Cocktails have always carried an air of sophistication, but over the last few years, they’ve moved from dimly lit bars to the heart of our homes. The pandemic may have sparked this shift, but the trend shows no signs of slowing down. From canned cocktails and to-go drinks to a surge of at-home bartending, the art of mixology has officially become a household passion. And the proof lies in the growing library of cocktail books written specifically for home enthusiasts.
Unlike the dense, technique-heavy cocktail manuals of the past, today’s releases focus on accessibility, fun, and creativity. Whether you’re shaking your first martini or perfecting a smoky old fashioned, these new books make cocktail culture approachable and exciting. Each offers something different: playful photography, clever recipes, and expert guidance—all aimed at transforming your kitchen into your very own cocktail lounge.
Let’s explore five standout cocktail books redefining how we drink at home, plus some practical tips for building the perfect home bar.
Beautiful Booze: Stylish Cocktails Made Simple
Natalie Migliarini and James Stevenson, the duo behind Beautiful Booze: Stylish Cocktails to Make at Home (Countryman Press), prove that cocktails can be as beautiful as they are delicious. After leaving Seattle to travel and explore the world of spirits, they transformed their blog into a visually stunning book filled with approachable recipes and chic photographs, many shot in a New Orleans apartment.
The recipes often feature just three ingredients but are anything but ordinary. Classics are reimagined with clever twists and witty names, making the book as entertaining to read as it is to use. Perfect for beginners and seasoned hosts alike, Beautiful Booze brings style and playfulness to every pour.
Drink What You Want: A Fun, No-Rules Guide
John DeBary, a veteran of New York City’s bar scene, brings humor and accessibility to his book, Drink What You Want: The Subjective Guide to Making Objectively Delicious Cocktails (Clarkson Potter). As the founder of the non-alcoholic aperitif brand Proteau, DeBary has an eye for both boozy and alcohol-free options.
The book lives up to its title—encouraging you to drink what you like, not what tradition dictates. With recipes ranging from spirited to spirit-free, the book strikes a balance of practical instruction and creative freedom. If you’re new to cocktails, DeBary covers the basics in a clear, friendly voice. If you’re already confident behind the shaker, you’ll still find fresh ideas and techniques to inspire you.
Shake, Strain, Done: Cocktails in Everyday Language
J.M. Hirsch, editorial director of Milk Street and former AP food editor, combines his culinary sensibilities with his passion for cocktails in Shake, Strain, Done: Craft Cocktails at Home (Voracious). His approach is both systematic and intuitive, grouping cocktails into 11 categories such as refreshing, smoky, fruity, or strong.
Instead of overwhelming you with technical jargon, Hirsch translates cocktails into a “language you can taste.” Want a refreshing vodka spritz? A cozy bourbon drink for a winter night? This book guides you directly to what you’re craving. It’s less about memorizing recipes and more about understanding flavor profiles—a game-changer for home bartenders looking to experiment with confidence.
Drinking French: Parisian Culture in a Glass
For anyone longing for the romance of Parisian cafés, David Lebovitz’s Drinking French (Ten Speed Press) is a passport in book form. Known for his bestselling cookbooks, Lebovitz brings French tradition into your home bar, from classic aperitifs to contemporary creations.
The book celebrates iconic French spirits—cognac, Armagnac, Chartreuse, and Suze, to name a few—while also teaching how to weave them into modern cocktails. Rich photography sets the mood, evoking the elegance of Paris. Beyond recipes, Lebovitz introduces the French ritual of “apéro hour,” the time between work and dinner when friends gather over a drink and a light bite. With this book, you’re not just mixing cocktails—you’re creating a lifestyle moment.
Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free, All Flavor
Julia Bainbridge’s Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You’re Not Drinking for Whatever Reason (Ten Speed Press) is a refreshing reminder that cocktails don’t need alcohol to feel special. After deciding to quit drinking, Bainbridge traveled across the U.S. in search of the best zero-proof cocktails. The result is a collection of sophisticated, flavor-forward recipes designed for inclusivity.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate without alcohol—whether occasionally or permanently. With inventive recipes and thoughtful guidance, Good Drinks proves that spirit-free doesn’t mean joy-free. It’s an essential addition to any modern home bar.
