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Cocktail & Bartending Book Reviews

Reviews of a selection of bartending guides and cocktail, bartending and bar history books.
99 Drams of Whiskey
In 99 Drams of Whiskey Kate Hopkins takes the reader on an adventure through her "Quest for the Perfect Shot" of whiskey as she travel from Ireland and Scotland to the Americas learning the history and difference in tastes between the most popular varieties of whisky.
Ablutions by Patrick deWitt
Patrick deWitt's 2009 novella of a bar man in a deteriorating Hollywood bar is fun, active and filled with great stories that you can see in any bar you open the door to.
And a Bottle of Rum
And a Bottle of Rum by Wayne Curtis is a book that takes the reader through the lifespan of rum. From the liquor's pre-colonial beginnings to pirates and British Sailors, straight through to today's Daiquiri and Mojito crazes, Curtis' book is an authority on rum through the years.
Bartender Magazine's Ultimate Bartender's Guide
If you're looking for a well-rounded listing of cocktails that is well organized and can stand up to some of the hazards of a bar, Bartender Magazine's Ultimate Bartender Guide is a great choice.
Good Spirits
A.J. Rathburn's Good Spirits is an extensive, cocktail-filled bartending guide that is essential for any serious or amateur bartender to add to their library. With over 400 recipes and insightful and fun information, it is a great book.
How's Your Drink? Cocktails, Culture and the Art of Drinking Well
How's Your Drink? This is the question posed by Eric Felten in his new book How's Your Drink? Cocktails, Culture and the Art of Drinking Well. In it the Wall Street Journal columnist explores drinks that were once common in bars and lounges and many of which have since faded into near obscurity.
Imbibe! From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash
In Imbibe! David Wondrich takes a look at the life of "Professor" Jerry Thomas, the best known bartender of the 1800's and the author of the first bartending guide published, How to Mix Drinks (or The Bon Vivant's Companion, 1862).
Knack Bartending Basics by Cheryl Charming
Cheryl Charming has released her ninth book and, once again, it is unique to any of her previous bartending guides. In Knack Bartending Basics she has revealed a colorful side that we haven't seen yet.
Maran Illustrated Bartending
The "Maran Illustrated Bartending" book is an excellent beginner's bartending guide, especially for those who like visual aids.
Market-Fresh Mixology
Market-Fresh Mixology was written by Bridget Albert with Mary Barranco and is a great, compact guide to mixing great cocktails with fresh ingredients that are in season. The recipes are simple, unique and a delight to sit down and sip.
Miss Charming's Guide for Hip Bartenders and Wayout Wannabes
Book review of Miss Charming's Guide for Hip Bartenders and Wayout Wannabes, a guide to modern bartending from one of the coolest cocktail experts of the time.
Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-to-Be
Written by Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, Preggatinis is an insightful book filled with non-alcoholic drinks for pregnant women who want to enjoy fine mocktails throughout their pregnancy.
Tequila: A Guide to Types, Flights, Cocktails, and Bites
A book that is all about tequila was released on Cinco de Mayo of 2009 and it is the 19th written by award winning author and chef, Joanne Weir. In Tequila, you can read about the history, production and types of tequilas and explore fascinating cocktail and food recipes.
The Flavor Bible: The Essential Guide to Culinary Creativity
The Flavor Bible is a complete thesaurus of flavor pairings for food and drink enthusiasts and professionals and is a nice addition to the taste reference books by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg,
The History and Stories of the Best Bars of New York
The History and Stories of the Best Bars of New York is an illustrated guide to thirty of the classic bars of the city. It includes profiles of each establishment, the people who have imbibed within their walls and the impact and effect many of these bars have had on the history of New York City and American culture.
The Joy of Mixology by Gary Regan
The Joy of Mixology is an informative study of the craft of the "Cocktailian Bartender" according to Gary Regan. As one of the best known authorities on the subject, Regan takes us on a trip through the history, theory and techniques behind the stick.
The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Martinis
This handy little reference book is a good reference for those who are looking for a well-rounded collection of neat cocktails and the size makes it perfect to carry around.
What To Drink With What You Eat
We know great food when we taste it and we know a great drink when it crosses our path but for the ultimate dining experience it is essential to find a match between these two facets that compliment one another.
Zero-Proof Cocktails by Liz Scott
Zero-Proof Cocktails by Liz Scott is a small book filled with 100 non-alcoholic mixed drink recipes that are far more interesting and modern than the average mocktail. This is a perfect addition to a bar library of anyone who either doesn't drink alcohol or often entertains with optional alcohol-free drinks.

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