The 11 best cocktail books of 2020 according to experts
Here are the 11 best cocktail books according to experts. Follow the list inspired by liquor.com and ready for you to discover the top in bibliographies.
No bar or kitchen would be complete without the ideal documentation to feed us intellectually and practically on the subject.
In this case, we refer to the bar – even if it is in your kitchen, this is also valid – and the necessary bibliography, whether to create cocktails from scratch, to improve your techniques or to learn the history of the mixology world.
Today, we have enough bibliographic references to get the best cocktail books in the world.
From classic authors like Harry Craddock to contemporary authors like David Wondrich or Jim Meehan, we have a list of 11 of the best cocktail books you can have in your bar. They vary in subject and purpose, with some being more bibliographic than others, or more graphic and visual, as well as more practical or complex.
Shortlist 11 best cocktail books for your bar
The list is organized by category, whether you want the best of all the books or the best to start with. There is a book for each and every purpose.
The best of all: The Joy of Mixology
Author: Gary Regan
With over 350 drink recipes, The Joy of Mixology is the ultimate guide to the bar. Innovative and authoritative, it is a must-have for anyone interested in the art of cocktail making. (less)
Gary Regan’s The Joy of Mixology is a true gem, the genius of which lies in Regan’s revolutionary drink classification system that helps bartenders – professional and amateur alike – not only remember drink recipes, but invent their own.
The best book for beginners: The Drunken Botanist
Author: Amy Stewart
A book that explains the chemistry and botanical history of more than 150 plants, trees, flowers and fruits, showing how they form the basis of our favorite cocktails.
The best in history: Imbibe!
Author: David Wondrich
Wondrich reveals never-before-seen details and stories about this larger-than-life 19th-century figure, as well as definitive recipes for more than 100 punches, cocktails, sours, fizzes, toddies, slings, and other essential drinks, accompanied by detailed historical and mixological notes.
The best new book: Cocktail Codex
Author: Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan
A comprehensive primer on the craft of mixing drinks that employs the authors’ unique “root cocktails” approach to give drink-makers of every level the tools to understand, execute, and improvise both classic and original cocktails.
Best for Bar Owners: Meehan’s Bartender Manual
Author: Jim Meehan
The definitive guide to building a bar by one of the world’s most renowned bartenders. Simple as that.
Best for Mixologists: The Vegetarian Flavor Bible
Author: Karen Page
The heart of THE VEGETARIAN FLAVOR BIBLE is his A-to-Z guide to the herbs, spices and other seasonings that best enhance the flavor of hundreds of ingredients, from acai to zucchini flowers.
Better for the house: The Craft of the Cocktail
Author: Dale Degroff
The first true cocktail cookbook, with 500 recipes from the world’s leading mixologist, Dale DeGroff.
The best to give away: The Aviary Cocktail Book
Author: Nick Kokonas, Allen Hemberger, Achatz Grant
Over 30 delicious, fun, and easy-to-make new recipes at home. The perfect guide to drinks for the entire summer season.
The best for classic cocktails: The Savoy Cocktail Book
Author: Harry Craddock
With over 750 classic cocktail recipes, The Savoy Cocktail Book allows you to recreate the tradition of sophisticated Savoy parties again and again. Harry Craddock left America during Prohibition to work as a cocktail bartender at the American Bar in London’s Savoy Hotel. Definitely a must on the best cocktail books.
The best for creative people: Liquid Intelligence
Author: Dave Arnold
If you want to learn how to make amazing ingredients and cocktails, this book is a must read. Highly recommended for all true drink lovers.
The best for Bartenders: Amaro
Author: Brad Thomas Parsons
For the last but not least of our shortlist on best cocktail books we bring Amaro.
Amaro is the first book to demystify this ever-expanding sweet and sour world. This is a must-read for any home cocktail enthusiast or professional in the industry.
Want more advices for your bar? Or find out more about the best cocktail books?
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