows its journey from humble beginnings to king of the cocktail cabinet.
All this reading is sure to make you feel thirsty, so don’t forget to curl up with a good cocktail in hand! Cheers!
Pardon the interruption
Did you know that you can become a member for free, taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. You can save your My Bar ingredients, make tasting notes, have personalised Tried and Want to try lists and more.
Continue reading
Mastering the Art of Bartending: A Comprehensive Guide
Imagine stepping into a dimly lit, cozy bar, the clinking of glasses and laughter filling the air. The bartender, with a warm smile and an air of confidence, effortlessly crafts cocktails, pouring, sh... read more
The History of the Mint Julep
The 2015 Kentucky Derby begins on May 2nd and it is expected that somewhere between 80,000 and 120,000 Mint Juleps will be purchased over the weekend. The official drink of the event has an interestin... read more
The History of the Daiquiri
The daiquiri, a cocktail conjured from rum, lime juice and sugar, originated in Cuba where such ingredients are plentiful, and has been a popular libation in the United States and beyond for over a ce... read more
More to explore
If the hot summer weather has got you feeling in the mood for something tiki-tiki, the tropical Mai...
An irresistible combination of vermouth, Scotch whiskey and bitters, this smooth, tasty cocktail is...
Bartender's top tip
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get tips straight into your inbox.