The Craft of the Cocktail : Everything You Need to Know to Be a Master Bartender, with 500 Recipes

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Summary: The Craft of the Cocktail is finely crafted indeed.
Review: There are a plethora of books on the market which outline the history of spirits and garnish with anecdote. Dale DeGroff's book does a fine job of both, but the real value of his tome lies in the recipes. Mr. DeGroff is widely known as the finest bartender in the United States. His recipes reflect his own thoughtful theories of mixology - through spirit, mixer, and proportional characteristics. His chief aim as a barmaster has always been to produce libations which any discerning imbiber would enjoy and find memorable. As such, the recipes --some familiar, some not-- are worth their weight in gold. If Degroff's techniques and recipes are followed closely, a procession of grand drinks will result... and isn't that really what the craft of the cocktail is all about?

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Summary: The most worthy alcohol coinsure based book
Review: This book has single handedly enhanced my pallet. The distinction that it makes between cut-rate and high-quality named liquors is such an important addition that is lacking in other cocktail books I have read.
There is a simple elegance throughout the entire book. It is playful but easy to understand. The drink recipes are superiorly organized. I love everything about this book.


Rating:
Summary: Stylish and contemporary
Review: This book is one of the top drink mixing resources for the home bartender. Mr. DeGroff's approach to bartending is a culinary one; at his bar, taste is king, with restrained but elegant garniture. The book is loosely organized alphabetically by drink name, but there are subsections that deal with drinks thematically. One of my favorite "featurettes" is his idea for a Bloody Mary Buffet, where guests create their own beverages. Little touches like these make this book ideal for the home bartender wanting to throw an elegant occasion.
The elegant layout somewhat masks the thoroughly researched nature of the work-- a look at the bibliography reveals a goodly number of cocktail books that could represent a good history of beverage-craft in the United States.
An excellent book.

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Summary: What a Great Gift
Review: This is a stunning book - beautifully put together and a good read as well. With great sidebars and amusing anecdotes along with great cocktail recipes (with explanations of the terms to boot.) I bought one for myself as well as a few for gifts. I am quite sure the recipients will be pleased!