Cocktail Books
Whether intended to adorn your coffee table, stuff a stocking, or be studied diligently, the following are beautiful, inspirational, and would serve any enthusiast well.
The Aviary Cocktail Books,
Grant Achatz, et al.
The Aviary is a cocktail lounge in Chicago that applies a truly culinary approach to its recipes. Frequently rated among the world's best bars, the techniques employed engage all the senses. While the recipes in this collection are quite complex, the photography is absolutely stunning.
Perfect for: The Creative, whether you're inspired to attempt these wild recipes or simply bask in the beauty of the imagery.
Booze & Vinyl,
André & Tenaya Darlington
Booze & Vinyl presents 140 cocktail recipes woven into 70 albums (Side A and Side B) across four genres: Rock, Dance, Chill, and Seduce. A great conversation starter for your coffee table or bar. Also available: Booze & Vinyl 2.
Perfect for: The Music Lover, although anyone flipping these pages will undoubtedly enjoy a rush of nostalgia.
Liquid Intelligence,
Dave Arnold
It's a thing of beauty when someone's passion for a given topic shines through, and buddy is that the case here. Through refined and mastered processes and techniques, Dave Arnold shows us what is possible in the world of cocktails from the most technical of perspectives.
Perfect for: The Engineer, although any dedicated drink maker will latch onto a number of takeaways they can implement.
The PDT Cocktail Book,
Jim Meehan
PDT (Please Don't Tell) is a hidden speakeasy in New York's East Village, and this book brings those recipes right into your home, along with other classics. This book is easily digestible and includes whimsical illustrations.
Perfect for: The Beginner, but really it provides great context and instruction for any cocktail enthusiast.