Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been writing about cocktails and spirits for over a decade, often in collaboration with my mixologist husband and co-author, John McCarthy. Our mission is to create delicious, practical cocktail recipes for the home bartender. There are a number of cocktail books out there, but they usually fall into two camps. Novelty books, which are often silly and untested. Or books written by professionals, for professionals, impractical if you don’t have a centrifuge, dehydrator, and 300-odd liqueurs in your home bar. What about the vast middle ground–people who love cocktails, want to make them at home, and learn something while they’re sipping? We believe in finding the best books for them. 


I wrote

Every Cocktail Has a Twist: Master 25 Classic Drinks and Craft More Than 200 Variations

By Carey Jones, John McCarthy,

Book cover of Every Cocktail Has a Twist: Master 25 Classic Drinks and Craft More Than 200 Variations

What is my book about?

This book stars 25 classic cocktails–from the Manhattan and the margarita to modern classics like the Aperol Spritz and espresso…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique

Carey Jones Why did I love this book?

I’ve spent more than a decade immersed in the cocktail world and writing about bar culture, mixology, and technique; John is an award-winning bartender himself. And yet when we have questions on cocktail technique, we always, always reach for this book.

Jeffrey Morgenthaler is a legend in the industry and, what’s more, he has a gift for clear instruction. Whatever our question, we’ll find an authoritative answer here. 

Book cover of Imbibe!: From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash, a Salute in Stories and Drinks to "Professor" Jerry Thomas, Pioneer of the American Bar

Carey Jones Why did I love this book?

Without a doubt, David Wondrich is the preeminent cocktail historian of our time. If that doesn’t sound like a real thing…well, just start reading his work.

No one else has his mastery of our drinking history or a gift for communicating all its twists and turns. Every book he’s written is a great read, but this book is the best jumping-off point, following the story of mid-19th-century bartender Jerry Thomas with colorful tales and excellent recipes.  

By David Wondrich,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Imbibe! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The newly updated edition of David Wondrich’s definitive guide to classic American cocktails.

Cocktail writer and historian David Wondrich presents the colorful, little-known history of classic American drinks--and the ultimate mixologist's guide--in this engaging homage to Jerry Thomas, father of the American bar.

Wondrich reveals never-before-published details and stories about this larger-than-life nineteenth-century figure, along with definitive recipes for more than 100 punches, cocktails, sours, fizzes, toddies, slings, and other essential drinks, along with detailed historical and mixological notes.
 
The first edition, published in 2007, won a James Beard Award. Now updated with newly discovered recipes and historical information, this…


Ad

Book cover of Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS

Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS by Amy Carney,

When I was writing this book, several of my friends jokingly called it the Nazi baby book, with one insisting it would make a great title. Nazi Babies – admittedly, that is a catchy title, but that’s not exactly what my book is about. SS babies would be slightly more…

Book cover of Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail

Carey Jones Why did I love this book?

Once you’ve mastered the basics, some folks get really into the science of cocktails. If that’s of interest to you, the venerable Dave Arnold has the book for you.

This book gets at the “why” behind cocktail technique, delving deep into matters of acidity, carbonation, temperature, and more; it’s an incredible resource for true cocktail nerds. Even if you’re not likely to pull out the liquid nitrogen or quinine powder on your own, this book is an engaging and fascinating read.  

By Dave Arnold,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Liquid Intelligence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Dave Arnold's philosophy is simple: if you think like a scientist, you can make better drinks. Liquid Intelligence takes readers behind the bar and into the lab, where Arnold tinkers with temperature, carbonation, sugar concentration and acidity in search of new ways to enhance classic cocktails, from bubble formation to the ideal sugar compound for a daiquiri. With innovative techniques-clarifying cloudy liquids using gelatins, chilling drinks with liquid nitrogen-and practical tips for making infused liquors and homemade bitters, Liquid Intelligence is for anyone eager to learn the hows and whys of a beautifully made drink.


