Straight Up or on the Rocks: A Cultural History of American Drink
By William Grimes
The word cocktail dates to the beginning of the nineteenth century, and the thing itself is older still -- someone first stirred up a mint julep in the 1780s. Grimes explores these proto-cocktails and then tracks the rise of the saloon and the bartender, chronicling the spread of the cocktail to Europe and its emergence into a "golden age" from 1880 to 1920, ending with the resurgence of interest in spirits that has produced a wave of exciting new drinks.
Spirits and Liqueurs of the World
by Derek Hastings
The Ultimate A-To-Z Bar Guide
By Sharon & Ron Herbst
Cocktail; The Drinks Bible For The 21st Century
By Paul Harrington & Laura Moorhead
The Book of Gins and Vodkas: A Complete Guide
By Bob Emmons
Author Bob Emmons provides expert tasting notes on gin, vodka, and aquavit - from the most popular to the more obscure. He describes historical and current production methods, recent trends, and the different flavoring components of these liquors. The book includes advice on how to organize a tasting, a brief history of the martini, and a chapter of recipes for a variety of martinis and other cocktails.
The Martini Companion : A Connoisseur's Guide
By Gary Regan, Mardee Haidin Regan
Once the beverage of suave spies and millionaire socialites, the Martini is enjoying new-found popularity. Some consider it the ultimate drink of sophistication, with its crystal clarity and elegant glass. Here's the history of this inspiring cocktail, tasting notes for individual brands of gin, vodka, and vermouth, and recipes from fabulous bars from coast to coast. 35 full-color photos. $13.96
