STOCK UP YOUR BAR CART… WITH BOOKS

I am an avid reader, which truly helps me in everything I do. It also gives me great ideas for how to make cocktails! I am mainly a wine drinker, but I like to venture out of my comfort zone and mix (and taste) cocktails, especially if made with unusual and seasonal ingredients. I selected three books for you to keep handy on your bar cart, and I am sure you will find tons of ideas for your next party! The books I selected for this purpose are not just wonderful resources of inspiration but also very stylish to display.

Prosecco Made Me Do It.

This book contains sixty delicious drink recipes paired with bright, fun, original artwork. Also included is a brief history of Prosecco, purchasing and serving tips, and a guide to cordials, syrups, and liqueurs. From the classic Bellini and fresh fruit Mimosa to a wide range of sparkling cocktails, the recipes in Prosecco Made Me Do It are light, fizzy, and fun.

Bubbly: A Collection of Champagne and Sparkling Cocktails. With bright, seasonal flavors, simple techniques, and no pretense, author and photographer ColleenJeffers shares her most irresistible sparkling cocktails, alongside quick-trick tips on topics like buying the right bottle of bubbly, keeping carbonation crisp, scoring cheap vintage glassware, and making simple syrup without a stove. Inside this beautiful book’s plush, gold foil cover recipes include:

French 75—tart, light, crisp, refreshing, and arguably the best-known of all vintage champagne cocktails
Aperol Spritz—ideal for aperitivo hour
Paloma Punch—perfect for serving a crowd
Bubbly Mary—a modern brunch classic
Margarita Fizz—a deceptively simple and refreshing
Holiday Mail—a cheery seasonal favorite
And many, many more!

The Official Downton Abbey Cocktail Book: Appropriate Libations for All Occasions

Cocktails were introduced in the drawing rooms of Downton Abbey in the 1920s when US prohibition inspired the popularity of American-style bars and bartenders in Britain. This well-curated selection of recipes is organized by the rooms in the Abbey in which the drinks were served and spans from everyday sips to party drinks plus hangover helpers and more.

In addition to classic concoctions like a Mint Julep, Prince of Wales Punch, and Ginger Beer, this collection features character-specific variations such as Downton Heir, Turkish Attaché, The Valet, and The Chauffeur. The recipes reflect drinks concocted and served upstairs and down, as well as libations from village fairs, cocktail parties, and restaurant menus typical of the time. The book also includes tips, historical trivia, and over forty color photographs featuring cocktails and cast members.