8 Bestsellers To Gift The Mixology Enthusiast In Your Life
A good book about premium spirits and a spot of whisky make for the perfect way to unwind after a long day, especially for those who wish to know more about the liquors they enjoy. True connoisseurs are interested as much in how a liquor is crafted as in the history and politics around its evolution. And then there are those among us who like to play bartender at a party, and shake up the most experimental and inventive cocktails.
For these mixology enthusiasts and bona fide epicureans, a book filled with interesting stories about the origin of spirits and cocktail recipes is a must-have on the bookshelf!
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Here are some bestsellers you can choose from to know more about the spirits you savour:
Michael Jackson’s Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch (1990) by Michael Jackson
A world-renowned book about malt whisky, this is a compendium of information and insight into the art of appreciating the spirit, with information on several distilleries and tasting notes on nearly 1000 bottles. The book is suitable for a budding enthusiast building a collection of premium single malts.
Pair with: Godawan Artisanal Single Malt Whisky
Whiskey Women (2013) by Fred Minnick
Whiskey Women highlights the largely forgotten role women played in the history of whisky production, tracing how they helped to revitalise the industry. It is the perfect read for those who wish to take a deep dive into the history of the spirit and know more about the contributions of women to the world of premium liquors.
Pair with: Signature Premier Grain Whisky
The Craft of the Cocktail (2002) by Dale DeGroff
A remarkable work by the renowned expert in the craft of bartending, this non-fiction
explores the history of cocktail making and emerging trends in mixology. A must-read for bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts, the recipes in the book are a handy guide from a true master of the spirits.
Pair with: Ketel One Premium Distilled Vodka
Vintage Spirits And Forgotten Cocktails (2009) by Ted Haigh
Also known as Dr Cocktail, Haigh pours all his cocktail wisdom into a book that is a treasure trove of knowledge and recipes for every mixology enthusiast. Beginning with the 19th century, the author traces the evolution of classic cocktails and resurrects some lesser-known concoctions highlighting the techniques used in the earliest days of mixology.
Pair with: Gordon’s The Original London Dry Gin
The Vodka Companion (1995) by Constance Snow
A deep dive into the history and cultural significance of vodka, the book contains everything from stories around the production of this spirit to cocktail recipes for making a classic Martini or a Moscow Mule. It is also a comprehensive guide for beginners on appreciating vodka and its multiple food pairings.
Pair with: Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka
The Joy of Mixology (2018) by Gary Regan
A book for amateurs and experts alike, Regan’s work is a mixology classic complete with more than 750 cocktail recipes. The author is also an expert on themed cocktails crafted for birthdays, weddings and the changing seasons too!
Pair with: Tanqueray No. Ten Gin
Tequila Mockingbird (2013) by Tim Federle
Tequila Mockingbird is a crowd favourite among enthusiasts of both, literature and premium spirits. A quirky and witty guide for crafting cocktails with literary references, it contains recipes for making inventive concoctions associated with the characters or themes in famous novels.
Pair with: Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
Vodka Politics (2014) by Mark Lawrence Schrad
A book exploring the complex relationship between vodka and the Russian state, this bestseller offers a political perspective on how alcohol played a role in Russian governance. Schrad’s work is a provocative read, shedding light on alcohol as a key player influencing social engineering and revenue policies right from the tsarist regime well into the Soviet Era.
Pair with: Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka
