The Complete Bartender's Guide

An illustrated celebration of libation.

While mixed drinks have a long history, the cocktail as we know it today has its roots during Prohibition in the 1930s. Homemade hooch, bathtub gin and other blackmarket beverages were usually unpalatable on their own. But add some juice, fruit, and a splash of sugar and voila! the results were intoxicating.

The Complete Bartender's Guide is a lavishly illustrated cocktail sourcebook. There is so much more to cocktails than the drinks themselves. Discover their fascinating history, lore, recipes, and even where to find them at some of the world's best bars.

This 400-page book goes way beyond any professional bartender's guide.

Key features include:

• A-Z listing of 1,000 cocktail recipes
• Serving suggestions and tasting notes
• Brief histories of spirits
• Essentials for a well-stocked bar
• Brand and spirit recommendations
• Directory of the world's top 500 cocktail bars

The Complete Bartender's Guide will be a practical yet fascinating addition to bookshelves and bars alike.

Jordan Spence is a journalist who specialises in writing about bars, nightlife and cocktails. Her interest in this late-night way of life stems from working as Culture and Lifestyle Editor of 3D World magazine in Sydney, Australia.