Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions [A Cocktail Recipe Book]

While these authors first book Death and Co was the book that first got me into cocktails (what took my bar from a 10 to 50 bottle bar), this book is a lovely logical next step for these authors. Have read both of these books front to back, and here is what I like more about each one:Best about Cocktail Codex:-Matured Theory Behind Cocktail Building: With 5-10 years more experience on the authors hand, they very clearly explain the 6 'classes' of cocktails with simple words and explanations that just make sense. They did have classes of cocktails in their first book, but years of sipping and mixing have matured those into the best categories I have seen in a book to-date (just as Martin Cate categorized rums clearly in Smugglers Cove). I feel like I can create cocktails myself using these cocktails templates/classes better than I could with their first book.-Slightly Better Bottle Recommendations: more pages spent on what bottles to get in each category, and the authors focus on bottles that are more obtainable to find in an everyday market and not just the NYC market.-Vodka Cocktails not Ignored: the industry has matured to accepting vodka cocktails again as an important part of American cocktail history, and they now have classic vodka cocktails where this category was purposefully withheld in their first book-New Techniques Explored: centrifuging, smoking, clarifying, and new techniques that have been explored since their first book are detailed in this new book. Got to stay on top of your game with the latest and greatest.-Less 'Crazy' Recipes: The recipes in this book very generally call for slightly less infused spirits and crazy modifiers. I think I can make many more %-wise from this book with my existing bar (albeit large) compared to Death and Co.... or maybe my bar has just grown since I got their first book.Best about Death and Co:-Techniques and Bar Basics: the techniques section of this book is simply amazing. Best in class. Multiple pages on how to stir correctly, multi drink stirs, shake. If you could give just one book to a newbie, this is the book, largely due to clearly explained basics directly from the industry leaders.-Classic and Vintage Cocktail Section: If you are looking for recipes for the most famous cocktails, and the ones where someone new to this hobby would want to start, this section is amazing!-Crazy Recipes: Following the classic and vintage cocktail section, you get hundreds of cocktails from their own menu. I havn't heard of many other world famous bars printing exact recipes for their creations, so this is an incredible resource. Just know some of these recipes are almost unobtainably difficult (infused spirits, mixes with recipes printed in the book that have components with recipes printed another place so multi-step ordeals), but that is what makes many of these cocktails so amazingBest about Both:-Stunning Photos: both are coffee table material-Solid Hardback Build Quality: both from 10 speed press, they don't skimp on quality-Authors leading the industryIf you can buy only one cocktail book, get (1) death and Co first. If you can get two cocktail books, add (2) Cocktail Codex. After that, want: (3a) tiki get Smugglers Cove, want (3b) amari drinks get Amaro: The Spirited...., want (3c) science & chemistry get Liquid Intelligence, want (3d) cocktail history and bar logistics get Meehan's Bartender Manual, the list of amazing books goes on!Amazing work Alex, Nick, & David!

"Cocktail Codex" is nothing short of a masterpiece for cocktail enthusiasts, whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a curious beginner. It's the holy grail of cocktail recipe books, and I can't recommend it enough.This book goes beyond the typical collection of recipes; it delves into the fundamental principles of mixology, breaking down cocktails into their basic structures and formulas. It's like having a cocktail chemistry lesson and a bartender's guide all in one.What I love most about "Cocktail Codex" is its educational approach. It teaches you not just how to make a specific cocktail, but why it works and how you can apply that knowledge to create your own concoctions. The clear explanations and beautiful illustrations make learning a joy.Whether you're looking to perfect classic cocktails or invent your own signature drinks, this book provides the essential knowledge to do so. It's a resource that will elevate your home bartending game to a professional level.In short, "Cocktail Codex" is a treasure trove of cocktail wisdom, beautifully presented, and a true game-changer for anyone passionate about mixing drinks. It's a solid 5/5 stars from me, and I'll be returning to its pages time and time again for inspiration and guidance. Cheers! 🍸📚🥂

A very informative and well presented book. For both beginners and experienced bartenders.

This book is very high-quality. It is very interesting. It’s written well I’m about there and the bar manager for a few years and I love making cocktails and learn about them. This book had a lot of offer to me and I found out a lot of interesting things and it has many great cocktail recipes, I will say that some of the recipes uses spacing ingredients that how to get make but it also has many cocktails which not requires these special ingredients and it has instructions for how to make the special ingredients in many cases so if you’re looking for interesting educational and advanced book about cocktails, which explains the fundamentals but also how you can expand on them. It is a great book , also it would be a great gift for someone who loves cocktail or the bar world

I love, love this book! As a home bartender, this book has become my drink Bible. I have even given it as a gift. The book concept is well laid out and everything is explained nicely. I appreciate the liquor recommendations they give as some I may not be familiar with and it gives me a starting point.

This book was recommended by a friend and it encouraged us to be more experimental when making cocktails. If you are looking for a simple recipe book, this is NOT the primary focus. It has recipes. They are good recipes. Mostly it breaks down cocktails into a few basic families and offers guidance on crafting unique beverages suited to your tastes.

Lots of recipes and photos. My son loved it.