11 Must-Have Classic Cocktail Recipe Books For Your Home Bar | HuffPost Life

The past year has turned us all into at-home imbibing experts, but these books prove we still have much to learn.

By

On Assignment for HuffPost

HuffPost

Stay-at-home orders and high levels of anxiety dictated by the unknown turned the majority of us into at-home drinkers throughout 2020 and beyond. But while many of us may fancy ourselves cocktail experts at this point, do we really know what we’re doing when concocting a Manhattan or a martini in our living rooms?

After all, there is an art to preparing drinks, which may take years to master and certainly requires some guidance. That’s why we find these cocktail recipe books to be just as essential to anyone’s at-home bar setup as the perfect shaker is.

Whether you’re into classic cocktails (which, in our humble opinion, are actually the hardest ones to pull off) or more creative renditions of old-time favorites, rest assured that the following tomes will teach you how to prepare the very best version of your drink of choice and elevate your bartending game.

As they say in France, salut!

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability subject to change.

"The Joy Of Mixology"

Amazon

This classic cocktail book — which was first published in 2003 and then updated in 2019 — offers both outstanding recipes and guidance on how to efficiently set up and look after a bar. Written by Gary “Gaz” Regan, the renowned cocktail pioneer recognized by just about everyone in the industry and who passed away just a couple of years ago, the book gets to the heart of what a cocktail should be while breaking down drinks into recognizable categories (think cobblers, juleps, Milanese drinks, Champagne cocktails) meant to help out both professional and amateur bartenders.

Get "The Joy of Mixology" by Gary Regan for $24.49.

"Cocktail Codex"

Amazon

This one’s an interesting one: Put together by the three personalities behind New York's famous cocktail den Death & Co., "Cocktail Codex" illustrates the experts' process when developing their bar menus. The trio, in fact, presents six relatively easy cocktail templates that they claim form the root of any cocktail ever created. These include the martini, the whiskey highball, the old-fashioned, the daiquiri, the sidecar and the flip. They’re pros, so you’re going to want to trust them on this one.

Get "Cocktail Codex" by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald and David Kaplan for $21.47.

"Imbibe!"

Amazon

If it’s the history and origin of the Manhattan that you’re curious about, you're going to want to read through David Wondrich’s wonderful "Imbibe!" It's as much a history book as it is a collection of recipes. Expect over 100 drinks to strike your fancy (the first edition of the tome, which was released in 2007, even won a James Beard award) but it's the section about the very first American cocktail, the mint julep, that makes this one of our go-tos both when concocting a drink at home and as an addition to a coffee table.

Get "Imbibe!" by David Wondrich for $19.47.

Advertisement

"Good Drinks"

Amazon

Who says bartending skills can only be applied to liquor-based cocktails? If Julia Bainbridge’s book teaches us anything, it is that virgin drinks also require a certain kind of expertise. In her cocktail guide, the James Beard award-nominated expert presents us with the likes of a Verjus spritz and a blackberry-infused cold brew made with coconut cream and almond milk that will delight all types of imbibers. Lesson learned: Non-alcoholic cocktails can be even more satisfying than their liquor-heavy counterparts.

Get "Good Drinks" by Julia Bainbridge for $15.49.

"The New Craft Of The Cocktail"

Amazon

To learn all about the basics of cocktail making, you’re going to want to invest in this guide by Dale DeGroff, often referred to as the king of cocktails. When the original version of the book was first released in 2002, it was considered by many to be the first real cocktail bible. This updated edition takes into account cultural updates but still includes over 500 recipes, plus the author's thoughts on the perfect at-home bar, interesting tales about industry folks and more.

Get "The New Craft of the Cocktail" by Dale DeGroff for $18.69.

"Liquid Intelligence"

Amazon

This one's for the slightly more advanced, although it will certainly add to anyone’s bartending skills. Dave Arnold's guide, in fact, mostly covers the chemistry behind cocktail making, explaining why certain shapes of ice work better with certain drinks, for example. Think of this as a scientific guide to drinking — an act we also happen to consider an art.

Get “Liquid Intelligence” by Dave Arnold for $26.21.

Advertisement

"Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails"

Amazon

Expect this to be your go-to cocktail book during warmer months. Focusing on summer's quintessential tropical tiki drinks (mostly made with rum), Shannon Mustipher offers both classic and more creative recipes, also enlisting the help of a few of her tiki expert friends to contribute some pretty awesome recipes.

Get "Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails" by Shannon Mustipher for $18.69.

