8 BEST Bartending Books For ALL Bartenders [Buyers Guide]

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Bartending is not just a job; it’s an art, a science, and above all, a passion that requires both skill and knowledge.

In the modern world of bartending, there’s always something new to learn and a novel way to enhance your prowess behind the bar.

For those interested in taking their craft to the next level, or beginners starting their journey in the industry, I’ve compiled a list of the 8 best bartending books that should be on your shelf.

These books are a great way to expand your knowledge, offering everything from classic cocktail recipes to in-depth explanations about the subtle nuances of flavors and the science behind the perfect drink.

They provide insights from the minds of the industry’s most talented and experienced mixologists, tips and tricks for dazzling customers with your creativity, and history lessons that deepen your understanding of this age-old craft.

So, whether you’re looking to impress at your next party, create your own signature drink, or elevate your professional bartending game, these books are your perfect companions.

Let’s dive in!

10/16/2023 01:37 am GMT

1. The Craft of the Cocktail: Everything You Need to Know to Be a Master Bartender

An essential book for all bartenders, authored by Dale DeGroff, fondly referred to as the “King of Cocktails,” tops our list of recommendations.

This comprehensive manual offers 500 diverse recipes, helping you expand your mixology repertoire and learn the art of crafting a wide array of cocktails.

DeGroff’s rich industry experience lends credibility to the book, making it a reliable resource for both newcomers and experienced bartenders.

Beyond just recipes, the book delivers essential knowledge on setting up a bar, understanding different spirits, and mastering key bartending techniques like muddling, shaking, and stirring.

It offers a solid foundation for beginners while also providing more advanced knowledge for those looking to refine their skills.

Pros:

• Rich in recipes, providing variety and depth.
• Comprehensive in its coverage of bartending techniques and bar setup.
• Insights from a renowned industry professional.

Cons:

• The book focuses heavily on classic cocktails, which might not appeal to those looking for more modern creations.
• Some readers may find the lack of images or illustrations a downside, particularly for complex techniques.

2. The Bartenders Manifesto

“The Bartender’s Manifesto: How to Think, Drink, and Create Cocktails Like a Pro” by Toby Maloney is an inspiring guide that encourages bartenders to think beyond the recipe.

The book pushes readers to approach bartending as a creative, thoughtful process rather than a mere task of mixing ingredients.

Maloney encourages readers to think deeply about every aspect of cocktail creation, including sourcing the best ingredients, understanding the flavor profile of different spirits, and presenting drinks in a way that enhances the overall experience.

The book also places emphasis on the storytelling aspect of mixology, teaching bartenders to create a memorable experience for their customers.

If you’re looking for something a little different from most bartending books, this is an excellent read and one that I highly recommend.

Pros:

• Encourages creativity and a thoughtful approach to mixology.
• Highlights the importance of storytelling in bartending.
• Provides a holistic view of cocktail creation, from ingredients to presentation.

Cons:

• The book’s philosophical approach might be less appealing to those seeking practical, step-by-step guidance.
• Beginners might find the advanced concepts challenging to grasp initially.

3. Five Points In Magic by Juan Tamariz

At first glance, “Five Points In Magic” by Juan Tamariz might seem out of place on a list of bartending books.

However, bartending is not only about creating fantastic cocktails but also about engaging and entertaining customers. Tamariz, a master magician, offers a unique perspective that bartenders can apply to their craft.

The book is primarily about the ‘five points’ in magic – the eyes, the hands, the feet, the body, and the voice.

It outlines how to use these points to control and direct attention, create a narrative, and enhance the overall performance. Applied to bartending, these techniques can help create a more interactive and enjoyable experience for patrons.

Whilst this book isn’t for newcomers, it’s great for more experienced bartenders that want to approach their role from a different perspective. I found it to really help with how I serve customers and being able to identify their body language and tone.

Pros:

• Offers a unique perspective on engaging with customers.
• Highlights the importance of performance and narrative in bartending.
• Provides techniques to enhance the overall service experience.

Cons:

• As it’s primarily a book about magic, some content might not directly apply to bartending.
• It lacks practical bartending knowledge such as recipes and mixology techniques.

4. The Bartenders Bible

This next book is a comprehensive reference guide beneficial for both beginners and experienced bartenders, it offers invaluable insights into setting up a bar and mixing drinks.

With a whopping 1001 mixed drink recipes included, the book provides an extensive range of cocktails to learn and master.

These recipes cover everything from classic cocktails to unique mixes, making it an ideal companion to broaden your mixology horizons.

Also, the book provides invaluable tips on setting up your bar, offering practical advice on everything from choosing the right glassware and garnishes to selecting quality spirits.

Perfect for those considering setting up their own establishment or those that want to generally expand their bartending knowledge.

Pros:

• An extensive list of recipes catering to various tastes and preferences.
• Practical advice on setting up and managing a bar.
• A solid reference guide for both beginners and experienced bartenders.

Cons:

• Some readers may find the presentation of recipes somewhat dated as the book is an older publication.

5. Meehan’s Bartender Manual

Going beyond mere recipes and techniques to delve into the fine art of bartending, this well-crafted resource provides invaluable insights.

