Good Spirits: Recipes, Revelations, Refreshments, and Romance, Shaken and Served with a Twist

In Good Spirits, A.J. Rathbun has collected 450 of the best cocktail recipes, featuring an incredible variety of spirits, mixers, and garnishes.  With its stunning, full-color photographs and fresh, lively tone, this is the definitive guide to both classic and contemporary drinks for anyone who appreciates the art of the cocktail. The recipes in Good Spirits are organized by theme, so it’s easy to find the perfect drink for every mood and occasion. The 12 chapters include “Cool It Down” (summer drinks, such as the Bellini and the Gin Fizz), “Gold Standards” (classics such as the Manhattan and the Sidecar), and “Fresh Faces” (creative new drinks, such as the Dublin 8 and Urban Bourbon). Hosting a party? Mix up a bowl of Champagne Punch. Preparing a romantic evening for two? Opt for the Cupid Cocktail or a couple of Silk Stockings.

For anyone who wants to go beyond mixing a few new cocktails and become a home bartender, a thorough introduction provides information on all the different varieties of liquors and mixers, glassware, and essential equipment.

Throughout the book, Rathbun’s unabashed passion for and knowledge of his subject are clear in engaging headnotes and sidebars such as “Four Drinks to Induce Dancing,” “Top Five Movie Star Mixes,” and “Four Drinks Not to Serve the In-laws.” Good Spirits is like the perfect party: the drinks go down easy and everyone, from the casual cocktail drinker to the connoisseur, will have a great time.