Cocktails Classified

More than 200 cocktail recipes every home bartender should know how to make—including classics, modern classics, and riffs on both—along with precise techniques and curated tool recommendations, from the James Beard Award–winning bar director of the NoMad Hotels.

In 100 Essential Cocktails, award-winning bar director Leo Robitschek explores the origin of cocktails and presents 200 recipes that teach bartenders how to achieve cocktail mastery.

He starts with the roots—the Old-Fashioned, the Martini/Manhattan, and the Sour—which inspired nearly every other cocktail combination. Think classics like the Sazerac, Negroni, Margarita, Sidecar, French 75, Cosmopolitan, Rum & Coke, Mai Tai, and Paper Plane.

Next up: the modern classics that have given these iconic quaffs staying power, such as the Martinez, Gibson, Rusty Nail, Hot Toddy, Campari Sbagliato, Bee’s Knees, Pisco Sour, Paloma, Aperol Spritz, Pimm’s Cup, Singapore Sling, and Espresso Martini.

Finally, Robitschek completes his survey with a collection of fresh riffs inspired by the classics. Many of these precise and perfectly balanced specs, like Flor Negra, a take on the Hanky Panky, or Black Beauty Crusta, a spin on the Brandy Crusta, were created specifically for this book by the author. That’s more than 200 recipes fit for serving and savoring in the comfort of your home. 

And to ensure the drinks you make taste as good as they do in your favorite bar, Robitschek shares copious information on ingredients, substitutions, glassware, tools, and techniques. In every section, “Home Track” advice skillfully nudges home bartenders toward cocktail fluency, while “Bartender Tips” teach advanced and professional mixologists to raise the bar in their bars.

A beautifully photographed resource that will expand your knowledge and delight your taste buds, 100 Essential Cocktails is a deftly curated collection of all the drinks you want to make.