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The Periodic Table of Cocktails
'From a Bloody Mary to a Death Flip, each recipe is easy to follow and comes with a detailed description and facts of the drink. The handy book lets you navigate by base spirit, flavour and style – so it’s ideal for those who know what kind of mix they want to learn.' The Evening Standard, The 10 Best Cocktails Books.
Welcome to The Periodic Table of Cocktails! Instead of hydrogen to helium, here you'll find mojitos to martinis - 106 classic cocktails arranged following the logical ordering of The Periodic Table of Elements.
Find your favourite cocktail in the table and, in theory, you should like all the other cocktails in the same column and also the mixes immediately to the left or right, because they all share characteristics - flavours, methods and styles you'll enjoy. Even if they use a completely different spirit or mixer to your favourite choice ... we think you'll like them!
See how the most popular cocktails - new and old - were dreamed up, learn how these cocktails are made, how to order them and, most crucially, how to enjoy them at their best. Plus find out more delicious concoctions to try in this expert guide.
Includes a Periodic Table of Cocktails pull-out poster - take it on your next night out...?
Welcome to The Periodic Table of Cocktails! Instead of hydrogen to helium, here you'll find mojitos to martinis - 106 classic cocktails arranged following the logical ordering of The Periodic Table of Elements.
Find your favourite cocktail in the table and, in theory, you should like all the other cocktails in the same column and also the mixes immediately to the left or right, because they all share characteristics - flavours, methods and styles you'll enjoy. Even if they use a completely different spirit or mixer to your favourite choice ... we think you'll like them!
See how the most popular cocktails - new and old - were dreamed up, learn how these cocktails are made, how to order them and, most crucially, how to enjoy them at their best. Plus find out more delicious concoctions to try in this expert guide.
Includes a Periodic Table of Cocktails pull-out poster - take it on your next night out...?
160 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2015
8 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 1, 2017
I got this book as a digital ARC and I loved it so much I preordered it. The 'periodic table' presentation works---it is intuitive, creative and is very appealing. It was clearly well-researched and the layout is thoughtful and functional. I especially recommend it for anyone new to making cocktails.
June 23, 2017
I initially received this as an advance reader copy from NetGalley, but I wasn't able to read it before the preview copy expired. However, I was so intrigued by the concept that I went ahead and bought a copy at the new bookstore downtown so that I could follow through with my commitment to read it.
The overall premise of the book is to organize 106 different cocktails into a matrix with dominant alcohol on the vertical axis and style of cocktail on the horizontal axis. Take two of my favorites for example: the Aviation is in the Gin row and the Daisies/Sours/Citrus/Fresh column while the Dark and Stormy is in the Dark/Gold Rum row and the Collinses/Spritzes/Fizzes column. The Whiskey Sour is in the Bourbon row and the Daisies/Sours/Citrus/Fresh column with the New York Sour right below it in the Whiskey row of the same column. Other columns include Martinis and Up, Fruity and Tropical, Highballs/Swizzles/Muddled, Snappers, and Cream/Coconut/Egg. The dominant alcohols are arranged with the most neutral tasting spirits (vodka) at the top and the strongest tasting spirits (whiskey) at the bottom, with the three "rare earth" spirits (absinthe, beer, and overproof) listed separately below the main table. The cocktail styles are listed with the shortest/lightest drinks (Martinis and Up) on the left and the longest/heaviest drinks (Cream/Coconut/Egg) on the right. The idea is that if someone likes a particular drink, she should be able to find another drink she likes in the contiguous squares. For example, if you like a Martini, you may like an Aviation or a Vesper; if you like an Aperol Spritz, you may like a Negroni or an Americano; if you like a Moscow Mule, you may like a Bramble or a Twinkle.
The book itself was well written and well researched. Each recipe had a story associated with it - ranging from Jerry Thomas's 1862 Bar Guide to 21st Century bartending contest winners. In most cases, where the origins of a drink was disputed, the author delved into the dispute citing the different sources; however, the notable exception is that she put forth the most common story about the origins of the Bloody Mary without any discussion. I think my favorite origin story was that of the Tom Collins, which was one that I had never heard before.
