We love a cocktail.
There is an art to creating a good cocktail; it’s not all about fruit juices, umbrellas and sparklers.
One of the more fun things that we get to do in our line of work is come up with inventive cocktails (it’s partly why we’re opening a cocktail and wine bar in late summer 2023 – that’ll be another blog), but there are definitely people who are better at it than us. A true, career mixologist has an understanding of flavours similar to that of a sommelier and a genuine depth of knowledge of all spirits – it’s definitely not an easy job and definitely not all about fancy flaring and shaking. Whilst we know gin very well, there is a whole world of spirits out there waiting to be mixed.
Throughout the years of running Sibling, we have consulted many a cocktail book, so I thought I would share a few of my favourites with you. If you are a budding mixologist or just a home enthusiast, you could certainly do worse than order yourself one of these!
The Pikes Cocktail Book
Pikes is a famous Ibiza hotel, with an even more famous customer list. However, in my opinion the cocktail list is even more impressive than their celebrity alumni and their book is my go-to for summer cocktails. Fresh, simple and delicious, we’ve found plenty of inspiration from their recipes over the years.
Death & Co – Modern Classic Cocktails
If you want the ultimate guide to contemporary, inventive, craft cocktails, this is the book to buy. With more than 500 recipes this can certainly keep you busy for an evening or two! With experimental cocktails that use everything from gin to beer (yep, it can work) this will really get the creative juices flowing.
The Savoy Cocktail Book
If Death & Co covers contemporary, the Savoy Cocktail Book covers classic. Originally printed in 1930 (yes, 1930), this is the closest you’ll get to an encyclopedia of cocktails. Apparently it has over 750 recipes (who’s counting) that have been served in one of the world most famous hotel bars for over a century. If decadence and classic styling are your thing, you can’t go far wrong with this.
With those three books you’ll tick most boxes, but let us know if you have any other recommendations as we’re always keen to learn as well!
Have a great weekend.
Felix
