Top seven new spirits books for Spring 2016

Imbibing bookworms rejoice! From cocktail culture to liquid history, Spring 2016’s batch of spirited books delights both the eyes and the palate.

The latest spirits books fo Spring 2016 span cocktail recipes and rich histories

As summer approaches so too do al fresco dining opportunities – so it’s no surprise cocktail recipe books feature prominently on this season’s round up. But those planning a beach- or pool-side escape needn’t fear; the latest batch of books also has storytelling at its heart – the ideal companion for those planning their reading material for a great escape.

Click through to discover our selection of the top new spirits books to hit the shelves this season.

What’s your favourite? Have you read a new book that deserves a spot in our line-up? Let us know in the comments section below.

Still looking for more suggestions? Check out our Autumn 2015 new book selection for ten more recent spirits publications.

Punch, A Voyage of Discovery by Jim Meehan and David Wondrich – Bacardi

Kicking off our round up of recent spirits tomes is Punch, a Voyage of Discovery, released earlier this month by entrepreneur Jim Meehan and cocktail historian David Wondrich. Written to support the European rollout of Bacardi acquisition Banks Rum, the book features six punch recipes from noted bartenders, and will be made available to “top tier” accounts in leading European cities.

The Life Negroni by Leigh and Nargess Banks – Spinach Publishing Ltd

More a labour of love than a mere cocktail guide, The Life Negroni is a delightfully sumptuous book set to entice any Negroni fan to delve into the serve’s illustrious history. From it’s influence on the style, fashion, music and art worlds to its modern day incarnations in top bars around the world, the authors enchantingly champion the Negroni and document is journey from Italy to the world

Bourbon Curious: A Simple Tasting Guide for the Savvy Drinker by Fred Minnick – Zenith Press

Ever wander into a bar and feel baffled by the breadth or Bourbons on offer? Fred Minnick’s recent – and remarkably practical – guide could assist. The interactive book aims to help enthusiasts select barrel-aged Bourbons based on their flavour preferences, and then provides detailed information on how that liquid is produced. SB likes the excuse it presents to taste an array of temptingly good whiskeys.

Damn Near Perfect Cocktails: Tested. Refined. Delicious. by Doug Berdie – Consumer Review Systems

Any aspiring at-home amateur mixologist knows the struggle: the joy of discovering a delicious – and apparently realistic – recipe to recreate, only to feel bereft disappointment at the final result. Step up Doug Berdie and his wife Elaine Hauff, who have spent three years meticulously fine-tuning their cocktail repertoire, and their inner at-home bartender. The result? 30 cocktail recipes for serves as close to perfect as possible, with precise, detailed instructions for simple, consistent cocktails. Novices rejoice.

Cuban Cocktails: 100 Classic and Modern by Ravi DeRossi, Jane Danger & Alla Lapushchik – Sterling

Could there be a country with a cooler cocktail heritage that Cuba? Certainly not, according to the trio behind this expansive collection of 100 recipes that celebrates the island’s rich history of drink. From the classics to modern craft concoctions and the people and places that inspired them, this book allows flavours and imbibing culture of the country to reach enthusiasts around the world, regardless of any embargo.

Faith, Hope, Luck & Love by Ken Oxley and Peter Jackson – The Lakes Distillery

What does it take to realise the dream of opening a distillery? The answer is in the title of this book, the pages of which tell the story of The Lakes Distillery managing director and founder Paul Currie’s quest to set up production in the UK’s Lake District national park. Released to mark the distillery’s first birthday, the 192-page publication follows the project’s four-year journey from site acquisition to opening, flanked by stunning imagery from the distillery and the stunning Cumbrian landscape surrounding it.

Craft Spirits by Eric Grossman – Dorking Kindersley

“Craft” is a contentious subject these days, but Eric Grossman is far from deterred in his latest drinks encyclopedia. Featuring more than 250 spirits from around the world, handily split by category and surrounded by cocktail ideas, Craft Spirits details producers to watch, spirits to try and mixing techniques to master – a handy companion for any at-home bartender.