From deep dives into botanical spirits to mastering the blossoming trend of the Italian Aperitivo, these books—written by some of the best minds in food and drink—offer valuable insights for bartenders looking to refine their craft. This edition of Bartenders’ Book Club highlights female authors who have shaped the way we think about cocktails, flavours, and ingredients.
1. Strong, Sweet & Bitter – Cara Devine
What the book is about:
Cara Devine, bartender and host of the YouTube series Behind the Bar, breaks down cocktail structure and balance in this beautifully written and approachable book. Instead of listing recipes in a traditional format, she organizes cocktails by the key characteristics of strong, sweet, and bitter, helping readers understand how to tweak and build drinks from the ground up.
Who should read it:
Perfect for both new and experienced bartenders who want a deeper understanding of cocktail fundamentals. If you’ve ever wondered why certain ingredients work together—or how to confidently riff on classics -this book will help build that knowledge.
Why you should read it:
Rather than memorizing recipes, this book teaches bartenders how to think about drinks in terms of structure. It’s a fantastic way to refine your creative process and intuition behind the bar.
2. Aperitivo: The Cocktail Culture of Italy – Marissa Huff
What the book is about:
If you love the idea of drinking like the Italians, this book is a must-read. Marissa Huff explores Italy’s rich aperitivo culture, from the history of spritzes and amaros to the ritual of pre-dinner drinks. Featuring classic and modern aperitivo cocktails, along with insight into the culture and food pairings, this book is a deep dive into the easy-going elegance of Italian drinking traditions.
Who should read it:
Bartenders who love low-ABV cocktails, aperitifs, and Italian spirits like Campari, vermouth, and amaro. If you’re looking to elevate your spritz game or craft a more thoughtful aperitivo menu, this book is a fantastic resource.
Why you should read it:
Aperitivo culture is all about balance, timing, and social connection -key aspects of hospitality. Understanding this tradition can help bartenders create more intentional, sessionable drinks that customers will love. Plus, if you’re a fan of bittersweet flavours, this book is packed with inspiration.
3. The Drunken Botanist – Amy Stewart
What the book is about:
Ever wondered where your spirits actually come from? In this book Amy Stewart explores the botanical origins of alcohol, from the plants used to make whisk(e)y and gin to the herbs and spices that give cocktails their character. Packed with history, science, and fun facts, The Drunken Botanist is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the natural world behind their spirits.
Who should read it:
Bartenders who love geeking out on spirits and ingredients. If you enjoy discovering the stories behind botanicals, fermentation, and distillation, this book is for you.
Why you should read it:
Understanding botanical ingredients gives bartenders an edge in crafting unique drinks. Plus, with the rise of foraging, local ingredients, and sustainability in cocktails, this book is an excellent reference for exploring new flavours and fresh perspectives on classic spirits.
4. A Bartender’s Guide to the World - Lauren Mote
What the book is about:
Lauren Mote, one of the industry’s most respected bartenders, takes readers on a global journey through cocktails, ingredients, and hospitality traditions. This book is more than just a collection of recipes -it’s a deep dive into the stories, cultures, and techniques that shape modern bartending. With over 160 cocktail recipes, plus insights into flavour building, service philosophy, and travel-inspired creativity, it’s an essential read for anyone serious about the craft.
Who should read it:
Bartenders, beverage professionals, and cocktail enthusiasts looking to expand their horizons beyond the classics. If you love the idea of blending global influences into your drinks or want to refine your approach to hospitality, this book is for you.
Why you should read it:
Lauren Mote’s expertise shines through in this book, offering practical techniques, flavour insights, and travel stories that will inspire you to create more thoughtful and well-rounded cocktails. It’s a perfect mix of education, storytelling, and recipe inspiration, making it a must-have for bartenders looking to push their craft to the next level.
5. The Flavour Thesaurus: More Flavours – Niki Segnit
What the book is about:
Following up on her hugely popular The Flavour Thesaurus, Niki Segnit expands the conversation in More Flavours, exploring unexpected and unconventional flavour pairings. Just like the original, this book isn’t just for chefs—bartenders can use it to discover new ingredient combinations that will take their cocktails to the next level.
Who should read it:
Bartenders and mixologists looking to push boundaries and experiment with new flavour combinations. If you love the science behind taste and want to create cocktails with surprising depth, this book is a goldmine.
Why you should read it:
Flavour pairing is at the heart of great cocktail-making. This book helps bartenders move beyond traditional ingredient choices and discover new ways to balance and contrast flavours in drinks.
Final Thoughts
Each of these books brings something unique to the bar. Whether it’s mastering Italian aperitivo culture, understanding cocktail structure, diving into the world of botanicals, or experimenting with new flavour combinations.
For bartenders, expanding your knowledge beyond just recipes is key to creating more thoughtful, balanced, and inspired cocktails. These books offer perspective, history, and techniques that can help shape your creativity behind the bar.
