There’s the fine pleasure of sipping on a cocktail — and then there’s the finer pleasure of sipping on one while you read a book that tells you all about the history and origins of what you’re sipping on. If your dad knows his tipple and loves reading about it, then one of these books, recommended by bartenders the world over, as being among the best, would make for a surefire hit:
The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock sets out how to make truly great cocktails
South American Gentleman’s Companion: Being an Exotic Drinking Book Or, Up & Down the Andes with Jigger, Beaker and Flask by Charles H Baker is a unique journey of food and drinks from lesser-known areas of South America
Bartenders’ Guide by Jerry Thomas was among the earliest cocktail recipe books to be published and deconstructs most of the classic drinks.
The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart tells you all about the plants that make up spirits like beer, wine and gin to sake
The Joy of Mixology by Gary Regan is full of information on the history of drinks, how to achieve particular flavours and lots of handy advice