Book cover of Batch Cocktails: Make-Ahead Pitcher Drinks for Every Occasion

Carey Jones Why did I love this book?

I love the premise of this book. When someone asks us for a cocktail recipe, 90% of the time–or more–it’s because they’re making it for a party. So, an entire book of cocktails already proportioned for a crowd and tested for success when made in bulk just makes sense.

Quite a number of cocktails are actually a pain to make in advance. This book spares you the nuisance of considering those and gets right to the (sophisticated, beautifully crafted) party drinks. 

By Maggie Hoffman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Batch Cocktails as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A hip, accessible guide to batch cocktail-making for entertaining, with 65 recipes that can be made hours—or weeks!—ahead of time so that hosts and hostesses have one less thing to worry about as the doorbell rings.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BUZZFEED

As anyone who has hosted a dinner party knows, cocktail hour is the most fun part of the evening for guests—but the most stressful for whomever is in charge of keeping the drinks flowing. The solution, though, is simple: batch it! In this fun collection, Maggie Hoffman offers 65 delicious and creative cocktails…


Ad

Book cover of Eclipse Chasers

Eclipse Chasers by Nick Lomb,

Forthcoming eclipses coming up in Australia include that of 22 July 2028, which will cross Australia from the Northern Territory to Sydney, home of the internationally famous sights of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Eclipse Chasers will act as a guidebook for both locals and international visitors, giving…

Book cover of The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks

Carey Jones Why did I love this book?

Most reference books aren’t also entertaining reads. But this book manages to be both.

Written in 1948, it’s an in-depth guide to the taxonomy of classic cocktails–helping you distinguish your Sours from your Daisies–but written with a sense of humor and levity that other books lack. For a look into mid-century American cocktail culture, one of the cocktail world’s true golden ages, this is as good as it gets. 

By David A. Embury, Robert Hess, Audrey Saunders

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New introductions by Audrey Saunders and Robert Hess


Explore my book 😀

Every Cocktail Has a Twist: Master 25 Classic Drinks and Craft More Than 200 Variations

By Carey Jones, John McCarthy,

Book cover of Every Cocktail Has a Twist: Master 25 Classic Drinks and Craft More Than 200 Variations

What is my book about?

This book stars 25 classic cocktails–from the Manhattan and the margarita to modern classics like the Aperol Spritz and espresso martini–profiling each one, teaching you how to perfect the classic, and introducing 5-10 original riffs on each. A spritz with limoncello or yellow Chartreuse! A blue daiquiri that actually tastes amazing! A Negroni with cold brew coffee or a Pimm's Cup you can make in the blender! Mint juleps that you don't have to muddle!

There's endless cocktail inspiration, drinking lore, and practical advice. Crafted for the home bartender, this book is built on familiar cocktails, helping you focus in on a single favorite and, from that, discover a world of variation.

Book cover of The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique
Book cover of Imbibe!: From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash, a Salute in Stories and Drinks to "Professor" Jerry Thomas, Pioneer of the American Bar
Book cover of Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

2,006

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 You might also like…

Book cover of American Flygirl

American Flygirl by Susan Tate Ankeny,

The first and only full-length biography of Hazel Ying Lee, an unrecognized pioneer and unsung World War II hero who fought for a country that actively discriminated against her gender, race, and ambition.

This unique hidden figure defied countless stereotypes to become the first Asian American woman in United States…

Book cover of The Lion and the Fox: Two Rival Spies and the Secret Plot to Build a Confederate Navy

The Lion and the Fox by Alexander Rose,

From the author of Washington’s Spies, the thrilling story of two rival secret agents — one Confederate, the other Union — sent to Britain during the Civil War.

The South’s James Bulloch, charming and devious, was ordered to acquire a clandestine fleet intended to break Lincoln’s blockade, sink Northern…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in cocktails, bartender, and baseball pitchers?

Cocktails 51 books
Bartender 17 books