Every cocktail has a twist Master 25 classic drinks and craft more than 200 variations

Jones and McCarthy (Be Your Own Bartender) are back with their second book for behind the bar, focusing on building classic cocktails from the Bloody Mary to the gimlet. This married mixologist-and-writer duo take readers on a journey to develop their palates, their bars, and most importantly, the perfect drink. First, the book covers the basics: tools, glassware, and techniques (when to shake vs. stir; how to garnish and muddle to perfection). Then each standard cocktail is presented next to a breakdown of its spirits and history, along with a plethora of playful and flavorful variations. The writing is knowledgeable and comprehensive but not pretentious. The clearly labeled photography is vivid and will provide plenty of inspiration for creating a stunning cocktail. Beneficial tips, spirit-purchasing recommendations, and batching instructions are found throughout the book and bring added value. Readers will enjoy exploring the volume's standards mixed drinks and then using the book's other tools to create new flavor palettes. VERDICT The perfectly crafted cocktail construction instruction provided in this book and way it teaches readers to riff on flavors will transform any home bartender into a mixologist, making this a sure-to-be-loved addition to entertaining and mixology shelves.--Sarah Tansley