The Joy of Mixology

The Consummate Guide to the Bartender's Craft

There are some who crack open a can of beer and call it a night, and then there are those who understand and appreciate The Joy of Mixology. Perhaps you're a professional bartender, or maybe you just play one at parties. Either way, you're well on the way to mixing the perfect drink with expert cocktailian Gary Regan by your side. But this ample volume is no simple cheat sheet for Gimlets and Manhattans. Rather, it is an encyclopedic exploration of the history and methodology behind the enduring and splendid cocktail.

With textbook precision and a shot of bar-room attitude, Regan explains the theory of mixed drinks. By grouping cocktails into families -- categories based on the balance of ingredients, not a single base spirit -- he revolutionizes the craft and makes drink mixing easier than ever before. Once you learn the formulas, the variations are endless. From a Bronx cocktail to a Moscow Mule, a Dutch Squirrel to a Dog's Nose, a Frozen Chi-Chi to a a Hot Toddy, Regan offers more than 350 recipes to wet your whistle, plus tips on using the proper tools and techniques.

This is THE definitive reference for a true cocktail bartender.