The Classic Guide to the Cocktail

Since its appearance sixty years ago, David Embury's The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks has become, in an exceedingly crowded field, an undisputed classic. Its essential truths have stood the passage of time, and the author's subtle, sly humor is as seductive as ever. 

Not a recipe book, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks nevertheless contains more than 600 recipes. Its essence, and what makes the book essential reading for both beginner and expert, is Mr. Embury's sophisticated and urbane discussion of what makes a good drink. Its importance lies in Mr. Embury's unique division of cocktails into two distinct types—aromatic and sour—as well as his breakdown of ingredients into three types—base, modifying agent and flavouring and colouring agent. His knowledge is encyclopedic and his topics range from cocktail ingredients to glassware and gadgets and beyond. Further, Mr. Embury's delight and joy in his subject are infectious. 

Long unavailable except for expensive used copies, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks is returned to print for the first time with all the material that has appeared in four previous editions.

• Best book that has ever been published on cocktail theory
• New edition of the 1948 classic
• New introductions by Audrey Sanders and Robert Hess
• Hardcover, 384 pages