From the fruity Cosmopolitan to the sour-style Daiquiri, a fabulous concoction can instantly turn a dull gathering into a swinging shindig.
You might already be a pro in drinking cocktails, but wouldn’t it be great if you could master the art of mixing drinks in your own home?
Whether you’re new to cocktail-making or just want to improve your skills, these helpful books will help turn you into a master mixologist in no time.
Fever-Tree: The Art of Mixing
From premium natural mixer brand Fever-Tree, which was founded eight years ago by Charles Rolls and Tim Warrillow, comes this completely diverse collection of more than 100 classic and contemporary cocktails from some of the world’s best bartenders. It begins with an insight into how Fever-Tree started out before exploring the key mixers – including tonic, ginger ale, lemonade and cola – that make up popular cocktails. Ranging from the decadent Mango Highball to a twist on the humble G&T, each recipe includes a mixer from the brand’s extensive range.
£5, Amazon, Buy it now
The Periodic Table of Cocktails by Emma Stokes
Cocktail blogger Emma Stokes, also known as Gin Monkey, has compiled a playful guide to some of the most popular cocktails served in bars across the UK. From a Bloody Mary to a Death Flip, each recipe is easy to follow and comes with a detailed description and facts of the drink. The handy book lets you navigate by base spirit, flavour and style – so it’s ideal for those who know what kind of mix they want to learn.
£9.99, Amazon, Buy it now
The Spirits: A Guide To Modern Cocktailing by Richard Godwin
In this humorous, amateur guide to cocktailing, London journalist Richard Godwin offers a wealth of modern and classic recipes – some of which come from London’s most popular bars or have been handpicked from famous bar books. Tools and techniques are explained and readers are given some brief cocktail history to explore how it all started.
£13, Amazon, Buy it now
The Little Book of Cocktails by Rufus Cavendish
Perfect for those who want to gain some fast knowledge, this handy book is packed with simple guides and advice on the correct equipment and ingredients. The stylish read contains over 200 quick recipes for cocktails made with vodka, gin, tequila and rum.
£5.53, Amazon, Buy it now
The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock
Harry Craddock is one of the best-known bartenders and was even immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds. In his classic book, first published in 1930, readers can find a number of cocktails Craddock learnt or invented during the years he worked at London’s Savoy Hotel. Each recipe is beautifully illustrated with Deco drawings.
£11, Wordery, Buy it now
Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist by Tim Federle
Recovering English Majors can wade through 65 literary-inspired cocktail recipes in this fun novel, which is great for shaking things up at book clubs. Featuring whimsical drawings, drinking games and bar bites, the entertaining book is a smart way to learn some moreish concoctions – like the Bridget Jones’s Daiquiri or The Pitcher of Dorian Grey Goose.
£7.49, Waterstones, Buy it now
Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh
If you’re searching for some vintage cocktail recipes that are hard to find, then look no further than this updated and expanded book by historian, expert, and drink aficionado Ted Haigh. The award-winning volume is packed with historical facts and rare recipes from different times, including the nineteenth-century and Prohibition era.
£11, Amazon, Buy it now
Experimental Cocktail Club
With several bars in cities including Paris, London and Ibiza, the award-winning Experimental Cocktail Club is popular for its glamorous style. The vast collection of recipes in this book is inspired by classic American and French cocktails, like the Stockholm Syndrome and Tete de Mule.
From £7, Amazon, Buy it now
Good Things to Drink with Mr Lyan and Friends by Ryan Chetiyawardana
Master the perfect mix for every mood with this exciting book filled with 60 recipes. The man behind London’s award-winning White Lyan and Dandelyan bars covers all types of cocktails, from Friday night specials to morning tipples.
£20, Amazon, Buy it now
Verdict
If you’re all about the classics, then Tim Federle's Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails offers plenty of vintage tipples for a Great Gatsby-themed gathering. Those looking for some creative alternatives to the usual martinis and mojitos are best off with Tim Federle’s Tequila Mockingbird, while The Periodic Table of Cocktails by Emma Stokes is a safe bet for experienced mixologists who know what they’re looking for.
