A guide to crafting impeccable classic cocktails and creating original drinks, Cocktail Codex aims to change the way we perceive the art and process of creating the world’s best cocktails.
Published in 2018 and written by Alex Day, David Kaplan, Nick Fauchald and Devon Tarby, Cocktail Codex simplifies the complex cocktail universe, declaring that there are truly only six fundamental recipes at the root of them all: The Old-Fashioned, Martini, Daiquiri, Sidecar, Whisky Highball, and the Flip. By studying each of the six drinks, the reader can learn the mechanics of a particular style of cocktail and important lessons in technique and ingredients that elevate his or her cocktail game. From there, the reader can explore how the world’s most innovative bartenders use these simple ideas to create their own cocktails through tried and true tactics – a powerful and intuitive roadmap for anyone interested in creating their own unique drinks.
Written for cocktail enthusiasts of all experience levels, Cocktail Codex is not only a beautiful addition to any coffee table, but has proved itself an indispensable reference for anyone who likes making cocktails and wants to know more about them. At the 2019 James Beard Foundation Awards, Cocktail Codex took home the top prize of Book of the Year, making it the first-ever beverage book to win in the category. Shortly following the groundbreaking win, Cocktail Codex was also awarded Best New Cocktail Book at the 2019 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.