While 2022 did us dirty at times, one thing it absolutely nailed was delivering some epic new drinks books into the world. These ones make the perfect last-minute present for your favourite boozehound (and they're also great for lining your own bookshelf, tbh...).
60-Second Cocktails
By Joel Harrison and Neil Ridley
Wanna change your life in just 60 seconds? This book will show you the way – 'cos learning how to whip up a wicked cocktail at home in just a minute is the kind of transformative experience we're after.
Here, drinks writers and TV presenters Neil Ridley and Joel Harrison break down what it takes to make a quick, simple and awesome drink in three chapters: No Shake, Sherlock, which is all about the most straightforward serves; Shake It Up, drinks that come together with a shake or stir but deliver some complex flavours; and Magnificent Mixes, with cocktails that need a little more TLC to make but are well worth the effort. You'll be wowing your fam with lush Christmas cocktails in no time flat.
£12.34 from Bookshop.org
The Cocktail Edit
By Alice Lascelles
In the words of the prophet Avril Lavigne, "Why ya have to go and make things so complicated?" When it comes to cocktails, we tend to agree - and drinks writer Alice Lascelles does too.
In The Cocktail Edit, she proves that bangin' serves can be simple. This book presents a tidy capsule collection of 12 cocktails, followed by loads of clever twists to craft other drinks out of these tried-and-true classics. She also gives some sage advice on building your home bar with minimal equipment for maximum impact. Get involved!
£16.99 from Waterstones
The Little Book of Aperitifs
By Kate Hawkings
If there's anyone we trust to guide us through the delicious world of aperitifs, it's booze writer Kate Hawkings. She's already penned the impeccable pre-prandial bible Aperitif, all about the history and culture of the pre-dinner drink, and now she's back with a sweet little book of 50 recipes for all sorts of sharpeners - everything from the perfect G&T to that bitter classic, the Negroni. It's aperitivo hour, baby!
£8.70 from Amazon
Cocktail Time!
By Paul Feig
If you want a star-studded guide to making great cocktails, who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters director Paul Feig, of course. Yup, this Hollywood legend is also a serious cocktail buff (he even has his own gin brand). His new tome is loaded with stories about his Martini-soaked adventures and features recipes from the man himself and his celebrity mates. Charlize Theron Gibson, anyone? It's part lifestyle guide, part cocktail how-to, and a whole lotta fun.
£17 from Amazon
The Cocktail Cabinet
By Zoe Burgess
Say hello to the perfect book for the cocktail geek in your life (it's us, hi!). The Cocktail Cabinet is a deep dive into flavour, looking at all the minute details that make a mixed drink great.
Cocktail queen Zoe Burgess lays out the ideal bar station, equipment and key techniques for crafting an epic drink, and she also breaks down different spirits and gives expert bottle recs for each. Then it's onto the main event - her cocktail recipes, organised into categories like stirred, bitter, sour and long. We particularly dig how the index breaks down drinks by occasion, so you can easily find a cocktail that fits your vibe.
£16.76 from Amazon
Want more gorgeous boozy gifts? Check out our holiday gift guide.
20/12/2022