Most of the recipes used commonly available ingredients. There was the occasional use of Velvet Falernum, Amer Picon, Creme de Violette, and one or two other oddities. The author was very good with noting in the text when a specific brand of liquor was preferred, but left the recipe written with generic ingredients. Also in the text, the author gave options for different ratios of ingredients and options for adding/subtracting ingredients. But she always left those modifications up to the reader-bartender. Most of the classic recipes were aligned with my expectations from having recently read and tested several cocktail books, including a newly released equinox cocktail book. The one thing that disturbed me was her passion for including egg white in sours, particularly the Whiskey Sour and the New York Sour. Last year, I went on experimentation binge of Whiskey Sour recipes, including the recipe from the Dover Books reprint of the Jerry Thomas bar guide, and I never saw any recipes mention egg whites. I was so disturbed that I had to text a cocktail savvy friend in NYC, who sent me a link to a Reddit post where commentators were falling over themselves with praise for using both egg whites and bitters in Whiskey Sours. Call me old fashioned, but that's not happening in my kitchen!
Overall, this was an excellent book because it had a unique premise, was well researched, and was well written. I had intended to give away the copy that I bought to read for my review but now it feels like I may have to buy three or four more copies because I can't decide which one of my cocktail aficionado friends would appreciate this book the most. In fact, I may actually keep the book because it is so unique that it fills a gap in my obscenely extensive collection of cocktail books.
The overall premise of the book is to organize 106 different cocktails into a matrix with dominant alcohol on the vertical axis and style of cocktail on the horizontal axis. Take two of my favorites for example: the Aviation is in the Gin row and the Daisies/Sours/Citrus/Fresh column while the Dark and Stormy is in the Dark/Gold Rum row and the Collinses/Spritzes/Fizzes column. The Whiskey Sour is in the Bourbon row and the Daisies/Sours/Citrus/Fresh column with the New York Sour right below it in the Whiskey row of the same column. Other columns include Martinis and Up, Fruity and Tropical, Highballs/Swizzles/Muddled, Snappers, and Cream/Coconut/Egg. The dominant alcohols are arranged with the most neutral tasting spirits (vodka) at the top and the strongest tasting spirits (whiskey) at the bottom, with the three "rare earth" spirits (absinthe, beer, and overproof) listed separately below the main table. The cocktail styles are listed with the shortest/lightest drinks (Martinis and Up) on the left and the longest/heaviest drinks (Cream/Coconut/Egg) on the right. The idea is that if someone likes a particular drink, she should be able to find another drink she likes in the contiguous squares. For example, if you like a Martini, you may like an Aviation or a Vesper; if you like an Aperol Spritz, you may like a Negroni or an Americano; if you like a Moscow Mule, you may like a Bramble or a Twinkle.
The book itself was well written and well researched. Each recipe had a story associated with it - ranging from Jerry Thomas's 1862 Bar Guide to 21st Century bartending contest winners. In most cases, where the origins of a drink was disputed, the author delved into the dispute citing the different sources; however, the notable exception is that she put forth the most common story about the origins of the Bloody Mary without any discussion. I think my favorite origin story was that of the Tom Collins, which was one that I had never heard before.
Most of the recipes used commonly available ingredients. There was the occasional use of Velvet Falernum, Amer Picon, Creme de Violette, and one or two other oddities. The author was very good with noting in the text when a specific brand of liquor was preferred, but left the recipe written with generic ingredients. Also in the text, the author gave options for different ratios of ingredients and options for adding/subtracting ingredients. But she always left those modifications up to the reader-bartender. Most of the classic recipes were aligned with my expectations from having recently read and tested several cocktail books, including a newly released equinox cocktail book. The one thing that disturbed me was her passion for including egg white in sours, particularly the Whiskey Sour and the New York Sour. Last year, I went on experimentation binge of Whiskey Sour recipes, including the recipe from the Dover Books reprint of the Jerry Thomas bar guide, and I never saw any recipes mention egg whites. I was so disturbed that I had to text a cocktail savvy friend in NYC, who sent me a link to a Reddit post where commentators were falling over themselves with praise for using both egg whites and bitters in Whiskey Sours. Call me old fashioned, but that's not happening in my kitchen!
