Bar Guides
 Bitters
Brad Thomas Parsons
Bitters follows the current cocktail trends of super-strong, old fashioned drinks spiked with bitters beyond the standard Angostura (though still much loved). There are great recipes for making bitters at home, though Parsons also provides sources for finding some of the harder to find ones, if you're not interested in making your own.There are also plenty of tempting drink recipes for the classics as well as some new twists. Most provide ways to substitute ingredients in case you're having trouble finding a particular brand of bitters. Hardcover, 231 pp. $27.99.
 Cocktails with Bompas & Parr
Sam Bompas and Harry Parr
Cocktails with Bompas & Parr oozes with Wilde-esque humour and an over-the-top bourgeois aesthetic. There are cocktails for every temperament and situation from hangovers to grand parties, information on tools and basics along with terribly entertaining photography. Although there is no sign of my favorite cocktail, Tom Collins, that is easily forgiven and forgotten considering all the intriguing and delicious new and historical cocktail ideas they present. $25.95.
 The Gentleman's Guide to Cocktails
Alfred Tong
With over 150 personally selected recipes, picked for their style and flavor. Classics like Bloody Mary and Old Fashioned are covered, as well as more experimental mixes such as the Alabama Slammer and Hellfire Punch. Alfred also imparts his wisdom on essential cocktail etiquette; how to make a toast with a Martini, close a deal with your good taste and charm, and most importantly, when to release your inner cad. This book will turn the amateur home barman into the perfect cocktail party host. Hardcover, 144 pp. $18.95.
The Classic Cocktail Bible
Whether you're planning a lavish party or just indulging in a nightcap, this book gives you a range of inspirations to create the exotic and the classic. Full of beautiful illustrations and photography, long and short drinks, still and sparkling, fruity and refreshing, and creamy and indulgent - you will never tire of trying new concoctions! Hardcover, 172 pp. $10.99.
 Cool Drinks for Hot Days
Louise Pickford
There are few things as sublime as a cold drink on a hot summer's day. While everyone has a favourite tipple, Louise Pickford's bright, fun book seeks to expand our horizons and make that lovely moment even lovlier. Whether you are an imbiber or a teetotaller, like cocktails or slushies, Ms. Pickford's book is as refreshing as, well, a cool drink on a hot summer afternoon. 100 pp. $21.50.
 Edible Cocktails
Natalie Bovis
Jams, syrups, purees, drinks and liquers are only part of this fantastically insightful book on seasonal cocktails. Learn how to make everything yourself and enjoy the fruits of your labor with friends and family. Softcover, 223 pp. $18.99.
 Slushed
Jessie Cross
Get drunk over luscious flavours of ice cream, popcicles and other delectable icey treats with Slushed! Turn a boring vanilla into a splendidly naughty Spice Trader's Vanilla Vodka Ice Cream. Have fun this summer, but don't give the kids too much! Softcover, 174 pp. $17.99.
 The Martini Book
Sally Ann Berk
The drink of both the famous and the very infamous is now available for you to indulge in. Martinis, dry, lemony, modern or traditional, all at your very fingertips, ready to mix and serve at parties or on the ever celebrated friday night for your drinking pleasure. Binder, 192 pp.
 William Yeoman's American Bar
William Yeoman
A century ago when cocktails were first introduced, they were served up in "American" bars, hence the name of the book. British designed William Yeoman shares his love of cocktails by visiting five of the world's most icon bars, and from the bartenders collects some of the great cocktail recipes. A glossary, guide to glasswear, and a few canape reccipes complete the collection. Hardcover, 160 pp. $28.95.
 The Ultimate Little Frozen Drinks Book
Ray Foley
Blender, ice, assorted spirits, and refreshing drinks are yours to savor. This A-Z reference includes non-alcoholic drinks. Mixing and blender tips help ensure success. Softcover, 330 pp. $13.99.
 Cocktails & Amuse-Bouches
Daniel Boulud & mixologist Xavier Herit
Chef Boulud will soon be our neighbour on the block as early as next year when the new Four Seasons Hotel opens with a Cafe Boulud ensconced inside. We're also hoping for a great bar for end of day drinks! Meantime.....this is a lovely boxed set, one book Cocktails for Her, one Cocktails for Him with recipes for little nibbles included in each book. Hardcover, 152 pp. $49.95.
Just Martinis
The good news is that you will find the classic martini and its variations such as the gimlet and the gibson. But can a drink called "winter wonderland" or "pineapple upside-down cake" really be a martini? Color photo with every drink. Softcover, 138 pp. $12.95.
 The Bartender's Black Book
Stephen Kittredge Cunningham
The 9th Edition of this quintessential book for bartenders near and far offers an updated and easy-to-follow guide on how to make every drink under the sun. Entertain friends with classic drinks from way back when, or try out gutsy, new cocktails developed in the past couple years. Every aspiring bartender or mixologist should seriously consider picking up a copy of this book. Coil-bound, 288 pp. $16.95.
 Mr.Boston Summer Cocktails
Anthony Giglio & Jim Meehan
Cool down and get some noursihment at the same time. Most of these colourful drinks are flavored with fruit or herbs. To help perfect your bartending skills, the book features a guide to equipment and glassware along with trade secrets scattered through the book. Hardcover, 106 pp. $18.95.
Rum Drinks
Jessica B. Harris
Rum Drinks offers 50 recipes for rum based cocktails guaranteed to make you feel sunshine and warmth, even if it's the middle of a Canadian winter. On offer are classics like rum punch and daiquiris, as well as tropical takes like the rum daisy or yellowbird. All that rum would be a bad idea on an empty stomach, so there are recipes for carribean snacks such as plantain chips and coconut crisps, spicy fried chickpeas, and carribean style devilled eggs. There is also an interesting introduction detailing the history of rum. Lots of colour photos. Hardcover, 168 pp. $23.95.
 Asian Cocktails
Holly Jennings
With its refreshing images and even more refreshing flavours this is definitely a vibrant take on the art of cocktails. With 90 recipes featuring the classic cocktail spirits, plus shochu and sake combinations, are accompanied by a selection of asian influenced bar snacks. Hardcover, 112 pp. $23.50.
 Calypso Coolers
Arlen Gargagliano
Bring the Caribbean to you with this cheerful book of tropical cocktails and appetizers, both classic and inventive. Daiquiris get there own chapter, with island appropriate flavours like papaya and guava. Mango or pineapple martinis continue the emphasis on fruit, but not all of the drinks are fruity. Colour photos. Hardcover, 120 pp. $20.95.
 Field Guide to Cocktails
Rob Chirico
Though compact, this cocktail guide contains the formula for virtually every
mixed drink known to man. There are line drawings of the different glasses and
colour photos of each drink.
Softcover, 313 pp, $19.95.
 The Art of the Cocktail
Ben Reed
Along with classic and contemporary mixed drinks (many variations on the martini),
Reed serves up a selection of mocktails for the designated driver. Beautiful
photos. Hardcover, 190pp, $36.95.
 The Complete Home
Bartender's Guide
Salvatore Calabrese
780 recipes for the perfect drink! Contains a comprehensive list of tools and
equipment (including glassware and bar essentials), easy techniques and flavours
and garnishes. Hardcover, Spiral-Bound, 256 pp., $22.95.
 Retro Happy Hour
Linda Everett
If you have ever wondered how Ward and June survived day after day
of living with Wally and the Beaver, here is the answer: alcohol with high
sugar, high salt, high fat snacks. Roast up some Smoky Mountain almond nibbles,
mix the Singapore slings and get back to the future. Vintage illustrations.
Hardcover, 128 pp, $26.95.
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