Just the Tonic is an accessible yet informative history of tonic water: its connections to the major disease malaria, the cure discovered in the bitter bark of the cinchona tree and its constituent alkaloid quinine. It is a history deeply intertwined with botanical exploration and empire in the Victorian era, and the role of botanical gardens such as Kew.

Over the past decade, the popularity of cocktails has returned with gusto. Amateur and professional mixologists alike have set about recovering not just the craft of the cocktail, but also its history, philosophy, and culture. The Shaken and the Stirred features essays written by distillers, bartenders and amateur mixologists, as well as scholars, all examining the so-called 'Cocktail Revival' and cocktail culture. Why has the cocktail returned with such force? Why has the cocktail always acted as a cultural indicator of class, race, sexuality and politics in both the real and the fictional world? Why has the cocktail revival produced a host of professional organizations, blogs, and conferences devoted to examining and reviving both the drinks and habits of these earlier cultures?

Over the past decade, the popularity of cocktails has returned with gusto. Amateur and professional mixologists alike have set about recovering not just the craft of the cocktail, but also its history, philosophy, and culture. The Shaken and the Stirred features essays written by distillers, bartenders and amateur mixologists, as well as scholars, all examining the so-called 'Cocktail Revival' and cocktail culture. Why has the cocktail returned with such force? Why has the cocktail always acted as a cultural indicator of class, race, sexuality and politics in both the real and the fictional world? Why has the cocktail revival produced a host of professional organizations, blogs, and conferences devoted to examining and reviving both the drinks and habits of these earlier cultures?

With its unique aroma and heady buzz - the perfect accompaniment to even the spiciest tacos - tequila has won its way into drinkers' hearts worldwide. There are few places on earth besides Mexico that have the climate and terrain to evolve the agave plant from which tequila is made, and there are even fewer people who have the patience to wait the seven years or more that it takes 'the tree of marvels' to grow. Tequila is a lively history of this potent and popular drink.Mayans, Olmecs and Aztecs fermented a drink called pulque from the sap of the agave. It was reserved for pregnant women and priests - and their sacrifices. Later the Mexicans began to use distillation to make tequila and mescal and since its humble beginnings as a local firewater, it has exploded into global popularity. Ian Williams visits countless tequila producers, distributors and connoisseurs to tell the story of how tequila started in the agave lands of Mexico, became an icon of youthful inebriation and then developed into a truly artisanal product which today draws the most discerning drinkers. Including recipes for cocktails, as well as advice on the buying, storing, tasting and serving of tequila, mescal and other agave spirits, this book will delight beverage aficionados and anyone interested in the history of Mexico and its unique drinking culture.

Poet and historian Angus Martin was born in Campbeltown in 1952 and has lived there all his life. In this, his thirty-seventh book, he has employed his intimate knowledge of the history and families of his native community to produce the definitive account of the distillers, distilleries and related trades and industries which transformed a small West Highland fishing town into the whisky-making capital of the world. Exhaustive research in neglected sources has resulted a study with unprecedented detail and insight.

An artisinal cocktail book by two best friends and the entrepreneurs who invented the The Mason Shaker cocktail shaker and whose mission is to bring cocktail crafting out of the bar and into the home.
Design, cocktail, and culinary enthusiasts Eric Prum and Josh Williams realized that while cocktail bars have sprouted up just about everywhere, good drinks still couldn't be found in the one place where they always mixed them: at home with friends.
So, from their Brooklyn workshop, where they designed, created, and launched The Mason Shaker, a now-iconic invention that transformed a Mason jar into a cocktail shaker, they also created "Shake." One part instructional recipe book and one part photo journey through their year of cocktail crafting, the book is a simple and inspirational expression of their seasonal, straightforward approach to drinks and entertaining: Mixing cocktails should be simple, social, and above all, fun.
Each recipe is presented visually, in four color photos, as well as in written recipes, making "Shake" both an arresting gift and a practical guidebook to simple, elegant cocktails.

Cocktails don't need to be complicated to taste delicious. Take cocktails back to basics with Sipsmith's uncompromisingly handcrafted gin. 100 gin cocktails, all with only three ingredients. Enjoy fuss-free drinks, from summer sipping to winter warmers, time-honoured classics to new twists. Along the way, you will find expert mixing tips, drink history and stories worth reading over a Martini or two. Delicious cocktails range from classics such as the Negroni and Martini to drinks for sipping at occasions, whether it's an Earl Grey Sour for a nightcap, or a new take such as a Gin Espresso Martini. Recipes include: Dry Martini Negroni Gin Fizz Gin Basil Smash Watermelon Martini Hot Gin Twist Earl Grey Sour Gin Caipirinha Dark Fruit Bramble Gin Espresso Martini ...and many more.

Belgium has all the assets to become a true whisky country. The knowledge required to make whisky is readily available, thanks in part to our centuries-old culture of beer and jenever. A number of Belgian jenever distilleries and breweries have been experimenting with whisky for quite some time, but the concept of 'Belgian whisky' only really took off in the recent past. Every year new initiatives arise and time after time the announced releases are sold out in no time. Belgian whisky is appreciated, has become a sought-after collector's item and regularly wins gold and silver at international competitions. For the first time, an overview of Belgian whiskies and whisky houses is published in book form. An indispensable reference work for collectors and whisky lovers alike. Text in English, Dutch and French.

The Bourbon Badass Training Manual is a tasting journal created to guide people on their journey towards becoming a "Bourbon Badass" in an easy, approachable format. Far too often tasting journals can be overly complicated and intimidating. This journal focuses on relatable, real world factors making it approachable for everyone. It is intended for everyone from the novice to the connoisseur. With room for 30 tastings, the notes allow the reader to record what they liked or didn't like as they develop their very own unique taste profile. Not only will the reader have a record of their experiences, but they will also be able to speak to others with confidence. The goal is not to overwhelm anyone with too much technical information, but instead, allow them to decide for themselves what path they want to take on their path to becoming a Bourbon Badass.

The story of bourbon production is a tale of American innovation, industry, and craft. Join photographer Carol Peachee on a visual journey from farm to bottle, with stunning images of the distilleries, farms, copper, brass, and steel works, cooperages and stave mills, and barrel warehouses that transform corn into liquid gold, while former Maker's Mark President Bill Samuels Jr. and whiskey historian Carolyn Brooks trace the impact of historical industries and production methods on the modern bourbon brand. From the ruins and rusted machinery of early distilleries to the flames of a modern barrel factory, 280 full-color photographs of Straight Bourbon offer a rare glimpse into the creation of America's native spirit.

Japanese whisky is now hailed as among the very best in the world, having won scores of international accolades. In 2014 a Japanese whisky finally won the title of World's Best Whisky in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible and the art continues to thrive as demand across the globe grows. With Japanese whisky consistently outscoring established distilleries in blind tastings and awards, this well-timed book brings to life a whisky that is rapidly capturing the hearts of even diehard traditionalists and becoming sought after in bars across the world.

THE GOT TO HAVE COCKTAIL BOOK, ADEQUATELY ILLUSTRATED AND EXPLAINED PLUS SOME EXPERT ADVICE.. THE EASY TO MAKE MIXOLOGY, BOOK FOR THE COCKTAIL ENTHUSIAST.