Features
The best cocktail and drinks books for amateur mixologists
by Malou Herkes
published on 12 April 2024
Should a martini be shaken or stirred? How do you muddle a mojito? And what goes into making the perfect gin & tonic? Whether you’re an amateur seeking a beginner’s guide to mixing, or a drinks aficionado on the hunt for cocktails with sophistication, there’s a cocktail book out there for you. This is our round-up of the best of the bunch.
Stunning cocktail recipes designed to delight and impress
From classic concoctions to more experimental drinks
Including insider tips on the fundamentals of mixology
The Alchemist Cocktail Book
From the team behind the UK’s most popular cocktail bar comes The Alchemist Cocktail Book , a spell-binding compendium of exciting and experimental recipes. Recreate The Alchemist’s signature drinks in the comfort of your own home, with recipes ranging from revamped classics to more elaborate concoctions (Caramelised Rum Punch, anyone?). Expect mouthwatering flavours, creative flair, and plenty of low- and no-alcohol options.
Corker
While not strictly a cocktail book, this volume by wine expert, writer and broadcaster Hannah Crosbie is the ultimate guide to finding the perfect glass of wine for any occasion – from first dates to summer picnics to dinner parties. Full of wit, anecdotes, and brilliant writing, Corker is an informative and accessible way into the world of wine.
Fizz
Fizz will take your celebrations, birthdays, and Friday nights to the next level with 80 recipes designed to help you make the most of all things bubbly. Whether you’re a fan of Champagne or cava, beer or cider, soda or kombucha, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy in this inventive book. From a sophisticated negroni sbagliato to a delicate, alcohol-free elderflower and orange blossom fizz, these playful and refreshing recipes are the ideal way to add a little sparkle to your evening.
Cocktails: The Art of Mixing Perfect Drinks
Everything you need to know about making the perfect cocktail is within these pages. Award-winning mixologist Klaus St Rainer gives you the nitty-gritty, from how to make sugar syrup to an ABC guide to alcohol. Recipes range from ‘Simple & Clever’ to ‘Extraordinary & Spectacular’ so whether you want a Dry Martini, a decadent Golden Champagne or a downright naughty Hot Buttered Coconut Rum, there’s something here for everyone.
Recreate Hawksmoor’s finest dishes at home
Decadent meat and seafood inspiration
Indulgent comfort food
Hawksmoor at Home
From the team behind the lavish Hawkmoor restaurants in London, this might seem – at first glance – like a cookbook exclusively about food. But look further and you’ll find a generous section devoted entirely to cocktails, including luxurious recipes and fascinating insights into the history of punches, plus a glossary and how-to guides to homemade syrups and bitters.
Drinks
This cocktail guide, from the man behind London’s award-winning cocktail bars 69 Colebrooke Row and Bar Termini (among others) will have you mixing original cocktails that’ll really impress your guests. This is a book for the cocktail aficionados among you, with recipes that range from the classic cocktails, through to savoury numbers (think: White Truffle Martini), cocktails inspired by perfumes, concept drinks (we love Cosmo Popcorn), as well as cordials, liqueurs and distillations.
The Curious Cocktail Cabinet
From Scottish gin brand Hendricks comes a delightful collection of 100 gin-based cocktail recipes, ranging from the classics to the inventive, complete with a guide to the world of botanicals and expert insight from author Ally Martin.
The Seedlip Cocktail Book
Proving that mocktails needn’t be boring or overly sweet, this book by non-alcoholic spirit makers Seedlip is packed with 100 drinks recipes, covering everything from refreshing summer spritzers to sophisticated aperitifs.
The Spirits
You don’t need to be a cocktail expert to use this brilliant little book. A guide to mixing your favourite cocktails, this is an accessible guide that’ll have even the novices among you shaking Gin Fizz and Pisco Sours in no time. Our favourite? English Breakfast Martinis.
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