Let's face it, with the cooler months behind us and as the warmer weather is slowly approaching, it’s going to take some adjusting with how we choose to spend our days. I have come up with a fun list to beat the lockdown boredom.
Some of us are going to have to learn the art of "entertaining", or to put it simply, make your own damn drinks at home. More and more we are seeing people go live and share their experiences in libation making, whether you are a pro, a well versed cocktail fanatic or you’re just a new-bie here are some reads to make you the star of the bar! Even if it's just you for now.
I have compiled this list to leave you inspired, knowledgable and ready to serve a slew of your first guests in your own home when that time calls for it. For now, just follow this author’s advice which brings me to present the first cocktail book on my list.
#5 Star Cocktails written by Oliver Hamilton quoted, “... if you are mixing drinks in front of people, remember the act of preparation itself is an essential part of the fun and enjoyment of cocktails. Don’t worry if it all goes wrong. Just relax, sit back and have a drink.”
This cocktail book was helpful in the early years of my career back when I just started out as a craft bartender at Hakkasan NYC in 2012. I said craft because there’s a difference between a bartender who uses fresh ingredients, mindfulness in technique and attention to detail vs. a bartender who mixes drinks at high volume establishment and/or nightclubs.
Star Cocktails is a craft cocktail book that pays homage to the classic cocktail recipes that have appeared in Old Hollywood cinema; the Golden Era. If there’s one thing that gets people interested in the art of drink making, its the allure it adds to a movie when it dons the screen in movies say like, “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood” written and directed by Quentin Tarantino.
Using this movie as a reference is perfect as Tarantino’s message was also to convey that Old Hollywood was indeed glamorous and drinking played a huge role as the whiskey sour makes its cameo by Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jake Cahill.
With Truman Capote’s iconic Holly Golightly character played by Audrey Hepburn on the sleeve cover of this precious gem of a cocktail book, every fashionista, art lover, movie buff and cocktail guru can use this as an Old Hollywood reference. It’s my all time favorite.
#4 The Old Waldorf- Astoria Barbook 1935 Reprint
This cocktail book is a vintage beauty that lists the original cocktails from the famous Waldorf- Astoria Hotel in Manhattan. As it tells the tales of true events such as the hotel being the first to allow women unescorted, the book gives you a glimpse of the glamour, as well as a look into pre and post war living in good "Old Fashioned” New York City. The book highlights Prohibition and its glory as it was made as a contribution to New York’s hotel history. When the historical landmark closed its doors permanently as of March 2017, it was a tough pill to swallow for many. Mainly because of its rich history.
This book is highly recommended to bring color to quarantine as it will only remind us that the only way to go is forward. As one door closes, another one opens. The hotel’s classic recipes are accompanied with stories that will make you see New York City in a different light.
#3 Smugglers Cove by Martin Cate and Rebecca Cate is your calling to Tiki time travel.
A cocktail book that takes you to San Francisco where Smugglers Cove is a haven for Tiki lovers near and far, this book is the perfect guide to “escapism". And you don’t even have to pack your bags. Back in 2016, Adrien and I were so fortunate to meet the authors and owners of Smugglers Cove, Martin and Rebecca Cate, at the internationally known annual event held in Wildwood, NJ "Tiki by the Sea”. It’s a lovely 3 day 2 night event in the heart of this charming beach town where folks get to learn all things Tiki that takes place every June.
We were so fortunate to have the Cate’s sign our book so forever we will always have this memory of them and that epic weekend. Without further a due...
The pages feature exotic vintage posters of the 1950s, images of the Beachcomber Cafe & Trader Vics in addition to a smorgasbord of delectable cocktails curated from an enchanting place and time.
The Smugglers Cove cocktail book is a one stop destination for those who want to be immersed in this beloved, memorable era while you enjoy this read with a Zombie or Blue Hawaii in hand. Martin Cate, who was introduced to Tiki at such a young age shares his life experiences growing up with knowledge and passion for this sub culture phenomenon from his lens. What better guide can one expect when discovering or rediscovering a world beyond palm trees, sandy Hawaiian beaches, and a way to take you there even if it’s just for the day.
#2 Bitters, A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All by Brad Thomas Parsons
This Bitters book is a guide to making your very own at home. Known as the “salt & pepper” of mixology according to cocktail king, Dale Degroff, this is an important component to have when mixing spirits. The book touches on the history of bitters, and the tongue’s 5 distinct flavors: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and savory as well as how its allure finds its way into making a “balanced” drink. Cocktail culture sure has evolved since the use of only Angostura and Peychaud's bitters but today there is so much to try.
Before reading this book, I never thought of loving Campari so much. It gave me great understanding of why its best to enjoy an Americano cocktail before a big dinner ahead. I learned how to be a seasoned diner. When I indulge in an “apero” also known as a cocktail happy hour as the French do, I like to keep in mind that the night has just begun so I need nothing more than a refreshment that will open up my appetite.
Or, if I’m feeling incredibly icky after digesting something thats not agreeing with my stomach, bitters and soda is the best remedy to cure the discomfort.
This cocktail book is definitely a staple to own if you are building your collection because it gives you everything you need to understand the science of drink making through natures magical offering of plants and herbs. The authors recipes and step by step instructions on building a drink with bitters will enhance your confidence as a seasoned home-tender. No pun intended.
#1 Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
This is the book of all books in our library. This book not a cocktail book but it is exactly what it says it is! The Flavor Bible is for the modern day culinary artisan. This book was first introduced to me when I took on the position to be head bartender at Hakkasan NYC way back when. My mentor at the time was Camille Austin my bar manager, who I am so grateful to have worked with because she recommended this book to me. It has gone with me everywhere in my career since then. Before that, I didn’t know how to even pair food with wine. When I had my interview at Le Bernardin and I saw the Flavor Bible on the table, I knew it was a sign that I was in the right place at the right time.
This book gave me the experience and confidence to make the cut.
The authors present to you the most simplest way to understand the science of flavor affinities as it even covers the seasonality chart for fruits and vegetables. When cooking or drink making at home, this helpful guide will assist you in mastering your senses. The Flavor Bible gives the readers invaluable insight from famous chef’s around the world as they share their tips and techniques through their cooking styles. I love how the authors show their appreciation of the kitchen but mostly it’s because they exude passion in what they do. You can taste it.
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