It's kinda funny to type this out on a MacBook Pro for you to read on your iPad while surfing the internet... but sometimes, it's nice to just read a book.

There are some really helpful resources out there for the home cocktail enthusiast and professional bartender alike—and hopefully my website is one of them! However, it just so happens that some of my favorites are in printed form. Maybe it's been a while since you bought a non-kindle-edition piece of reading material. I assure you that these publications are well worth it, especially if you want to up your home bar game!

**Note this post contains Amazon affiliate links.**

1. Death & Co - This book started it all for me. When I first got it, I knew next to nothing about mixed drinks. However, I read it every night before bed like a storybook; because in many ways it reads like one! It's packed full of amazing info on ice, barware, glassware, recipes, technique, etc. but also tells the story of the iconic NYC bar for which the book is named. It's also beautifully designed and photographed, and looks real nice on a coffee table.
2. The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique - Written by the truly legendary cocktail guru, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, this book is guaranteed to bring your mixology game up a few notches. It's primarily technique-driven, with plenty of "how-to" photos to help you along. It covers pretty much everything you will need to know about making craft cocktails.
3. The 12 Bottle Bar - I'm kind of bummed this book exists, because I would have liked to have written something similar myself. It's all about keeping things simple, affordable and purchasing versatile bottles for your home bar. This is a great one for any home bartender on a tight budget (the book itself is inexpensive too!)

BONUS READS:

So you're really getting into making drinks huh? Here are two more books I picked up recently that I've really enjoyed. They are each focussed on a specific vein of craft cocktail culture, so they may be less interesting to some beginners.

Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum and the Cult of Tiki - A must-read for all who are into Polynesian-pop and learning more about rum. Heck, I didn't care about any of that stuff before picking up this book and now I can't get enough!

Amaro: The Spirited World of Bittersweet, Herbal Liqueurs - If you know what Amaro is, then you're probably already a next-level cocktail nerd and don't really need this book. Pick it up anyway because BT Parsons is my bro-crush, and you'll learn a ton about bitter spirits and cocktails.

Are you ready to get mixing?

Be sure to check out my "starter kit" and pick up all the necessary tools you'll need for making craft cocktails at home!