Classic Bartending Books

When you want to be fabulous, having the right books on hand to help you learn how to make classic beverages and martinis can be a godsend. While there are several popular books out there right now, there are a few classics that should be on each person’s shelf. Here are a few that Wining Husband and I have on our shelf.

The New York Bartender’s Guide– This classic book is simple and doesn’t have a whole lot of bells and whistles. However, it is a great book to look through when you want to find cocktails classic and not so classic – and when you want to know what that weird thingy-majig your Great Aunt Sandy passed down to you does. It should find its way onto everyone’s shelf as a classic reference guide.

Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s Guide (Mr. Boston: Official Bartender’s & Party Guide)– Mr. Boston is the classic of the classics. You’ll learn a bunch of the classic drinks, but you will also learn how to make a good number of the new classics, techniques, and frills.

The Savoy Cocktail Book– For those during the 1920s who were looking for a place to record their prohibition-era creations, Savoy was the place. Some of the most popular cocktails in the world were born in this collection. If you enjoy martinis and drinks from the golden age of the cocktail, this is your book.

Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails: From the Alamagoozlum to the Zombie 100 Rediscovered Recipes and the Stories Behind Them– If you’re looking for a unique cocktail that will impress your friends when you throw that swanky game night party, this is your book. The images are great, and the stories are charming. This is one to make that New Years Eve party memorable.

Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1887 Reprint: 2011 Update– Wow 1887! Learn how to properly mix the newly re-legalized absinthe, how to make egg lemonade, and what a pousse l’amore consists of.

What’s your favorite classic cocktail book? What books do you have on your shelf? We’ve also begun to amass a collection of the Food and Wine annual cocktail books – they have some neat neoclassics and contemporary cocktails in them like The Last Word and The Incan. Post your favorites in the comments.