Overall, this was an excellent book because it had a unique premise, was well researched, and was well written. I had intended to give away the copy that I bought to read for my review but now it feels like I may have to buy three or four more copies because I can't decide which one of my cocktail aficionado friends would appreciate this book the most. In fact, I may actually keep the book because it is so unique that it fills a gap in my obscenely extensive collection of cocktail books.
February 22, 2017
It's a fun little book of cocktails. I don't drink often but when I do I'm down for mostly anything. So I found some recipes that I want to try and found some nice information. It's a nice little book.
I received a copy for review from netgalley.
I received a copy for review from netgalley.
May 28, 2020
An entertaining little book detailing the recipes and histories of over 100 cocktails.
February 11, 2021
Clever concept, easy to follow recipes, and just enough background information to move things along
August 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this book a lot, I actually added it to my Amazon wishlist to purchase in the near future! This was a really creative way to present groups of cocktails with similar characteristics. There was a great chapter on martinis that I learned a lot from. There’s too much information in this book to really retain everything long-term but this would make a great reference book for cocktails, both classic and modern recipes. I loved too that there was so much information included on the background/history of the cocktail and how it originated. This book gave me some great ideas on new cocktails to make and I can’t wait to try them!
August 17, 2017
The Periodic Table of Cocktails includes over a 100 cocktails within its pages, but sadly no pictures. The book categorizes drinks to various styles (fruity/muddles/fizzes) which might help you find a similar, but new drink to try. There is also some history included, if you want to learn more than just a recipe for a drink. You can learn the why and where cocktails originated. The Periodic Table of Cocktails definitely has a lot of information that I don't know that I need or want.
Note: I was allowed an advance copy of this book to review. In no way did that affect my opinions.
Note: I was allowed an advance copy of this book to review. In no way did that affect my opinions.
December 6, 2017
I'll admit that I wasn't wowed by this book. The idea behind it is intriguing. It categorizes cocktails based on different characteristics with the idea that if you enjoy one of them, the others adjacent to it on the table should be a good match as well.
There are a lot of classic cocktails represented in the book. It also includes some modern cocktails that serve to mix things up a bit. The author clearly identifies when she has a preference about one way of making some of these drinks. Many have been around so long that there are innumerable variations. She even encourages the reader to try making small changes to the recipes she presents to see if they like it better another way. I always appreciate seeing that embrace for experimentation when it comes to food and drink because it gives the feeling that these things aren't set in stone.
Another good thing about the book is the anecdotes that accompany the recipes. It usually includes a brief history of the cocktail, many of which are up for debate. These won't add to the experience of the cocktails themselves, but they are fun to read nonetheless. Some of the recipes are just variations based on the type of spirit or liqueur added to the drink. For me, this detracted a little bit from the book because it means that something else was left out. All in all it's a nice book for picking out a new cocktail to try, although I probably wouldn't make them myself.
There are a lot of classic cocktails represented in the book. It also includes some modern cocktails that serve to mix things up a bit. The author clearly identifies when she has a preference about one way of making some of these drinks. Many have been around so long that there are innumerable variations. She even encourages the reader to try making small changes to the recipes she presents to see if they like it better another way. I always appreciate seeing that embrace for experimentation when it comes to food and drink because it gives the feeling that these things aren't set in stone.
Another good thing about the book is the anecdotes that accompany the recipes. It usually includes a brief history of the cocktail, many of which are up for debate. These won't add to the experience of the cocktails themselves, but they are fun to read nonetheless. Some of the recipes are just variations based on the type of spirit or liqueur added to the drink. For me, this detracted a little bit from the book because it means that something else was left out. All in all it's a nice book for picking out a new cocktail to try, although I probably wouldn't make them myself.
February 18, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This was a very fun book!!! It is well written and easily understood. The purpose of this book is to simplify the organization of more then a hundred cocktails, to make it easy to explore and familiarize oneself with mixed drinks and to remember your favorites! The drinks are both categorized by base alcohol and styles of drinks which makes it extremely convenient to use. It contains many good recipes in which the ingredients and instructions were clearly given step-by-step. I liked that it has a summary/origin of the cocktail with each recipe. This book is a must-have for every cocktail lover, making me want to try every single one of recipes. Let's have a cocktail night!!!!
