We are big fans of books in our household. Books of all kinds, styles, genres. And this, of course, includes cocktail and bartending books. Books are how we expand our worlds and knowledge. They allow us to get inspired and to create new ideas. There are a lot of cocktail and bartending books out in the world dating back centuries, literally. The EUVS Library allows us access to a vast number of these historical books which are really fun to look at.
In modern times, it can be overwhelming to know what cocktail book to get for the needs that you are looking for – or to gift to that special cocktail lover in your life. Below are some of our recommendations for books that have been published in recent years that we feel fit all occasions and interests. As always, we encourage you to pick up any of these books at your local independent bookstore.
What: Three Cheers by Kaitlyn Stewart
Who it’s for: All levels of cocktail makers and enthusiasts
Why we like it: There are SO many cocktail and bartending books out there and each of them has something a little different to offer. That said, each of those books tends to fall into categories based on someone’s experience with making drinks. Mr. Boston for starters, Bar Book for pros looking to tighten up etc… Kaitlyn Stewart’s Three Cheers is great for everyone. If you follow Kaitlyn on TikTok or Instagram you will know that she is genuinely invested in making sure that the viewer feels comfortable making the drinks she features. In Three Cheers, Kaitlyn has put together 55 different cocktails 3 ways. There is the classic (some are familiar 150 year old drinks), there is a twist on that classic (Kaitlyn makes old drinks feel new) and there is a non-alcoholic version of the cocktail as well. I love this because it places focus on the craft of making a drink and understanding flavour combinations…not just getting tipsy.
What makes this book stand out: What stands out most about Three Cheers for me though, is that Kaitlyn has written the book in such a way that feels as though she is in the room (or on your screen) just hanging out with you making the drinks. There is an ease to reading this book that feels warm and welcoming, the way a bartender should make you feel.
What: For the Love of Cocktails by Evelyn Chick
Who it’s for: Someone looking to up their at-home hosting game.
Why we like it: Evelyn Chick does an incredible job of taking some potentially overwhelming cocktail creations to a place of approachability. Through her thoughtful explanations of ingredients and flavour combinations, she makes even 10-12 ingredient drinks seem simple. Everything is laid out in a such a way that makes you feel as though your friend just texted you the ingredients and the recipe and she’ll be there in 2 hours to help you put it together. We also love that many of her house-made ingredients can be used in multiple drinks in this book.
What makes this book stand out: While it is obvious that the drinks are all based in classic cocktail realms, the style of drinks err on the side of light and juicy and floral and easy to drink. There are enough stirred and brown drinks to keep everyone happy but Evelyn Chick makes sure not to be bound by traditional cocktail ingredients. (note: our Jess photographed this book so it looks SO PRETTY!)
What: Signature Cocktails by Amanda Schuster
Who it’s for: The people that live in Venn Diagram of “Cocktail History Buffs” and “Interior Design Aficionados”
Why we like it: This book traces the history of cocktails starting from the 1600s all the way until this decade. With that much time being covered not every cocktail will be listed, but you get the idea of what was happening at any given time in drinks history by taking these all in. Amanda Shuster does a great job of including as many places as possible when listing out the cocktails of note.
What makes this book stand out: The design of this book lends it some weight both physicvally and spiritually. Each page is very careful but still fun to read.
What: Plaisirs Cocktails by Daphnée Vary Deshaies
Who it’s for: Anyone looking to familiarize themselves with classic cocktails but doesn’t want to feel trapped by them. Also, French speakers – that is what language this book is in.
Why we like it: Daphnée Vary Deshaies knows, and wants you to know, that you can’t get where you are going if you don’t know where you’ve been. This book is split into sections denoting the always fluctuating variety of cocktail families. This isn’t presented as hard and fast rules but as a prompt to really consider what drink you are drinking (or making) and where it comes from and what inspired it. Each drink has three versions: the classic, the twist on a classic and then one of Daphnée’s own.
What makes this book stand out: While this isn’t the only cocktail book that we have read in French, it is the most modern and relevant and honestly, Quebecois. The style of the book is fun and informative but never too oppressive with facts or figures.
What: Cocktails Illustrated from America’s Test Kitchen
Who it’s for: At-home bartenders that want to impress themselves and everyone that comes over for a drink.
Why we like it: Depending on how deep or wide you want to go with your cocktail enthusiasm the answer to what you are looking for is probably here. This book also has chapters divided by cocktail family and each area has a brief explanation of the spirit, liqueur or wine being used in each cocktail. There is also a guide to technique, not just “shake” or “stir” but actual encouragement to consider how to move and improve your drinks through practicing your techniques. The selection of cocktails ranges from all period of cocktail history and includes some well researched adaptations for the best (modern) results.
What makes this book stand out: *Maude Lebowski voice* “It’s thorough”
What: The Bartender’s Pantry by Jim Meehan & Bart Sasso with Emma Janzen
Who it’s for: The intermediate or advanced cocktail nerd looks to expand their game.
Why we like it: Imagine a bartending book with no booze in it. That’s what The Bartender’s Pantry is. Well, there are some cocktail recipes in here but (thankfully) the cocktail recipes are not the focus. Instead Meehan, Sasso and Janzen place the spotlight on the supporting cast. While any bartender worth their salt knows how to make a handful of flavoured syrups and bitters, The Bartender’s Pantry is a well researched (like really, really involved research) guide to making the best housemade ingredients for your bar. Whether at home or at work, The Bartender’s Pantry gives you all the info you need to build out your cocktail recipes by using your hands to recreate the best versions of shrubs, cordials, consommes, ginger beers and so many more. There are also in-depth guides to how to treat and store fruits, seeds and pods that get used in the construction of your cocktail ingredients. The Bartender’s Pantry has all the information you need to truly understand the building blocks of a great cocktail outside of the usual distillation and production notes you can find in almost any other bartending book.
What makes this book stand out: By focusing on the pure ingredients of what makes a drink, we are able to dive deeper into creating cocktails in a thoughtful way.
Published November 27th, 2025
