10 Best Bartender Books. Watch this awesome video.
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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. In order to help you become the best bartender you can be, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best books for bartenders that will give you all the tips and tricks needed to succeed in this dynamic career.
The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks for Every Occasion By Julie Reiner:
What You Should Know: Organized by season and occasion, this book provides a comprehensive guide to crafting delicious drinks for any event. It emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients and offers party punch recipes. However, some recipes may require a significant time investment.
Why We Love It: The Craft Cocktail Party is perfect for those looking to impress guests with creative and flavorful drinks. Its seasonal and occasion-based organization makes it easy to find the ideal drink for any celebration.
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Tequila Mockingbird by Tim Federle:
What You Should Know: Tequila Mockingbird offers a playful twist on cocktail recipes with witty literary references. While it provides simple and enjoyable recipes, some readers may find fault with its gender-divided drink sections.
Why We Love It: This book combines two beloved pastimes: literature and mixology. It's a delightful choice for book lovers who want to enjoy themed cocktails inspired by their favorite literary works.
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3-Ingredient Cocktails by Robert Simonson:
What You Should Know: Perfect for those on a budget or with limited bar space, this guide focuses on simple yet enduring cocktail recipes. While it offers entertaining commentary and beautiful photography, it may lack in-depth technique tips.
Why We Love It: 3-Ingredient Cocktails proves that great drinks don't need to be complicated. Its straightforward approach makes it accessible for beginners while still offering plenty of inspiration for seasoned mixologists.
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Keto Happy Hour by Kyndra Holley:
What You Should Know: Tailored for those following a low-carb lifestyle, this book provides cocktail recipes that are grouped by spirit and accompanied by diet-friendly snack ideas. However, some recipes use artificial sweeteners.
Why We Love It: Keto Happy Hour offers a guilt-free way to enjoy cocktails while staying true to dietary restrictions. Its emphasis on low-carb ingredients ensures that keto enthusiasts can indulge without worry.
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Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails by David Kaplan:
What You Should Know: With over 500 innovative elixirs and colorful essays, this book offers a comprehensive guide to mixing cocktails. However, it may disappoint those looking for vodka recipes.
Why We Love It: Death & Co showcases the creativity and expertise of one of New York City's most influential bars. It's a must-have for cocktail enthusiasts who want to master modern mixology techniques.
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The Ultimate Bar Book by Mittie Hellmich:
What You Should Know: Featuring 1,000 recipes, essential techniques, and practical tips, this comprehensive guide is praised for its accessibility but criticized for its weightiness.
Why We Love It: Despite its heft, The Ultimate Bar Book is an invaluable resource for bartenders of all levels. Its extensive collection of recipes ensures that there's something for everyone, making it a staple in any cocktail enthusiast's library.
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The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique by Jeffrey Morgenthaler:
What You Should Know: Written by a popular blogger, this volume offers valuable insights into cocktail techniques, glassware selection, and drink formulations.
Why We Love It: The Bar Book provides a wealth of practical knowledge for aspiring bartenders. Its clear explanations and helpful tips make it an essential companion for mastering the art of mixology.
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The Aviary Cocktail Book by Grant Achatz:
What You Should Know: A visually stunning coffee table book, The Aviary features unusual techniques but requires many specialty items.
Why We Love It: The Aviary is a work of art that pushes the boundaries of cocktail-making. While it may not be practical for everyday use, its innovative approach and breathtaking photography make it a captivating addition to any collection.
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Cocktail Codex by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, and David Kaplan:
What You Should Know: This next-level primer educates mixologists on the fundamentals of cocktail recipes and improvisation.
Why We Love It: Cocktail Codex is a comprehensive guide that equips bartenders with the knowledge and skills to craft exceptional drinks. Its emphasis on understanding the underlying principles of mixology sets it apart as an essential resource for serious enthusiasts.
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Liquid Intelligence by Dave Arnold:
What You Should Know: Winner of the James Beard Award, Liquid Intelligence explores the science behind cocktail-making, featuring creative techniques and detailed explanations.
Why We Love It: Liquid Intelligence elevates cocktail-making to an art form with its scientific approach and innovative methods. Whether you're a novice or an expert, this book offers invaluable insights that will enhance your skills and deepen your appreciation for mixology.
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Frequently Asked Questions 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.
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 10 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.