"I'm Just Here For The Drinks"

Amazon

Alongside Regan’s "The Joy of Mixology," Sother Teague’s "I’m Just Here for the Drinks" is a must-have for any at-home cocktail enthusiast. Teague’s collection includes essays about the joy of drinking, over 100 recipes and insights from industry gurus. A note: The author actually owns one of the best — if not the best — bars in Manhattan, Amor y Amargo … so he obviously knows what he’s talking about.

Get "I'm Just Here for the Drinks" by Sother Teague for $15.99.

"The Drunken Botanist"

Amazon

Given everyone’s devotion to all things green and the importance we place on our ecosystem, we couldn’t leave Amy Stewart’s "The Drunken Botanist" off this list. The cocktail book focuses on, well, the botany of drinks. Expect to read about all the flowers, herbs and fruits that give rise to your favorite liquor and how they all actually come to be. Of course, top-notch cocktail recipes are also included.

Get "The Drunken Botanist" by Amy Stewart for $13.89.

Advertisement

"Tequila Mockingbird"

Amazon

This is a fun one to add to your library or at-home bar. "Tequila Mockingbird" combines literature and drinking (a fantastic twosome to begin with) by presenting 65 different recipes and pairing them with specific novels. Think Vermouth the Bell Tolls, The Pitcher of Dorian Grey Goose, Love in the Time of Kahlua, and Romeo and Julep, among others. Also expect a slew of drinking games to be included, which turn the book into a great party favor or host gift.

Get "Tequila Mockingbird" by Tim Federle for $7.39.

"Meehan's Bartender Manual"

Amazon

Thinking of actually opening up your own drinking den? You’ll want to invest in this book by celebrated mixologist Jim Meehan when first starting off. In addition to the plenty of cocktail recipes included, entire chapters are devoted to the importance of hospitality, the process of spirit production, bar and menu design setups and drink mixing techniques. Required reading for current and prospective bar owners, "Meehan’s Bartender Manual" covers it all.

Get "Meehan's Bartender Manual" by Jim Meehan for $35.99.

Before You Go

Products To Save Your Kitchen From The Claws Of Clutter

A set of minimalist labels(01 of22)

Get fancy and make it so you can quickly identify your ingredients. It also just looks incredibly pretty, so there's that.

Promising review: "Absolutely obsessed with how organized my kitchen looks with these effortless and minimal stickers for my jars. I’m tempted to buy each and every sticker! If I ever need to change out my jars, I will definitely be reordering these stickers." — Emily Nguyen

Get a set of 20 from Real and Vibrant on Etsy for $10+ (available in larger sets and customizable options). (credit:Real and Vibrant / Etsy)

A knife dock(02 of22)

Store your extra favorite knives that don't fit in your block with this dock. Just slip this guy into a drawer, and safely keep them out of sight.

Promising review: "It seems to be well-made and does the job. I love the built-in knife handle rest at the rear so the knives don't rock up. I feel much better reaching into my drawer to get knives now. The rubber nubs on the bottom make it stay in place even on the slick wood in my drawer." — Feathersprings

Get it from Amazon for $29.99. (credit:Amazon)

And adjustable bamboo dividers(03 of22)

You can configure your utensil drawer exactly the way you like it. But don't stop there — these are also great for organizing your dresser that's currently filled to the brim with sweaters.

Promising review: "My kitchen utensil drawer was literally so unorganized I could barely open it. I really needed a 'system' and these drawer dividers did the trick. Even though I have a lot of items crammed into my drawer, I can now find what I am looking for so much easier! The dividers popped right into place, and are automatically self-adjusting due to the spring system inside each divider. They seem very sturdy (they are not easily pushed around inside the drawer), and I love that these can be removed at any time for cleaning or to make adjustments as needed. These are great!" — Honest4u

Get a set of four from Amazon for $29.99 (available in two colors). (credit:Amazon)

A hanging wood shelf with hooks and compartments(04 of22)

While this can work in many different parts of your home, it will work great in your kitchen so you can create the coffee station of your dreams. WFH doesn't seem so bad with this thing in your corner (literally).

Promising review: "I love this shelf, it’s absolutely perfect for my drink station space in the corner of my dining room. Fits a ton of K cups, or other items. Very sturdy, but was easy to install. Also, probably weird, but its natural wood smell is nice, not overpowering, only when up close.. I think that’s a bonus. Drawers slide in and out easily and the hanger hook are super sturdy. Very happy with this purchase." — Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in three colors). (credit:Amazon)

A coffee mug rack(05 of22)

If your mug collection is overflowing in your cabinet, it's time to invest in a new storage system. Plus, you'll get to see all the cute mugs you've collected more often.

