Ultimate Bar Book: World of Spirits and Cocktails - Hardcover

"Honestly, this is probably the best book ever produced on alcohol... every bartender who takes the craft seriously should start reading this book as soon as possible!" The World of Spirits and Cocktails by Andre Domine (h.f. ullmann) This book actually came out five years ago, but I was just made aware of it recently. Honestly, this is probably the best book ever produced on alcohol. You will learn more from this book about everything from brandies to whiskies to rums to fortified wines than you thought possible. Six hundred pages are given over to the subject, and every page is beautifully decorated with full-color photographs and reproductions of spirit related art. An introduction to the history of both alcohol and cocktails takes up the first one hundred pages, and the last one hundred are given over to cocktails and their recipes. If there was a college level course on liquor and bartending, this would be its textbook. Perhaps my only criticism is that the recipes are not user-friendly for Americans (it has been translated from German), as many of them call for tablespoons and barspoons of liquor rather than ounces. That aside, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Every bartender who takes the craft seriously should start reading this book as soon as possible! GSN Rating: A++. http: //goodspiritsnews.wordpress.com/ Good Spirit News coverage, Feb 10, 2013, by Blair Frodelicious "

This book is not simply a reference book and collection of recipes, but also a travel guide through the international world of spirits and drinks. In an initial overview the reader learns about the history of the various types of alchoholic drinks and more about the bar itself. Since when have bars existed, how are they equipped and what is the art of mixing cocktails? A peep into the world's most famous bars is, of course, essential. After this, the most important types of spirits are individually presented, from whiskey & bourbon to rum, chachaca & tequila and liqueurs. The historical background of each drink is explained as is the production process and the correct method of tasting. Information on the most important producers and brands present a survey of the international market and provide useful tips on buying spirits. An extensive recipe section at the end includes several hundred classic and lesser known mixed drinks, each drink with recipe and colour photo. A delight for both hobby bartenders and the interested layman.