Not simply a reference book and collection of recipes, but also a travel guide through the international world of drinks.

The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails presents an in-depth exploration of the world of spirits and cocktails in a ground-breaking synthesis. The Companion covers drinks, processes, and techniques around the world as well as those in the US and Europe. It provides clear explanations of the different ways that spirits are produced, including fermentation, distillation and ageing, alongside a wealth of new detail on the emergence of cocktails and cocktails bars, including entries on key cocktails and influential mixologists and cocktail bars.

"The Ultimate Guide to Spirits & Cocktails provides an unrivaled insight into the world of spirits, their fascinating, often dramatic history, the secrets behind their production, and their quality criteria. It reveals some of the most successful as well as the most sought-after and sophisticated internal distillates, showing you how to treat them professionally."--Inside cover

The World of Spirits and Cocktails is not simply a reference book and collection of recipes, but also a travel guide through the international world of spirits and drinks. In an initial overview the reader learns about the history of the various types of alcoholic drinks and more about the bar itself. Since when have bars existed, how are they equipped and what is the art of mixing cocktails? A peep into the world's most famous bars is, of course, essential. After this, the most important types of spirits are individually presented - from whiskey & bourbon to rum, chachaca & tequila and liqueurs. The historical background of each drink is explained as is the production process and the correct method of tasting. Information on the most important producers and brands present a survey of the international market and provide useful tips on buying spirits. An extensive recipe section at the end includes more than 150 classic and lesser known mixed drinks, each drink with recipe and color photo. A delight for both professional and hobby bartenders.

Spirited is a global celebration of cocktails: iconic classics, cutting-edge concoctions, and lesser-known regional favorites. It spotlights recipes for drinks from 60 countries over 500 years, each with details of the era, locale, bar, or person who inspired or created it. With its contemporary design, photographs, infographics, and essays about cocktail culture, this is the most important book of cocktails researched and collected for the home drink maker. From flips and sours to tiki drinks and punches, Spirited is authoritative and accessible, and perfectly distills the cocktail's distinctive essence.

The Ultimate Bar Book — The bartender's bible and a James Beard nominee for the best Wine and Spirit book, 2008 The cocktail book for your home: The Ultimate Bar Book is an indispensable guide to classic cocktails and new drink recipes. Loaded with essential-to-know topics such as barware, tools, and mixing tips. Classic cocktails and new drinks: As the mistress of mixology, the author Mittie Hellmich has the classics down for the Martini, the Bloody Mary—and the many variations such as the Dirty Martini and the Virgin Mary. And then there are all the creative new elixirs the author brings to the table, like the Tasmanian Twister Cocktail or the Citron Sparkler. Illustrated secrets of classic cocktails and more: Illustrations show precisely what type of glass should be used for each drink. With dozens of recipes for garnishes, rims, infusions, and syrups; punches, gelatin shooters, hot drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages; and let's not forget an essential selection of hangover remedies, The Ultimate Bar Book is nothing short of top-shelf. If you liked PTD Cocktail Book, 12 Bottle Bar and The Joy of Mixology, you'll love The Ultimate Bar Book

It’s a system, a tool kit, a recipe book. Beginning with one irresistible idea--a complete home bar of just 12 key bottles--here’s how to make more than 200 classic and unique mixed drinks, including sours, slings, toddies, and highballs, plus the perfect Martini, the perfect Manhattan, and the perfect Mint Julep. It’s a surprising guide--tequila didn’t make the cut, and neither did bourbon, but genever did. And it’s a literate guide--describing with great liveliness everything from the importance of vermouth and bitters (the “salt and pepper” of mixology) to the story of a punch bowl so big it was stirred by a boy in a rowboat.