Promising review: "Love this mug rack! The anchors and screws hold it in place and as you can see from the photo, it’s not crooked once on the wall. Super happy with it! If you hang large mugs, know you won’t be able to fit one on ever single hook, but I fit about 21 comfortably, which is plenty for me!" — Anelise Baugus

Get it from Amazon for $89.95. (credit:Amazon)

A six-piece bin set(06 of22)

Tidy up your fridge and freezer so you can easily get to everything you need for dinner. Consider this your new way to keep track of everything in your fridge — no more moldy leftovers hiding in the back, stinking up the place.

Promising review: "Very happy with these organizers. They are very sturdy and help keep my refrigerator organized. It's so much easier to find things. Things don't get lost in the back of the fridge. If something spills, it is easy to remove just that container and clean it than to clean the entire shelf. My refrigerator just looks better when the door is opened with these handy organizers. Should have purchased them sooner!" — Thoreauback

Get it from Amazon for $34.99. (credit:Amazon)

An expandable shelf(07 of22)

You can double your counter space and stop shoving all the odds and ends into random places around your kitchen.

Promising review: "This expandable rack was just what our small kitchen counter needed. It's easy to assemble, practical, sturdy, and nice to look at." — S.T.

Get it from Food52 for $65 (available in black and white). (credit:Food 52)

Or a three-tier corner shelf(08 of22)

This will give ya a creative, pretty-looking solution to your all-too-frequent where the heck do I put this problem.

Promising review: "Useful. Love that I can change the configuration. I like the look and the function. Very happy with it. It fits and works well in my awkward kitchen counter corner." — Melissa Dagenhart

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in four shapes and configurations). (credit:Amazon)

A container(09 of22)

Designed specifically to fit those seasoning packets, this will take the mess currently taking over your spice cabinet in the most unnecessary way and turned it into an organized haven.

Promising review: "Nice size and as described. Sturdy and durable organization for pantry. I used a set to organize my makeup palettes in my bathroom drawer as well." — Larissa

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $17.99. (credit:Amazon)

An adjustable rack(10 of22)

This can be hung on the wall or tossed over the pantry door for instant ample storage. We're talkin' eight shelves you can pack your cooking sprays, plastic bags, foils and everything in between on.

Promising review: "Added 50% more space to my pantry. I LOVE this organizer! I had one very similar from The Container Store that cost around $80 and was not as sturdy and useful as this one. It was extremely easy to install, but you really need to screw it in the door, otherwise it will move and the food will fall out from behind. I use this for jars, boxes, cans, etc. and have never had an issue in the year I've had it. I plan to order another one for my laundry room to store laundry and cleaning supplies." — Jenny

Get it from Amazon for $47.50. (credit:Amazon)

A bamboo cutting board(11 of22)

The chop 'n drop design makes this the simplest way to prep and store food. It even includes built-in graters so you can swap in and shave away. Once the container is full, just pop in an empty one for your new fruits and veggies. You'll never go back after this.

Promising review: "Cooking at home, I always tend to make a big mess on the counters and use a bunch of plates and bowls. This set allowed me to consolidate and organize everything. So helpful. Love the save of space and the containers are great. The other ones I've seen on Amazon don't have leak-proof containers or some didn't even have lids. After researching the other choices, I had to go with this one. Solid construction and practical containers. Product is as described." — Hub Ulrich

Get it from Amazon for $69.92. (credit:Amazon)

A two-tier lazy Susan(12 of22)

This features removable bins to store your sugars, K-Cups and spices. That coffee station you're creating, yeah, it needs this handy organizer.

Promising review: "I LOVE this turntable. I have it on a top shelf with dressing mixes, gravy packets, and other 'loose items' that were always getting in my way. I can twirl it around, lift out only the section I need, and replace it easily. I actually wish I had a reason to purchase a second one." — Mamacat

Get it from Amazon for $28.17. (credit:Amazon)

A stackable, two-tier basket drawer(13 of22)

You can finally (finally!) make the most out of narrow cabinets with this. The days of standing on your tippy-toes looking for the cinnamon that somehow got lost in a sea of jars is in the past.

Promising review: "I first bought four for inside a cabinet. Then got two more for another open-door area. These things are excellent for organization. I'm using the original four for storing all my kitchen gadgets (coffee bean grinder, garlic press, ricer, etc.) and the last two for onions, potatoes, garlic and the like. Possibly my best purchase at Amazon... And I buy a lot." — J. Standre

Get it from Amazon for $27.87. (credit:Amazon)

A baker's rack(14 of22)

If your kitchen had the audacity to give you two cabinets and a tiny slab of counter space to work with, you need this. It has two shelves, a drawer, magnetic knife plate, prep space and upper wire wrack to hang utensils and recipes. Plus, it's large and sturdy enough to hold accommodate a microwave!

