Ten (plus) Bartender Book Recommendations
Brian’s Picks: Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s The Bar Book, Elements of Cocktail Technique is always my #1 recommendation. (He was a guest on Episode 113.) Esquire Drinks, An Opinionated & Irreverent Guide to Drinking - David Wondrich (out of print, but is available used on Amazon for as little as $2.81!) An old book - 2002, but a goodie. Mr. Wondrich, who is the end all authority on cocktail history wrote this book for Esquire Magazine. If you ever want the definitive answer on the history of a cocktail, just google the name of the drink and "Wondrich". (He was a guest on Episode 110.) The Joy of Mixology The Consummate Guide to the Barternend’s Craft - Oh Gaz....I miss you. Originally published in 2003, there is an updated version of this book. (He was a guest on Episode 175.) The Curious Bartender, The Artistry and Alchemy of Creating the Perfect Cocktail - Tristian Stephenson. Smart guy. I love how in this book he presents a classic cocktail, gives the classic specs, and then his interpretation of an improvement on the recipe. (He was a guest on Episode 122.) Regarding Cocktails - Sasha Petraske (Foreword by Dale DeGroff), Shsah changed everything in our industry. (He's NOT been a guest on the show, he unfortunately passed away in 2015... I never had the opportunity to meet the man, but he influenced so many). Benny’s Picks: Liquid Intelligence, The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave Arnold. The Science of Cocktails? Who would have thought? A great and well thought out book. Smuggler’s Cove, Exotic Cocktails, Rum,and the Cult of Tiki by Martin and Rebecca Cate (He was a guest on Episode 186 .) A beautiful book full of great information and beautiful tiki drinks. Beach Bum Berry Remixed, Gallery of Tiki Drinks by Jeff Berry. A real tiki book, full of old school tiki recipes. PDT Cocktail Book, The Complete Bartender’s Guide From the Celebrated Speakeasy by Jim Meehan (He was a guest on Episode 77.) Meehan is a true gentleman who created a perfect Speakeasy. Every Bartender should own this book. Also mentioned in this episode: Meehan’s Bartender Manual by Jim Meehan (Featured on Episode 89.) If you ever even considered owning your own bar, you must read this book from cover to cover. The Flavor Bible, The Essential Guide to Culinary Creativity, Based on the Wisdom of America’s Most Imaginative Chefs by Karen age and Andrew Dornenburg. An outstanding book on flavors - what goes with what. Cocktails Made Simple: Easy & Delicious Recipes for the Home Bartender by Brian Weber and Amin Benny. What to make cocktails at home, or get a foundation for becoming a professional Bartender? This book is authored by host of Bartender Journey, Brian Weber and co-author Amin Benny.
