Bartenders are the unsung heroes of the hospitality industry. They may be behind the bar all night, but they’re also responsible for keeping customers happy, making sure drinks and food orders get out on time, and generally running a successful bar. It’s an incredibly challenging job that requires a lot of knowledge and skill to master. In order to help you become the best bartender you can be, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 best books for bartenders that will give you all the tips and tricks needed to succeed in this dynamic career.

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Bartender's Book Club: Cocktail Codex. Watch this lovely video.

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The Home Bartender, Second Edition by Shane Carley

The book includes recipes for all the classics, as well as modern twists on old favorites. With clear instructions and photos for every recipe, you'll be able to make any drink in the book with ease. And with only four ingredients or less per cocktail, you'll be able to save money and time while still making drinks that look and taste amazing. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves making cocktails.

The Home Bartender, Second Edition: by Shane Carley

175+ Cocktails Made with 4 Ingredients or Less

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Geeky Bartender Drinks (Gift Edition) by Cassandra Reeder

This book features real-life recipes for fantasy drinks, including cocktails inspired by Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and more. Whether your bartending friend is a fan of fantasy or science fiction, they’re sure to appreciate this unique and clever gift.

Geeky Bartender Drinks (Gift Edition): by Cassandra Reeder

Real-Life Recipes for Fantasy Drinks

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The Essential Cocktail Book by MEGAN KRIGBAUM

The Essential Cocktail Book is a comprehensive guide to modern drinks, with over 150 recipes for everything from classic cocktails to contemporary creations. Whether you're a seasoned barkeeper or a home bar enthusiast, this book has something for everyone.

The Essential Cocktail Book by MEGAN KRIGBAUM

 A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks with 150 Recipes

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Bartender's Handbook for Beginners by Josip Smith

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about bartending, from the basics of mixology and bartending equipment, to advanced techniques like flair bartending and Molecular Mixology.

Bartender's Handbook for Beginners: by Josip Smith

A Complete Bartending Guide 

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Mixology Bartender Book for Beginners by Tony Stenford

The Mixology Bartender Book for Beginners is a book that teaches you the basics of bartending. It covers topics such as liquor, wine, and beer; mixed drinks; and bartending techniques. This book is written by Tony Stenford, a former barkeeper who has worked in some of the world's most prestigious bars.

Mixology Bartender Book for Beginners: by Tony Stenford

Learn the Techniques and Tricks to Become a Successful Bartender

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Smoked Cocktails by Elbert Dean

As the popularity of smoked cocktails continues to grow, more and more bartenders are looking for ways to incorporate this unique flavor into their drinks. Smoked Cocktails: The Amateur to Professional Bartenders Guide to Mixology and Smoked Cocktails is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from the basics of mixing cocktails to more advanced techniques for smoking your drinks.

Smoked Cocktails by Elbert Dean

The Amateur to Professional Bartenders Guide to Mixology and Smoked Cocktails 

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Cocktail Book by Eden Brown

If you're looking for a cocktail book that will help you make drinks that are both delicious and Instagram-worthy, look no further than Cocktail Book: The Ultimate Cocktail Recipe Book with 200 Cocktails: This book is packed with recipes for all kinds of cocktails, from classic drinks like the Pisco Sour to more modern creations like the Spicy Passionfruit Margarita. There are also recipes for non-alcoholic cocktails, so you can make something special for your designated driver or teetotal friends.

Cocktail Book by Eden Brown

The Ultimate Cocktail Recipe Book with 200 Cocktails

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The Ultimate Bar Book by Mittie Hellmich

This book includes everything from classic cocktails to modern twists on old favorites, all with clear instructions and full-color photography. Whether you're looking to make a simple mixed drink or an elaborate cocktail, this book has you covered.

The Ultimate Bar Book: by Mittie Hellmich

The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,000 Cocktails Cocktail Book, 

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The Home Cocktail Book for Beginners by Jerry D. McCary

The book covers everything from basic cocktail recipes to more advanced techniques, and includes over 120 recipes in total. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this book is sure to help you up your game behind the bar.

The Home Cocktail Book for Beginners: by Jerry D. McCary

A Complete Mixologist Guide with Over 120 Cocktail Recipes to Master the Techniques and Tools of Cocktail 

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The Essential Cocktail Book by Peter A. Morgan

If you want to up your bartending game, then The Essential Cocktail Book: Classic and Modern Cocktail Recipes For Every Day is a must-have. This book covers all the classics, including Gin, Whisky, Vodka, Rum and more, as well as modern twists on old favorites.

The Essential Cocktail Book by Peter A. Morgan

Classic and Modern Cocktail Recipes For Every Day incl. Gin, Whisky, Vodka, Rum and More 

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Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862 Reprint

In 1862, Jerry Thomas penned the first bartenders guide in America, How to Mix Drinks, or the Bon Vivant's Companion. The book was an instant success and went through numerous printings. Today, it is considered one of the most important books on mixology.

This reprint of the classic barkeepers guide includes all of the original recipes, as well as a new introduction by Dale DeGroff, one of the world's foremost authorities on cocktails. Whether you're a professional bartender or just someone who enjoys making drinks at home, this book is a must-have.

Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide 1862 Reprint: 

How to Mix Drinks, or the Bon Vivant's Companion

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Conclusion

With so many great books out there for bartenders, it can be difficult to know which ones are the best. Our definitive list of the top 11 books for bartenders is sure to help you find exactly what you need. Whether you're looking for tips and tricks on cocktail recipes or want to delve into the history of mixology, these titles will provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise that all bar professionals should have in their library. So pick up one (or two!) from our comprehensive list and become an expert barkeeper!

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers FAQs:

What are three 3 important attributes of a bartender?

A bartender should be knowledgeable about the drinks they are making, be able to make conversation with customers, and be able to handle a busy bar.

What knowledge should a bartender have?

A barkeeper should know a lot about the drinks they are making. They should know what ingredients are in each drink, how to make each drink, and what glassware to use for each drink. They should also be familiar with different brands of alcohol and mixers, as well as have a working knowledge of bar terms and measurements. In addition, bartenders should also be able to provide excellent customer service, including taking orders and handling payments.

What is the hardest part of being a bartender?

There are a few things that can make bartending difficult. First, there is the physical strain of being on your feet for long periods of time and lifting heavy bottles and glasses. Second, there is the mental challenge of keeping track of orders and making sure each drink is made correctly. Finally, there is the emotional labor of dealing with customers who may be angry or intoxicated.

Why dating a bartender is hard?

There are a few reasons dating a bartender is hard. First, they work long hours and odd shifts, so it can be difficult to coordinate schedules. Second, they're constantly surrounded by people, which can make it difficult to have quality one-on-one time. And third, let's face it, bartenders see a lot of people and hear a lot of stories, so they can be a little jaded when it comes to dating.

Is bartending a low stress job?


No, bartending is not a low stress job. In fact, it can be quite stressful, especially during busy times. However, there are ways to minimize the stress of bartending. For example, having a good organizational system in place can help keep things running smoothly. Additionally, taking breaks when needed and staying hydrated throughout your shift can help you stay calm and focused.