Promising review: "This baker’s rack was exactly what I needed for my galley kitchen. It arrived without any damages and was easy to put together. It’s sturdy enough to hold a microwave. I’m surprised how sturdy on the top is — it can hold several baskets with veggies no problem." — Caitlin

Get it from Wayfair for $139.99. (credit:Wayfair)

Stackable wine containers(15 of22)

Jamming bottles where they clearly don't fit doesn't have to be your reality, friends! Slip your vino in these organizers and free up some important fridge real estate.

Promising review: "I have wine that was taking up too much space in my fridge. Now that it is stacked, it works a lot better! Plus, the wine bottles would roll around on my glass shelf and drive me crazy. No more rolling bottles and now there is room for more food! The holders are plastic, but seem pretty durable." — MindSetOnBeach

Get a set of two from Amazon for $16.48. (credit:Amazon)

A wall-mount organizer(16 of22)

It comes with handy accessories (like hooks for pans) that'll give you quick access to all your kitchen essentials.

Promising review: "We needed this rack in our kitchen as our cabinets started getting full of pots and pans all over the place including their lids. Our kitchen is small but this rack was the best thing we bought for our kitchen. Very robust metal construction, light for its size and extremely easy to install. I had to drill six screws in the wall. One for each level and finally two more for the supporting bars that are extended to the front. I recommend this product to anyone who wants to organize their kitchens and have their pots and pans they use frequently at one spot." — Niklas Henricson

Get it from Amazon for $57.75+ (available in black and silver). (credit:Amazon)

Attachable drawers(17 of22)

Take full advantage of all the extra fridge space that'll impossible to utilize...until now. Next-level organization = unlocked.

Promising review: "I love these little drawers! They are just what I needed as I hate a messy fridge! They don't hold a lot, but I was aware of that before purchasing. I store items in them that I don't use or need every day. It's easy to see what's in them, and everything is now tidy." — Lauren D.

Get a set of two from Amazon for $34.99 (available in three styles). (credit:Amazon)

An over-the-door-organizer(18 of22)

You can use this to hole a variety of things like cutting boards, cleaners and cooking sprays that are currently shoved in one cabinet with no rhyme or reason. Get creative people, the kitchen is your oyster!

Psst! It comes with screws so you don't have to use the hangers if they don't fit on your cabinet. With that being said, you should definitely measure before buying if you *do* want to hang it over the cabinet door.

Promising review: "I was looking for something like this for so long! Cutting boards were everywhere, falling on me at the worst moment. I wanted them out of my sight but easily accessible. This is a perfect solution. Fit about five normal cutting boards and a couple of thin plastic ones, and two little boards. Great quality and sturdiness." — 21w

Get it from Amazon for $14.97. (credit:Amazon)

Or a bakeware, lid, and cutting board organizer(19 of22)

You can adjust this accordingly based on the size of your sheet pans and dishes. Imagine opening up your cabinet to see this instead of a mound of cookware just ready to topple out all over you.

Promising review: "By the picture, I was expecting a lightweight plastic base with flimsy metal uprights that would hold a lightweight pan or cutting board. BOY, WAS I WRONG!!!! This is a very heavy-duty base with good grip on the bottom. The upright parts are heavily coated wire to prevent scratching of the items it is holding. I am SO PLEASED with the quality of this rack that I will be ordering a couple more to use for my skillets. Buy with confidence as these are really a quality product." — labbie1

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three styles) (credit:Amazon)

Super strong magnetic strips(20 of22)

Designed to hang beer bottles and keep them off your shelf, these strips will give you more room in your fridge. This is the kind of six-pack you should be striving for in 2021.

Promising review: "Of all the things I have bought that I didn't need, this is one of my favorites. Beer is hard to get out of the cardboard carrier in the top of my fridge. While just taking them out and sitting them on the shelf would have solved this problem as well, this solution is more fun. They float and technically it does make a tiny bit of extra space under the beer for small thinks like cheese or something." — AbbyValentine

Get two magnet strips (holds a six pack) from Amazon for $29.99. (credit:Amazon)

A bread box(21 of22)

Not only does this keep your loaves and pastries from turning into crumbly rocks, but it also gives them a pretty home that looks absolutely fabulous on your now very organized countertops. Protect carbs at all costs!

Promising review: "This breadbox is just darling on my counter. I have been looking for something to help keep the clutter off my counter for years. I was so tired of seeing the same old kinds everywhere. This one is perfect! It holds TWO LOAVES of bread and any other baked goods you might have." — Brandy Eckman

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two colors). (credit:Amazon)

Wall mount baskets(22 of22)

Attach a few of these to your walls to hold fruits and veggies, jarred foods, cleaning supplies and so on. Really, these things are so versatile so go bananas.