May 15, 2016
Interessant, macht durstig, brauche nun Freiwillige um das alles zu testen ;)
March 22, 2017
Goodreads Giveaway - This books is a fun, yet logical, collection of both classic and contemporary cocktails. The arrangement of the book is by Periodic Table columns - each columns represents a "type" of cocktail: lighter cocktails being on top and moving downward toward "heavier" cocktails. And then left to right based upon classification of the cocktail (flips, sours, etc.). The explanations of each cocktail are fantastic and show that the author did her research well. If you need just one cocktails book, this could be the one - or if you collect them, this is a vital addition. Highly recommended.
May 3, 2017
This book makes my inner bartender, historian, and drunk a very happy girl. It is the scientific periodic table, but instead of gold and silver, it has rob roys and diaquiri's. All of the drinks are divided into categories and it has the history of the drink and how to make the drink. Part of me wishes that I had this when I was a bartender, because it separates them by alcohol type, so if for some reason you wanted to have only vodka drinks, maybe on the birthday of a vodka company, you go to the line for vodka drinks which happens to be towards the top and you go down the line. Want something Overproof? Those are located down in the "man-made" section of the periodic table. Obviously it does not have all of the drinks made, but it has a good assortment.
I received this book free through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a review.
I received this book free through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a review.
April 3, 2017
Have been looking for a book that has cocktail recipes and history. This book fits that bill perfectly. Really enjoyed the layout and ease of finding recipes. The history of each drink was a wonderful bonus.
April 18, 2017
Talk about a clever concept! The Periodic Table of Cocktails is just that, an extremely well-organized and thought out chart of cocktails. It's not just a book of recipes for your favorite cocktails (although it does have recipes for all these fabulous drinks), it's a way to look at cocktail drinking and crafting that gives you so many more options.
Like I said, there are more than 100 recipes for traditional and newer cocktails, with background information, history, ingredient lists, and methods for each. There is also a list of bartender's equipment (along with a list of home kitchen equivalents), and a glossary of terms, detailed index, and reading suggestions for anyone who wants to learn more. But you can find all that in any cocktail cookbook. It's the genius periodic table that takes this book to the next level.
Imagine a chart of cocktails with different types of alcohol going down the rows and types of cocktails going across the columns. The rows: aperitifs, vermouth, vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, cognac, dark/gold rum, bourbon, and whiskey; with special rows for cocktails that include absinthe, that include beer, and that include overproofed alcohols. The columns: Martinis and Up; Daisies/Sours/Citrus Fresh; Fruity and Tropical; Highballs, Swizzles, and Muddled; Collins, Spritzes, and Fizzes; Snappers; and Coconut, Cream, and Egg.
Is it making your head spin? It took me a few minutes too. Let me show you how it works. Let's talk white rum. In the Martini and Up column, you'll see El Presidente. In the Daisies/Sours/Fresh Citrus columns, you'll see Daiquiri, Maid in Cuba, Between the Sheets, and Hemingway Daiquiri (this is the most popular style of cocktails; most of the drink recipes are in the chapters for this style). In the Fruity and Tropical column is the Hurricane. For Highballs, Swizzles, and Muddled, you'll see the Mojito. In Collins, Spritzes, and Fizzes, you get the Cuba Libre. For Snappers, the Cubanita. And if you like getting caught in the rain, in the Coconut, Cream, and Egg column is the Pina Colada.
So here's the idea. You like a good Mojito? You should try the drinks around it too. Try the Hurricane or the Cuba Libre. Or you can also go up and try a Bramble (made with gin) or down and try the El Diablo, with tequila. This makes it so easy to see at a glance what cocktail to try next. There are so many options in this periodic table, and they are presented in a clear and fascinating way.
Author Emma Stokes knows her stuff too. Not only has she spent over 10 years making cocktails in London, Leeds, and Newcastle, she also spent a little time in Geneva, working at CERN, so you know she knows what she's doing with a periodic table.
