Our top 5 cocktail books
’Tis the season of merry gatherings and delightful surprises! Beyond a bottle of your most cherished libation, few treasures rival the joy of unwrapping a beautifully crafted book, with captivating tales of passions close to your heart.
To make your gift-giving, or list-writing job easier, we've conjured up a selection of great titles which we’ll be sharing over the next few weeks. Each week our merry compendium features the Top 5 great reads that delve into a specific area of drinks and drinking.
We kick off proceedings with the timeless and classic cocktail book…
THE ULTIMATE BAR BOOK
The Ultimate Bar Book by Mittie Hellmich is a comprehensive guide to cocktails and bartending techniques. It's designed to be a go-to resource for both amateur mixologists and experienced bartenders, offering a wide range of drink recipes, tips, and information.
What sets The Ultimate Bar Book apart is its expansive coverage of cocktails, covering everything from martinis, margaritas, and mojitos to punches, shots, and non-alcoholic beverages. It caters to a wide range of tastes and occasions, making it a versatile reference for anyone looking to craft the perfect drink for any situation.
By Mittie Hellmich and Arthur Mount; Amazon £13.99
THE ALCHEMIST COCKTAIL BOOK
The Alchemist Cocktail Book by Parisian mixologist, Remy Savage, explores the art and science behind cocktail creation. It's not just a collection of recipes but a deeper exploration of the philosophy and methodology behind crafting drinks.
Savage delves into the principles of flavours, textures, and aromas, offering insight into how ingredients interact to create memorable and innovative cocktails. The book is structured to guide both beginners and seasoned mixologists through the process of creating unique and balanced drinks.
By The Alchemist; Amazon £13.75
THE PIKES COCKTAIL BOOK
The Pikes Cocktail Book captures the spirit and essence of Pikes Hotel, an iconic destination in Ibiza known for its legendary parties, colourful history, and famous guests. Compiled by the hotel's creative director, Dawn Hindle, and author and journalist, Henry Conway, the book offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of Pikes through its cocktails.
The book is not just a collection of recipes; it's a narrative that weaves together the hotel's rich history with anecdotes, stories, and recipes inspired by its unique atmosphere and characters. It celebrates the fusion of music, art, fashion, and hedonism that defines Pikes' allure.
By Dawn Hindle; Amazon £14.39
DEATH & CO
Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails is a cocktail guide compiled by the team behind the renowned New York City cocktail bar, Death & Co. The book combines a rich collection of cocktail recipes with insights into the philosophy, history, and craftsmanship behind the craft cocktail movement.
Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails has become revered in the cocktail world for its in-depth exploration of mixology and its beautifully curated collection of recipes. It's a must-have for both aspiring and seasoned mixologists, offering inspiration and guidance to create expertly crafted drinks while embracing the evolving landscape of cocktail culture.
By David Kaplan, Nick Fauchald, et al; Amazon £26.09
TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD
Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist by Tim Federle is a whimsical cocktail recipe book that cleverly combines classic literature with creative drink concoctions. The book presents a collection of cocktail recipes, each named after a famous book or literary character, weaving together wordplay and mixology. It's a fun fusion of beloved literature and the art of cocktail making.
The recipes draw inspiration from a wide range of literary works, from classic novels to modern bestsellers, offering a humorous and inventive take on traditional and contemporary drinks. Each recipe is accompanied by playful anecdotes, quotes, and commentary that tie back to the book or character the cocktail references.
By Lauren Mortimer, Tim Federle; Amazon £11.45
IF YOU THINK WE HAVE MISSED ANYTHING BETTER OFF THE LIST PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE CAN TAKE A LOOK AND ADD THEM TO THE LIST...NEXT YEAR IT WILL BE A TOP 10