Cocktail Books
Three exciting cocktail books have recently graced our shelves. Those of you who are ardent cocktailers will know about the authors. Degroff, Regan and Berry are all recognized as preeminent figures in the cocktail movement and offer mirth, history and practical information in their respective tomes. Throw away (or recycle) your Old Mr. Boston Bartender’s Guide. The future is now.
The Essential Cocktail by Dale Degroff
Degroff is one of the world’s most respected bartenders. In his new book he provides not only recipes but historical information on the origin of classic drinks. Many of these classic drinks are followed by a variation using the original form with some different ingredients. He also goes into why certain ingredients work well together to give the amateur bartender a better conceptual background. The book is beautifully photographed and will make you want to begin mixing drinks immediately.
$32.50
The Joy of Mixology by Gary Regan
Another serious look at the world of cocktails. Regan offers an entertaining history of the cocktail for the first 50 pages and then prefaces his recipes with a section asking: "Do you have what it takes to be a bartender?" Here he goes into the various duties and skill sets required for the job. If you are a bartender, are thinking about becoming one, or just want to more fully appreciate your favorite mixologist, this alone is worth the price of the book. He goes on to group cocktails into several categories based on the balance of ingredients, rather than the liquors used. This is an ingenious way to develop an intuitive understanding of mixing drinks and perhaps, creating your own.
$27.75
Sippin Safari by "Beachbum" Jeff Berry
Here is an invaluable text for the lover of tropical drinks and all things Tiki. Jeff Berry is an inveterate historian of the Tiki bar and presents a fascinating account of the movement's inception. There are lots of great photos and stories as well as some landmark drink recipes. Don't miss this one.
P.S. Berry was the drink consultant at the newly opened "Luau" in Beverly Hill. The original recipes were written in code and Berry was the man who cracked it!
$18.50
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