10 Best Cocktail Books in 2022 (Alcohol Expert-Reviewed)

Pros:

• Over 1,000 recipes
• Recipes cover all skill levels
• Includes non-alcoholic cocktails
• Introduction to equipment

Cons:

• Lack of photos
• Book is a little out of date

Although this book does go through the different types of equipment and techniques you need, its focus is on the recipes. It has over 1,000 recipes for you to choose from which are arranged by the core liquor and even includes non-alcoholic options and hangover cures.

Some reviewers were disappointed that the book only has illustrations and doesn't have photos of the drinks. However, most reviewers praised the book for the variety of recipes it has, saying it has options for bartenders of all levels. Beginner bartenders liked that the recipes are easy to follow and even explain which glass should be used for each drink.

Pros:

• Aimed at aspiring bartenders
• Explains how to prepare and store ingredients
• Details techniques and equipment
• Recipes are explained in great detailed 

Cons:

• Too basic for those with bartending experience

This is a complete guide to understanding how to make cocktails as a bartender. It goes into detail on every aspect of making cocktails, from introducing ingredients and equipment, to different mixing techniques. It also includes 60 recipes so you can start mixing.

As this book takes a beginner approach to bartending, experienced bartenders report that they didn't learn anything new. It may also have too much detail for those looking to make cocktails at home. However, reviewers found the book to be very informative and written in a plain, easy-to-understand way. Reviewers praise the book for teaching them why things are done and just how.

Pros:

• Include over 175 recipes
• Explains the basics of making cocktails
• Full of photos for visual learners
• Recipes are explained in plain language

Cons:

• Poorly organized, according to some
• Too basic for many

If you're new to making cocktails and are looking to make your own at home without investing lots of time and money into specialist equipment and ingredients, this book is a good choice. It gives variations on popular recipes and concentrates on ingredients that can be found to make cocktails at home.

Some reviewers pointed out that the book is poorly organized and that recipes with similar liqueurs aren't collected together. There were also comments that some of the 175+ recipes are very similar. However, for complete beginners to cocktails, this book is highly praised. They like that it is more straightforward than most other books and has accessible recipes.

Pros:

• Based around six popular cocktails
• Teaches how to modify drinks
• Explains how flavors work together
• Plenty of pictures

Cons:

• Reports that it's too complicated for the layperson

This book is based on the simple premise that there are six main cocktails. The book introduces these core cocktails and then teaches the reader how to modify them using different types of ingredients. Once mastered, you will be able to make more complicated drinks and also make your own.

Some reviewers mentioned that a lot of the drinks featured in the book include ingredients that are expensive or difficult to find. However, the book was a huge hit with bartenders. Many say that this book helped them understand their craft better and improved their cocktail game.

Pros:

• 100+ recipes, including modern classics
• Includes brief histories of various liquors
• Personal anecdotes from the author
• Colorful and fun layouts

Cons:

• Some say it's poorly organized

This smooth and easy-to-read book explains the essential information on the history of spirits. Through a series of essays, it provides an insight into how cocktails shaped culture and even history. It also includes recipes, using ingredients that you'll likely have at home.

Reviewers point out that the index of this book is difficult to navigate as it doesn't list the recipes. However, readers loved that the book was very approachable and had a friendly tone. Many reviewers praise the author's knowledge and say the book inspired them to make new mixes with the knowledge and ingredients they already had.

Pros:

• Deep dive into the life of Jerry Thomas and American bar history
• Explains the stories behind the creations of many famous drinks
• Follows the evolution of cocktails up to the present day
• 100+ recipes

Cons:

• The writing style is a little dry for some

This book is a must for anyone interested in the history of cocktails and alcohol within the United States. It focuses on Jerry Thomas, known as the father of the American bar, and explains the stories behind the creations of some popular drinks and how bars developed in the US.

Some reviewers found the book difficult to read due to the dryness of the text and its focus on history. If you are looking for a light read full of recipes, this isn't the book for you. However, many other readers praise the book and the author for how well-researched and informative it is. Several readers say they understand cocktails and how to make them better now they know the history behind them.

Pros:

• Official book from the New York bar Death & Co
• Includes a guide to opening a bar
• History of Death & Co and a day in the life at the bar
• 500+ modern cocktail recipes

Cons:

• Not for the home bartender

This book is written by the owner and a former bartender of New York's Death & Co bar. The bar is famous for creating several new cocktails and they are included in this book, along with some more classic options. The book also walks the reader through a day at the bar and how to set up your own.

Reviewers confirm that this book is too complicated for the layperson as the recipes rely on expensive and rare liquors. Some reviewers were surprised that there were no recipes for Vodka-based drinks. The presentation of the book is highly praised, however, and several readers recommend it for bartenders. Many loved the cocktails included and enjoyed making them.

Pros:

• All recipes are based around the same core liquors
• Introduction to fizzy liquors
• Colorful, eye-catching layouts
• Easy to follow recipes

Cons:

• Requires some expensive ingredients

If you like sparkling wines, Prosecco, or champagne, this is the recipe book for you. The book focuses only on these liquors and details dozens of cocktails that can be made from them. It also explains techniques for making the perfect cocktail and the history and science behind sparkling drinks.

A couple of reviewers reported that some of the recipes needed expensive ingredients to make. Overall, reviews for this book were very positive. Reviewers said the drinks were easy to make and tasted great. The layout of the book was also praised as readers liked the colorful presentation and how easy it was to read.

Pros:

• Concentrates on business and operating a bar
• Explains the history of cocktails, including at a distillery
• Helps with bar layout and organization
• Tips for service and hospitality

Cons:

• Not for the layperson or home bartender

This book is for those who are interested in learning about bars and the drinks industry beyond just cocktails. It focuses on topics such as cocktail history, commercial bar design, tools, techniques, and service, to cover everything you will need to run your own bar. 

Although the book does include some recipes, it is not the main focus of the book. It gives a great insight into running a bar, but this wasn't relevant for some reviewers. Overall though, reviewers adored all of the information that this book provides. They also mention that it's easy to read because of its dynamic layout and high-quality images.

Pros:

• In-depth chemistry and mixology book
• Nearly 450 color photos
• Full of new techniques and ideas
• Unique approach to cocktails

Cons:

• Only for the serious mixologist

This book is all about the science behind cocktails. It goes into extreme detail through every single chemical aspect that makes a cocktail great, from the use of equipment to mixing techniques. The author explains the science behind why, for example, stirring and shaking is different, as well as introducing and explaining new ideas.

As this is a book for professionals who want a deeper understanding of how chemistry can make cocktails, it is not for the beginner bartender or anyone who just wants to make a quick drink. However, a lot of reviewers labeled the author as a genius. They mention that this book gave them the insights they needed in order to improve their bartending technique.