Bartending Books

There are a ton of bartending books available.

Whether online or in the bookstores, there are a plethora of available publications covering a wide range of topics from instructions on how to mix cocktails to techniques on how to become an effective and efficient bartender.

Whether you're looking to borrow or purchase a book on cocktails or bartending, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

Don't buy a book just because it's pretty. More specifically, don't judge a book based on the pretty photos or a nice cover. It's content that you're after, not the fluff.

Most of the time, the really colorful and fancy books don't have much content, and are quite expensive. You refer to them to get ideas for photos and what not, but I'd say save your money for something else.

If there is one cocktail book worth owning, it's The Bartender's Black Book by Stephen Kittredge Cunningham.

It is the bible of all cocktail books.

It's small enough (4.5 x 9 inches, to be exact) to easily carry around in your bag, and whip out whenever you need a refresher.

But what it lacks in size it makes up in content. The 2,700 drink recipes are conveniently organized alphabetically and sectioned into shooters, flavored vodka, floaters, and wine. The wine section is written by wine expert Robert Parker Jr. Can't get any better than that.

Now in its 9th edition, this publication carries thousands of cocktail recipes, including detailed measurements, instructions, ingredients, and other valuable tips that'll add to your ever growing cocktail repertoire.

For example, one of the tips he mentions is always carry some mints and a lighter, even if the establishment doesn't provide these for you. It's not expensive. And it will most likely increase the tip you receive.

I, myself, used this book and the tips provided when I started out, and I still refer to it every now and then.

This is definitely a must for anyone interesting in making cocktails.



Also worth noting is Paul Abercrombie's Organic, Shaken and Stirred featuring a collection of easy-to-make eco-friendly cocktails.

A regular contributor to Gourmet, Wine Enthusiast, ESPN and various other publications, Paul Abercrombie has written extensively on wining and dining.

His book is no exception.

Also, look into books that pair cocktail drinks to certain types of dishes. Having a good idea of what to pair with, say, a dirty martini, or a glass of red wine versus a glass of white wine is going to go a long way for any bartender.

If you're looking for something different, check out Kate Simon's Absinthe Cocktail dedicated to recipes using the once illegal absinthe.

Since it was legalized in the US in 2007, there has been a boom of cocktails using this as a key ingredient.

The popularity of absinthe can't be denied.

Absinthe has something for everyone - trditionalists or those new to absinthe will learn ways to incorporate the ingredient to classic cocktails while the modernists can experiment and try out new tastes using more than 20 modern drink recipes.