diffordsguide Cocktails 7 by Simon Difford

by Simon Difford

The 7th edition of a book that is widely regarded by members of the drinks industry as the most complete and authoritative cocktail publication available. It contains 2,250 easy to follow cocktail recipes, each accompanied by a colour photograph. It also includes detailed instructions for beginners, tips for bar professionals, reviews of the top 100 international bars and a history of the cocktail.

Genres: Cocktails, Cookbooks

Hardcover

First published February 15, 2007

Reviews

[Jess ❈Harbinger of Blood-Soaked Rainbows❈]

So every bartender has their own personal favorite bar book, but seriously, this one is the holy grail for mixologists. Famous cocktails, both easy and challenging, some with easy to find ingredients, others not so much, from all around the world are compiled here. My brother bought it for me years ago and I've always used it for reference, but I've decided to pursue a thorough reading of it, with lots of taste-testing, and experimenting along the way.

Let's get drunk.

[Robert Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super cool! I thought Mr. Boston Official Bartender's & Party Guide was the benchmark of cocktail guides, but this book "Top Shelf." Over 2250 cocktails, each with an accompanying picture, rating, comments and origin info make this reference tome superior. The pictures really are nice, as you can see the drink prepared, as opposed to Mr. Boston's Guide wherein you have to use your imagination. And the origin info is interesting, detailing who, where and when said drink was invented. I absolutely love this book. Everytime I open it, I find something delicious, like this Black Irish recipe:

1 shot vodka
1 shot irish cream
1 shot kahlua
2 scoops Vanilla ice cream

Now tell me that's not yummy!

Here is a concoction with an interesting name:

DR ZEUS

1 shot Fernet Branca
20 Raisins
2 shots Remy Martin cognac
1/4 shot Sugar syrup
1/8 shot Kahlua
dash orange bitters

Pour Fernet Branca over ice and top with mineral water. Muddle raisins in a shaker, add remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Then, through out the Fernet Branca, leaving only a coating in the glass. Pour in contents of shaker.

It may not sound too good, but I won't knock it till I've tried it. I'd like to try one of everything in this book.

Cheers!

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great reference, but you will need to stock up your spirits cupboard.
This book is guaranteed to get you merry, and keep you merry for many a night. Remember to keep an eye on the individual ratings each cocktail though, some of them are to put it mildly "interesting", there was one with Sambuca and chili that i would not suggest.