The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks

Get this book! Read the other reviews: the only reason this book is getting 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the typos in this edition. Ignore them and get the book. It's a pleasure to read.Embury is a wonderful writer with a dry wit. He clearly and methodically lays out cocktail basics so you can "roll your own." This isn't a book about chocolate martinis and sour apple martinis: it's old school, taking it cues from the pre-Prohibition era of bartending (1880s - 1920). While some of his own recipes are a bit boozy (like a 7-to-1 gin martini), he gives just not his recipes, but lists other "standard" recipes, critiques them, and then urges you to experiment and find what you like best. In the interest of completeness, he even lists cocktails he thinks are terrible ("... but boys will be boys.")An aside: A recent web article about making the perfect sidecar found his sidecar to be much too boozy ... a problem they solved simply by adding 1 drop of orange bitters. I have a feeling Embury would fully approve of their meddling.

They don't call this book the "fine art" of mixing drinks for nothin'! Embury was an amateur mixicologist, but I'll wager he knew more than most of the bartenders of his day ... and this day. The book is more than just a bunch of classic mid-century (and older) cocktail and drink recipes. You'll actually learn how drinks are grouped into families and how variations come about. There's a bit of chemistry and seat-of-the-pants advice, too. Highly recommended as core reading for anyone who is interested in creating cocktails!

I legitimately read this book cover to cover. It is fantastic. You just picture yourself in the mid 1900s talking about the art of making drinks... But really... It's an in depth exploration of alcohol (types, genres, brands, etc) and how they mix to make different new intriguing drinks. It's sort of an exploration of the ability to make drinks, like how some books explore the intricacies of making bread...It's hard to write a real review.. if your confused, go read the Wikipedia page.... But if you are at all intrigued by "how in God's name does my bartender make such incredible drinks and despite me and my wallets best effort I keep $&-+$ing it up????" Buy this book... It will teach you... And yes it is worth the like $45 cost....

There are many books around about "bartending" or "cocktails", but Embury's TFAoMD (1948) is the definitive work when it comes to mixing drinks, and it was a delight to see that it is back in print. Don't bother with any other books on the subject. Original editions of this work, in good shape, sell for a couple of hundred dollars, if you can even find them!Not only does Embury describe the principles of a mixed drink, and the equipment that is useful in its preparation, but he also describes each base ingredient, each mixer and how to mix to get the best result. He also provides recipes for six basic cocktails and the practical possibilities in making your own.There is also a chapter concerning "The Use and Abuse of Liquor", so you could argue that this is even a moral work.TFAoMD is educational, entertaining, practical and an essential addition to the library of the serious mixologist. Moreover, it is beautifully written. What more could you ask for...?

FIrst off, this thing is a joy to read. Second, if you truly want to learn about making cocktails and how to properly make them, this is A MUST READ.I bartended at some pretty hardcore dive-bars. Usually just a base liquor and soda, coke, sprite, etc. Tons of shots and beers. I have great customer service and I am fast. But something was always missing. I love a well crafted cocktail and this book teaches everything you need to know in order to craft it, how to work with flavor properly, and what to avoid. This book was recommended to me by one of the country's predominant craft bartenders and he was not wrong, this is truly the BARTENDERS BIBLE. You can save yourself some money on all the other books and just get this book and the PDT book, it's all you need until you want to start messing around with TIKI drinks. Enjoy

Best cocktail book ever. What history! Make those (6) classic cocktails now… sip the drinks, savor the written background behind them!

The writing, confident and informative, is a delight. If you need basic bar recipes, they are here. But if you crave just a little more information and you love a backstory, then you will love this book. Embury's voice comes from a time of rules and hierarchy and tradition: think Julia Child. If you're the kind of person who can't stand the saying, "It's all good," then this is the bar book for you. I love it.The only reason it lost one star is because of the apparent quality of the printing stock. I searched but could find no claim of "acid-free paper," and indeed it does not feel as if it is. Of course, this is a publishing-wide problem, but for all of us who remember quality books, those will forever be the standard. Thanks to the folks who brought out this edition, but I'd be curious to know if any cost analysis was done in that regard.

Highly recommend, excellent cocktails, piece of art, perfect condition.