Looking for some new reads and recipes with the arrival of spring? Here are some of the upcoming spirits-focused releases we’re most excited about.

Spring is in the air – which means it’s a great time to clear out your shelves and replenish them with the excellent new books coming out now.

Whisky lovers have plenty to look forward to in this season’s releases, thanks to a new tome dedicated to Scotch place-names, as well as a striking photography book that marries the worlds of art and single malts.

Meanwhile, cocktail enthusiasts can learn to craft creative lower-proof serves through bartender Natasha David’s guide to low-and-no, and Scottish gin devotees can brush up on their knowledge with an encyclopaedia focused on the spirit.

For more recent releases, check out our list of winter’s best new spirits and cocktail books.

Campari and the Cinema by Gianni Canova

Release date: March 2022
Price: US$60

Whether you’re a film history buff, a fan of Italian aperitivo culture, or you’re just on the lookout for a beautiful coffee table book, Campari and the Cinema is one for your collection. Edited by Italian cinema history expert Gianni Canova, this hardcover tome explores Campari’s longstanding connections to film and the arts. It highlights the brand’s work with legends such as Federico Fellini, Fortunato Depero, Tommaso Marinetti and Bruno Munari, and contains exclusive interviews with modern filmmakers including Paolo Sorrentino, Stefano Sollima and Matteo Garrone.

Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits by Sammy Hagar and James O Fraioli

Release date: March 2022
Price: US$29.99

Musician Sammy Hagar may be best known as the lead singer of the rock band Van Halen, but he’s also made his mark on the world of spirits – first with Cabo Wabo Tequila, which he sold to Campari more than 10 years ago, and more recently with Santo Tequila, the brand he co-founded with TV personality and restaurateur Guy Fieri. Now he has compiled his favourite cocktail recipes into a book for the home bartender. Naturally, it features a selection of Tequila-based serves, and also includes cocktails inspired by Hagar’s adventures in Hawaii, Las Vegas and more.

The Weird and Wonderful Story of Gin by Angela Youngman

Release date: March 2022
Price: US$34.95

Dive into the history and culture of juniper spirits in this fun and informative book, covering everything from gin’s dark criminal connections to its place in the story of James Bond. Author Angela Youngman also examines how gin companies today are tapping into the spirit’s complicated history in their branding and promotion, making the book a must-read for marketers and gin lovers alike.

Drink Lightly: A Lighter Take on Serious Cocktails by Natasha David

Release date: April 2022
Price: US$26.99

In need of some no-and-low inspiration? Renowned bartender Natasha David is here to help with her new book. Featuring 100 recipes, Drink Lightly showcases just how complex non-alcoholic and low-ABV cocktails can be, harnessing the ever-growing world of lower-alcohol spirits, liqueurs, wines and beyond.

The A-Z of Whisky Place Names by Jacob King

Release date: April 2022
Price: £16.99 (US$22.37)

Get a new perspective on whisky with this in-depth look at the place-names found on Scotch labels. Researcher Jacob King sheds light on the stories behind the names of Scotch distilleries and whiskies, discussing each moniker’s origin, history and development. If you’re already well-versed on the liquid in the glass, the information in this book allows you to expand your whisky knowledge in a different direction.

The Scottish Gin Bible by Sean Murphy

Release date: April 2022
Price: £14.99 (US$19.73)

Gin has seen an incredible rise in popularity over the years, and Scottish gin has benefited from the boom. Juniper spirits are experiencing a major revival in Scotland, and this guide celebrates the stories and recipes behind 100 of the best. Discover the botanicals that characterise Scotland’s gins and learn more about the people who make them.

Rum Rebels by Martyna Halas and René van Hoven

Release date: May 2022
Price: US$19.95

Celebrate the women building the rum industry in this new guide, which explores more than 12 distilleries in the category. Each distillery profile spotlights the women behind the brand, and also gives information about the rum itself. The book also features cocktail recipes, so you can raise a glass to the women pushing the sector forward.

The Art of Whisky by Ernie Button

Release date: May 2022
Price: US$24.95

When photographer Ernie Button observed an interesting pattern at the bottom of a nearly empty whisky glass, he decided to capture it – and so began The Art of Whisky project. The resulting book contains nearly 100 of these striking photos, alongside tasting notes and background information on single malt Scotch from whisky expert Charles MacLean.