6 boozy books to make your inner bartender feel very fancy
Some of the most iconic cocktails ever created have come from the world’s best hotel bars. And some of these infamous hotel bars have published cocktail books curating their signature concoctions (as well as their twists on cocktail classics). Bartenders aspiring to join the ranks of the world’s greatest mixologists can gain invaluable insights from these six iconic cocktail books, each offering timeless recipes and expert advice. Dive into the stories and techniques behind these legendary hotel bars and bartenders to elevate your craft with every page.
1. The Art of Cocktails
Written by the legendary bartender at the Ritz Paris, Frank Meier, and first published in 1936, The Art of Cocktails was once highly coveted and sought after by the high society of the time. The book is a timeless cocktail bible that offers more than just recipes—it provides a glimpse into the golden age of mixology. With over 300 meticulously crafted drinks, including classics like the Bee’s Knees and the Seapea “C.P.” fizz, the book showcases Meier’s expertise honed at the Ritz Paris.
“More and more they are becoming popular, thousands of people on every part of the globe drink them, but few have acquired the art of mixing a perfect drink. The cocktail should always be perfect: there is no reason to ever drink a bad one.”
2. Claridge’s The Cocktail Book
Claridge’s The Cocktail Book, written by Director of Bars Denis Broci, offers a unique exploration of the cocktails that have made Claridge’s a renowned destination for cocktail connoisseurs—from classics like the Tom Collins to modern favorites like The Flapper. The book’s emphasis on precision, presentation, and the sensory experience make it the perfect guide for anyone eager to mix perfect drinks with style.
“…most cocktails come and go. The ones that remain do so for a reason. As a prospective author might begin his journey in the library, so should a bartender-in-the-making look to great works of the past before picking up a shaker.”
3. The Savoy Cocktail Book
The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock is a cornerstone of cocktail literature, offering over 700 meticulously crafted recipes that capture the essence of 1920s and ’30s mixology. The book is renowned for its comprehensive collection of classic cocktails, including the Corpse Reviver No. 2 and the White Lady. And many were created by Craddock himself during his tenure at the American Bar in London’s Savoy Hotel. Craddock’s witty commentary and practical advice, such as his recommendation to “shake the shaker as hard as you can,” offer both instruction and inspiration for aspiring greats.
“There are few people in the world who can match [Craddock’s] vast knowledge of liquid of all kinds, of how to mix them, and of how to create new cocktails for all great or state occasions, so that it is in all confidence that this book is set before you—the confidence that if anything should have been omitted it is in all probability not worth including.”
4. The St. Regis Bloody Mary Book
Born at The St. Regis New York in 1934, the Bloody Mary has evolved into a celebrated tradition across the brand’s hotels and resorts worldwide. The Bloody Mary Book is a curated collection of 46 unique Bloody Mary recipes from each of their global properties, reflecting local flavors and traditions. Each recipe is paired with stories and descriptions of the unique settings in which these drinks are served, from luxurious hotel bars to tranquil beachfront resorts. This attention to detail underscores how the environment, atmosphere, and mood contribute to the ritual of enjoying a perfectly crafted Bloody Mary.
“A premium vodka lays the foundation for the cocktail that started it all, the Red Snapper, and provides an ideal departure point for your liquor cabinet.”
5. The NoMad Cocktail Book
Prior to its closure during the Covid-19 pandemic, The NoMad Hotel in New York was renowned for its exceptional bar program. Aspiring mixologists can still enjoy a selection of The NoMad’s timeless classics and unique concoctions via The NoMad Cocktail Book, written by Bar Director Leo Robitscheck. This cocktail recipe book includes 225 of The NoMad’s favorite cocktails. While colleagues supposedly convinced Robitscheck to cut the 10 additional pages he wished to include solely on ice, the book still contains an insightful service manual.
“This was not the standard, could-be-anywhere New York hotel bar. It’s as if Leo and his crew drilled deep into the bedrock beneath the building and found the pool of residual bar juju that had lurked there untapped for a hundred years. The drinks I had that night, and in fact every drink I’ve had at the NoMad since, served to confirm that impression.”
6. The Pikes Cocktail Book
The Pikes Cocktail Book is a vibrant guide to mixing and enjoying cocktails from the Ibizan hotel best known for its luxury—and hedonism. The 65 “Rock ‘n’ Roll Cocktails” within are organized by the time of day and setting in which each beverage should be enjoyed, from a poolside Club Tropicana to a late night Leap of Faith to a Comeback Kid the morning after. The book is filled with an engaging narrative from the author as he experiences Pikes, cheeky stories from hotel founder Tony Pike, and colorful cocktail descriptions that bring the vibrant atmosphere of the hotel and its several bars to life.
“Pikes is an iconic Ibizan institution, steeped in rock ‘n’ roll history and brimming with personality—its famous aquamarine pool was the actual location for a young, tanned and toned George Michael and the infamous Club Tropicana video. And all of it was created by one man, the great, late Tony Pike…”
Nicole Bump
Nicole is a seasoned content strategist and writer with 15+ years of experience turning complex ideas into compelling stories. As founder of Bump Inbound, she helps brands connect with audiences through thoughtful strategy, sharp planning, and standout writing.