Check out The Periodic Table of Cocktails before your next night of drinking or tending your home bar to raise your game to a truly impressive level. Or if cocktails aren't your thing, check out The Periodic Table of Wine, also available and offering a wealth of information for anyone wanting a visual chart of wine information to drink in (see what I did there?). Cheers!
Galleys for The Periodic Table of Cocktails were provided by the publisher through NetGalley.com.
Like I said, there are more than 100 recipes for traditional and newer cocktails, with background information, history, ingredient lists, and methods for each. There is also a list of bartender's equipment (along with a list of home kitchen equivalents), and a glossary of terms, detailed index, and reading suggestions for anyone who wants to learn more. But you can find all that in any cocktail cookbook. It's the genius periodic table that takes this book to the next level.
Imagine a chart of cocktails with different types of alcohol going down the rows and types of cocktails going across the columns. The rows: aperitifs, vermouth, vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, cognac, dark/gold rum, bourbon, and whiskey; with special rows for cocktails that include absinthe, that include beer, and that include overproofed alcohols. The columns: Martinis and Up; Daisies/Sours/Citrus Fresh; Fruity and Tropical; Highballs, Swizzles, and Muddled; Collins, Spritzes, and Fizzes; Snappers; and Coconut, Cream, and Egg.
Is it making your head spin? It took me a few minutes too. Let me show you how it works. Let's talk white rum. In the Martini and Up column, you'll see El Presidente. In the Daisies/Sours/Fresh Citrus columns, you'll see Daiquiri, Maid in Cuba, Between the Sheets, and Hemingway Daiquiri (this is the most popular style of cocktails; most of the drink recipes are in the chapters for this style). In the Fruity and Tropical column is the Hurricane. For Highballs, Swizzles, and Muddled, you'll see the Mojito. In Collins, Spritzes, and Fizzes, you get the Cuba Libre. For Snappers, the Cubanita. And if you like getting caught in the rain, in the Coconut, Cream, and Egg column is the Pina Colada.
So here's the idea. You like a good Mojito? You should try the drinks around it too. Try the Hurricane or the Cuba Libre. Or you can also go up and try a Bramble (made with gin) or down and try the El Diablo, with tequila. This makes it so easy to see at a glance what cocktail to try next. There are so many options in this periodic table, and they are presented in a clear and fascinating way.
Author Emma Stokes knows her stuff too. Not only has she spent over 10 years making cocktails in London, Leeds, and Newcastle, she also spent a little time in Geneva, working at CERN, so you know she knows what she's doing with a periodic table.
Check out The Periodic Table of Cocktails before your next night of drinking or tending your home bar to raise your game to a truly impressive level. Or if cocktails aren't your thing, check out The Periodic Table of Wine, also available and offering a wealth of information for anyone wanting a visual chart of wine information to drink in (see what I did there?). Cheers!
Galleys for The Periodic Table of Cocktails were provided by the publisher through NetGalley.com.
May 1, 2017
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. This is a great book for experienced drinkers and people who are just getting into drinking/cocktails. I'm debating whether to keep it or give it as a gift (or maybe I'll just have to get another copy!) There is a lot of information and history of different kinds of drinks, as well as the recipes of course. The way it is organized makes a lot of sense so you can begin to learn what types of drinks you like while expanding your palette and trying new things.
May 2, 2017
I received this book from Good Reads.
A wonderful way to organize cocktails! Great reference book for your favorite bartender. I gave this copy to her.
A wonderful way to organize cocktails! Great reference book for your favorite bartender. I gave this copy to her.
May 3, 2017
I really enjoyed the little tidbits about cocktail history and would love a pocket sized edition, or maybe just a wallet sized card! I love trying new drinks, but often hesitate to ask for a new drink I saw online, since the internet isn't always a good reflection of what most bartenders actually know how to make AND won't be annoyed about making. Plus, this handy little periodic table helped me know what I might actually like, so I don't waste the SOMETIMES UP TO $18 on NYC cocktails. I'll likely be scooping up a copy for myself AND sticking one in a cocktail gift basket for a friend in the near future.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews