The Art of the Bar: Cocktails Inspired by the Classics

The San Francisco restaurant Absinthe is revered for its bartenders, and here we get a sneak peak into the way their minds work. It's a book that includes some philosophy, a lot of recipes, and even more opinions on things that really make a difference. Like ice, or glassware. We have a few cocktail books we swear by, including Dale DeGroff's classic Craft of the Cocktail. While there are some overlapping recipes and so forth, this book is a must-have for us. We find the recipes easy to use and tempting, and the text inspirational and educational. Makes us miss San Francisco a lot, but very glad we can have little Absinthe bar time right in our own home.

My wife and I had a tradition of going to Absinthe in San Francisco before any major trip, or when one of us returned from a trip. We love their cocktails! This book gives the recipes for all their best. And a very well written, pretty book. Great gift. Now we live in Paris where they don't make a decent cocktail, so this is a lifesaver. Trust me, you will love their cocktails.

A must have for home bartenders that want to maintain a consummate menu in their bar. The book discusses unique ingredients, their uses, and even gives the recipes for various drinks served at the Absinthe Brasserie and Bar in San Francisco. Why use Maraschino cherries in your bar when you can make homemade Brandied Cherries? Need to sweeten things up a little there are multiple syrups such as the simple syrup or even a balsamic syrup. Don't be mistaken, this is neither a long read or an in-depth study of Mixology. At the same time, it is not just a recipe book without a soul. The gentlemen that wrote the book provided a perfect balance of ingredients to come up with a cocktail that they have proudly named "The Art of the Bar". HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Very professional mixologists who have an honest and organic approach to cocktails. There is a real discussion of the principals of ingredients and blending. IMHO this is as enjoyable in its own way as Degroff's "The Craft of the Cocktail."

With over 18 years of drinking experience, I can say that the author of The Art of the Bar, Jeff Hollinger is definitely no stranger to spirits! This book is well written with nice illustrations and covers many "inside secrets" to make that perfect drink. I can recommend anyone who is serious about their drink to pick up a copy of this book.