They’re on their 6th or 7th iteration of their elaborate graphic novel menus, which you could literally spend an hour or two reading, soaking in, and contemplating which drink to get. The classic vodka martini and gin martini are made the same way, with dry vermouth and a lemon peel or olives for the seasoning. A negroni combines Campari and gin for the spirit, sweet vermouth for balance and an orange wedge for the seasoning. And the Manhattan uses rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters. This makes it one of the most accessible books on the list. It also will give you a great appreciation for how small changes can have a big impact on a drink. Rather what you’ll find is a wonderful book of a few hundred interesting, unique, and delicious drinks.

Of all the books I’ve got, and all of the drinks I’ve made, these two still rank up among my favorites.

The Extended Daiquiri Family

An essential for any bartender, Morgenthaler's book is also a terrific training tool for staff and a how-to for educating hospitality professionals. –Lynn House, national spirits specialist and portfolio mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands in Bardstown, KY

This isn’t the book I’d recommend to a total newbie, but if there’s someone in your life who is ready to up their drink game a bit? This is a wonderful addition to the library. Most are very elaborate and require tools like a water circulator, vacuum sealer, immersion blender or even more obscure tools to be able to make the drinks. Neither of these drinks are easy or inexpensive to make, and both require preparing some home made syrups.

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Hey man, this old-fashioned wasn’t prepared the right way. I need Demerara syrup, not a sugar cube. A big cube not bar ice, and for the love of God, why is there a muddled maraschino cherry in my drink?” For this alcoholic beverage, you’ll need a spirit, a sweetener, something sour and something sparkling, like club soda or champagne. For example, you can take a gin gimlet, swap the lime juice for lemon and add club soda. Now you have a Tom Collins.