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So, you've finally stocked your home bar. Now you need to make those new knives and shakers work for you. But first do the knowledge. Brush up on your mixology smarts with a few books. You need an education in spirits if you're going to become the neighborhood speakeasy.
These 10 Essential Books for the Home Bar outline everything from the flavor profiles of various spirits to trade secrets from some of NYC's most famous cocktail makers.
The Savoy Cocktail Book (1930)
Author: Harry Craddock
Buy It Here: amazon.com
Why It's Essential: It's the original cocktail bible.
After Harry Craddock left the United States for London during Prohibition, he reached the apogee of bartending. Few names were more recognizable than Braddock's in the field of mixology. His book contains 750 of his recipes, many of which he created and popularized himself, along with updated version that jive with more contemporary palates. If you're going to to take this craft seriously, you'll need this reference at your side.
Kindred Spirits (1997)
Author: F. Paul Pacult
Buy It Here: amazon.com
Why It's Essential: It's an authoritative account of the highest quality spirits.
Pacult reviews the finest libations, offering a detailed background on their production and an intricate analysis of their flavor profiles. With over 1,200 assessments of whiskeys, rums, vodkas, cognacs, and so many more, Pacult not only demonstrates what makes a quality spirit, he informs the reader on how to determine the quality of the product for his or herself. You're going to want to use the best quality products, and you'll definitely need Pacult's journal. If you're not a connoisseur yet, this is the book to send you on your way.
The Craft of the Cocktail (2002)
Author: Dale DeGroff
Buy It Here: amazon.com
Why It's Essential: For the invaluable lessons from arguably the best mixologist in the business.
DeGroff has earned the moniker of "King of Cocktails" because of his ingenuity and work revitalizing classic cocktail culture. His gourmet approach to designing drinks, as well as his focus on fresh ingredients when processed mixers were commonplace are only some of the reasons why DeGroff's expertise on mixing cocktails is so widely revered. When a James Beard award-winner and the founder of the Museum of the American Cocktail is giving you advice on how to stock your bar and teaching you trade techniques, you're in good hands.
The Joy of Mixology (2003)
Author: Gary Regan
Buy It Here: amazon.com
Why It's Essential: The breakdowns of drink ingredients will take your understanding of mixing to a different level.
You know how they say you become better at math when you actually understand the equations, instead of just memorizing the steps? Making cocktails functions much the same way. Regan gives more than just simple drink recipes: He tutors the reader on how to design drinks. His categorization of cocktails into genres invites experimentation and creativity. His book also contains a comprehensive glossary and 350 recipes for consulting.
Imbibe! (2007)
Author: David Wondrich
Buy It Here: amazon.com
Why It's Essential: To better understand the rich history of mixed drinks.
Wondrich provides a wonderfully detailed history of "the father of American mixology" himself, "Professor" Jerry Thomas, as well as the history of American cocktails. As a piece of non-fiction, Imbibe is a joy to read, a compelling page-turner for bartenders and non-drinkers alike. If high school history was anything like the way that Wondrich writes about cocktails, you definitely wouldn't have slept through class.
Speakeasy (2010)
Authors: Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric
Buy It Here: amazon.com
Why It's Essential: You'll notice a marked improvement in drink quality after applying these old-school techniques.
Classic cocktails have undergone a massive revival, making this book a necessary resource for aspiring mixologists. Zaric and Kosmas' Employees Only cocktail bar in the West Village has an established reputation for providing an authentic speakeasy-feel for their clientele, and their book works to transport some of the recipes of that era to the present, re-imagining drinks with a modern flair. If you're truly serious about mixology, then you'll appreciate the artistry at work here.
Boozehound (2010)
Author: Jason Wilson
Buy It Here: amazon.com
Why It's Essential: It'll improve your palate to the point where you'll recognize complex and nuanced flavors of spirits in no time.
Wilson's spirits column for the Washington Post blends advice, instruction, and history in a way that's accessible and educational. Boozehound has a similar feel in that it provides invaluable insight into rare and obscure spirits that would otherwise remain alien to many aspiring mixologists.
The PDT Cocktail Book (2011)
Authors: Jim Meehan and Chris Gall
Buy It Here: amazon.com
Why It's Essential: Meehan's trade secrets are vital to replicating that unique cool of a speakeasy.
PDT (Please Don't Tell) in the East Village has a reputation for both its broad selection of alcohols and the quality of its cocktails, highlighted by the James Beard award it received earlier this year. Much of the bar's success can be attributed to the adroit and expert talents of mixologist Jim Meehan. In his book, Meehan offers insider info that you wouldn't otherwise have access to outside of the industry. He even walks you through designing and setting up your own bar.
Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide (2011)
Author: Mr. Boston
Buy It Here: amazon.com
Why It's Essential: It's been a vital reference for bartenders and mixologists for over 75 years.
The 75th anniversary edition of Mr. Boston's Official Bartender's Guide walks you through stocking your bar and purchasing the necessary mixing equipment, in addition to covering 1,500 recipes, new, old, and iconic. However, it's not all Sidecars, Dry Gin Martinis, and Sloe Gin Fizzs; this reference has instructions for mixing cocktails with sake, absinthe, and other en vogue ingredients.
Bitters (2011)
Author: Brad Thomas Parsons
Buy It Here: amazon.com
Why It's Essential: Bitters are vital for many classic cocktails.
If you buy a bottle of orange bitters and think you're all set in that department, then you really need to pick up this book. Bitters can enhance the subtle, nuanced flavors of a cocktail, pull together ingredients to create a harmony within the drink, and so much more. Parsons not only provides a history for this oft-unappreciated bit player, he walks the reader through the bitters-making process. The variation of flavors—from apple to coffee, pecan to root beer—is limited only by your imagination.