Authored by Jim Meehan, the book is titled “Meehan’s Bartender Manual” and serves as an exceptional guide for those interested in the craft.

This book is both a practical guide for creating exceptional cocktails and a comprehensive overview of the craft of bartending.

Meehan, a renowned bartender, shares his deep understanding of the history, production, and selection of quality spirits, along with a curated selection of innovative and classic cocktail recipes.

His book also offers insightful advice on setting up a bar, creating a menu, and providing exceptional service. It’s a truly great read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Highly recommend.

Pros:

• Provides a blend of theory, history, and practice, offering a holistic view of bartending.
• Offers practical advice on setting up a bar and crafting menus.
• Shares innovative and classic cocktail recipes.

Cons:

• Given its broad scope, beginners might find the amount of information overwhelming.
• It leans towards the high-end aspect of bartending, which might not be applicable to every setting.

6. Punch: The Delights (and Dangers) of the Flowing Bowl

“Punch: The Delights (and Dangers) of the Flowing Bowl” by David Wondrich is an intriguing exploration of the history and art of creating punch.

This book provides an unconventional approach to mixology that bartenders, particularly those looking to master large-format cocktails, will find valuable.

Wondrich offers an in-depth look into the evolution of punch, from its origins to its modern interpretations, all woven together with engaging narratives.

The book includes a variety of punch recipes, both historic and contemporary, and provides tips on how to serve and enjoy them safely.

Pros:

• Unique focus on the history and craft of creating punch.
• Engaging narratives that provide an enjoyable reading experience.
• A great resource for those interested in large-format cocktails.

Cons:

• May not appeal to those looking for traditional single-serve cocktail recipes.

7. Modern Classic Cocktails by Robert Simonson

Offering a delightful marriage of cocktail recipes and engaging narratives, this book delivers more than just beverage guidance.

Authored by Robert Simonson, “Modern Classic Cocktails: 60+ Stories and Recipes from the New Golden Age in Drinks” provides an enriching experience to readers.

As the title suggests, it focuses on modern classics, introducing readers to the new golden age of mixology.

Simonson presents over 60 cocktail recipes, exploring the origins, nuances, and elements that have led to their status as modern classics.

Interwoven with these recipes are captivating stories from the current cocktail scene, providing a holistic view of today’s mixology culture.

Pros:

• Combines engaging narratives with contemporary cocktail recipes.
• Offers valuable insights into the new golden age of mixology.
• Perfect for bartenders keen on keeping up with current trends and innovations.

Cons:

• May not be ideal for beginners seeking basic cocktail recipes.

8. Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions

Diving deep into the art and science of mixology, this book provides more than just simple recipes. It takes an innovative approach by teaching readers how to understand cocktails at a fundamental level.

The authors, renowned mixologists, present the theory that all cocktails stem from six fundamental ‘root’ recipes.

This innovative approach allows bartenders to understand the underlying structure of cocktails, facilitating the creation of their own drinks.

Pros:

• Encourages a deeper understanding of mixology, which aids in creating unique cocktails.
• Based on the knowledge and experience of industry-leading mixologists.
• Breaks down complex cocktail-making processes into manageable concepts.

Cons:

• The theoretical approach might be challenging for beginners.

What To Look For In A Bartending Book

When you’re browsing for a bartending book, there are several key factors to consider.

Remember, the aim is to enhance your knowledge, skills, and passion for the craft, so the book should align with your objectives.

Here’s what to look for:

Scope of Content

Consider what the book covers. Does it talk only about recipes, or does it also delve into techniques, the history of cocktails, the science behind mixology, or tips for customer service?

Your needs will dictate what type of content you should look for.

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Skill Level

Choose a book that aligns with your current skill level. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want a book that covers basics like understanding different types of alcohol, basic mixing techniques, and simple recipes.

On the other hand, advanced bartenders might look for books that cover complex techniques, unique recipes, and in-depth explorations of flavors and combinations.

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Author’s Expertise

Look at who wrote the book. Ideally, you want a book written by someone with significant experience in the field – a seasoned bartender, a cocktail historian, a bar owner, or even a mixology educator.

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Recipe Variety

If you’re seeking to expand your cocktail menu, you’ll want a book with a wide variety of recipes. Look for those that cover both classic and modern mixes, with everything from well-known cocktails to innovative creations.

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Visual Appeal

Bartending is as much a visual art as it is a science. A good bartending book should have high-quality photos or illustrations that showcase the drinks in an appealing way, provide visual guides for techniques, and inspire creativity.

Practical Tips

For those in the bartending profession, books that offer practical advice on running a bar, managing inventory, or handling customers can be particularly beneficial.

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FAQs

Final Thoughts

To wrap up, whether you’re a seasoned bartender seeking to elevate your craft or a novice eager to dive into the bartending world, these eight bartending books are invaluable resources.

They offer a wealth of knowledge, from mastering the fundamentals to exploring advanced techniques, from understanding the rich history of spirits to inspiring creativity with modern cocktails.

Remember, bartending is an art that flourishes with passion, curiosity, and continuous learning.

So, grab one (or all) of these books, start turning the pages, and let your bartending journey unfold.

Catch you in the next one!