Promising review: "I adore these baskets. I got two of the medium size in bronze, and they fit perfectly with my kitchen. They hold four of the quart-size Ball mason jars nicely. Nice quality and finish." — Lulabelle

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in four sizes and three colors). (credit:Amazon)

Suggest a correction

|

From Our Partner

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

This Affordable Drugstore Cream Might Be The Closest Thing To The Famous La Mer

24 Foolproof Mother’s Day Gifts For Moms Who Are Hard To Shop For

The Best Durable Shoes, According To Zookeepers Who Work In Mud All Day

This Seemingly Silly Luxury Is Actually Important For Your Pet's Health

The Best Cream Blushes To Give Mature Skin That ‘Natural Glow’

MORE IN SHOPPING

Food & Drink

5 Delicious Reasons You Shouldn’t Miss Out On Salvadoran Food

Food & Drink

Is Your Food Package Bulging? Here’s When That May Not Be A Good Thing

Food & Drink

The 1 Very American Thing We Do Wrong When We Drink

Food & Drink

4 Ways You’re Ordering Coffee That Make People Want To ‘Strangle’ You

Food & Drink

You’re Eating More Processed Food Than You Realize. Here’s Why.

Food & Drink

The ‘Healthy’ Drink That Nutritionists Say We All Need To Limit

Food & Drink

A Gluten-Free Diet Isn’t Healthy For Everyone. Here’s Why.

Food & Drink

Therapists Say ‘Rewarding’ Yourself With Food Can Actually Signal A Bigger Problem

Food & Drink

5 Sneaky Eating Habits That Can Lead To Heartburn

Food & Drink

Ice Cream May Be More Nutritious Than You Realized

Food & Drink

Do You Have Achy Joints? These Foods Or Drinks Could Be To Blame.

Food & Drink

Is Orange Juice ‘Bad’ For You Or Not? Nutrition Experts Have Strong Thoughts

Food & Drink

The Best Type Of Nuts You Should Snack On, Depending On Your Health Goals

Food & Drink

Therapists Say These 4 Comments Harm Your Kids’ Relationship With Food

Food & Drink

Nutritionists Have Doubts About Some Of Today’s Popular Soda Alternatives

Food & Drink

Is Your Seltzer Habit Hurting Your Gut Health? Doctors Have (Mostly) Good News

Food & Drink

How Worried Should We Be About Artificial Food Dye?

Food & Drink

8 So-Called ‘Health Foods’ That Aren’t As Healthy As You Thought

Food & Drink

The 1 Sign You Should Never, Ever Ignore If You Suspect You Have Food Poisoning

Food & Drink

The Next ‘It’ Cocktail Has A Rather Raunchy Name

Food & Drink

6 Rules For Dining Out That Waitstaff Really Wish You’d Follow

Food & Drink

6 Things You Should Never Say To Someone You’re Dining With — And Why

Food & Drink

Are You Constipated? These Foods And Drinks May Be To Blame.

Food & Drink

Want To Avoid Painful Kidney Stones? These Foods Can Help.

Food & Drink

'There's A Stereotype That Asian American Men Are Weak. ... I Wanted To Push Against That.'

Food & Drink

It's Settled: THIS Is The Best Way To Make A Margarita

Food & Drink

This Is The Mint Julep Recipe Served At The Kentucky Derby

Food & Drink

8 Popular Cooking Tools That Chefs Say Are A Waste Of Money

Food & Drink

Eliminating These 3 Foods From Your Diet Can Be A Game-Changer For Heart Health

Food & Drink

The Best Foods To Eat For A Long Life, According To Longevity Experts

Food & Drink

Do You Have Achy Joints? These Foods Or Drinks Could Be To Blame.

Food & Drink

The Best Type Of Nuts You Should Snack On, Depending On Your Health Goals

Food & Drink

Here's Why It's A Travesty That Dollar Stores Are Closing

Food & Drink

'I Hired A Nanny, But Was Paying Her More Than What I Was Making As A Chef'

Food & Drink

5 Spices That Doctors Say Can Improve Your Heart Health

Food & Drink

5 Cardiologists Share Exactly What They Eat And Drink In A Day

Food & Drink

The 10 Best Recipes From Instagram In March That You Probably Missed

Food & Drink

How To Turn A Pre-Cooked Ham Into A Deceptively Impressive Masterpiece

Taste

How Long To Cook A Ham Per Pound

Food & Drink

Actually, A Woman’s Place IS In The Kitchen