Building Your Home Bar: Essentials and Extras
Of course, great cocktails start with the right setup. Before diving into recipes, stock your bar with a few essentials and gradually build from there. The key is to buy what you love, not what tradition dictates.
Must-Have Spirits
- Gin
- Vodka
- Blanco tequila
- White rum
- Bourbon
- Rye whiskey
- Scotch whisky
- Irish whiskey
- Cognac
- Vermouth
Nice-to-Have Upgrades
- Aged tequila (reposado or añejo)
- Craft gins like Citadelle
- Flavored vodka or rum
- Small-batch bourbons or ryes
- Japanese whisky such as Suntory Toki
- Smoky single malts like Laphroaig
Essential Liqueurs
- Orange liqueur (Grand Marnier, Curaçao)
- Coffee-based spirits (Kahlua, coffee rum)
- Aperitifs and bitters (Campari, Aperol, Fernet)
- Herbal or fruity options (St. Germain, Limoncello, Chambord)
Tools of the Trade
- Cocktail shaker or Mason jar
- Long stirring spoon
- Hawthorne and julep strainers
- Mixing glass
- Jigger for measuring
- Bitters and garnishes
Remember: taste is personal. As Natalie Migliarini notes, “Use the spirits you already know and love—and you’ll love the cocktail.” Start small, experiment often, and let your bar evolve with your preferences.
Why These Books Matter Now
The rise of at-home cocktail culture isn’t just about making drinks—it’s about reclaiming joy, creativity, and connection. Each of these books encourages readers to experiment, gather, and celebrate in ways that fit their lifestyle, whether that means a strong smoky bourbon, a French apéritif, or a zero-proof spritz.
Cocktails, at their core, are about more than spirits. They’re about ritual, artistry, and sharing moments. And thanks to these fresh, inspiring books, that magic is no longer reserved for bars and restaurants—it’s right at your fingertips.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the best new cocktail books for home bartenders?
Some of the most popular new releases include Beautiful Booze, Drink What You Want, Shake, Strain, Done, Drinking French, and Good Drinks. Each offers unique recipes and guidance designed for easy home mixology.
Are these cocktail books suitable for beginners?
Yes. Unlike older, complex manuals, these books use simple instructions, approachable ingredients, and creative tips, making them perfect for beginners and experienced home bartenders alike.
Do these cocktail books include alcohol-free recipes?
Absolutely. Books like Good Drinks and Drink What You Want feature alcohol-free and low-alcohol options, ensuring everyone can enjoy flavorful, celebratory drinks.
What tools do I need to start making cocktails at home?
Basic essentials include a shaker or Mason jar, mixing spoon, strainer, jigger for measuring, and a few spirits like gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey. Over time, you can expand your collection.
Can I build a home bar on a budget?
Yes. Start with spirits you already love and a few versatile mixers. You don’t need to buy everything at once—gradually expand based on your preferences and the recipes you want to try.
Why should I buy a cocktail book when recipes are online?
Cocktail books provide curated, tested recipes, expert tips, and stunning photography. They offer structure and guidance that random online searches can’t always guarantee. Plus, they’re inspiring to read and collect.
What makes these new cocktail books different from traditional ones?
These modern cocktail books focus on simplicity, creativity, and lifestyle. They strip away unnecessary complexity and emphasize enjoyment, making mixology accessible to everyone.
Conclusion
The new wave of cocktail books proves that mixology isn’t just for professional bartenders—it’s for anyone who wants to celebrate life’s moments with creativity and flavor. Whether you’re drawn to witty twists on classics, the elegance of French apéritifs, or refreshing alcohol-free sips, these books bring inspiration straight to your kitchen. With just a few essential spirits, some basic tools, and a sense of adventure, you can transform your home into a personal cocktail lounge. Raise a glass, experiment with new recipes, and indulge in the joy of cocktails at home—because the best bar is the one you create for yourself.