The book every true gentleman should own

There are several books every man should own. At least one Hemingway. At least a couple of Fleming’s Bonds. But, if there were one book every gent should have on his shelf – preferably a shelf near your bar – it would be The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks by David A. Embury.

First published in 1948, the book has been held as the gold-standard for mixing cocktails for over half a century – and was originally heralded for its witty and highly conversational tone.

Ingredients are simplified into three clear categories; bases, modifying agents and special flavourings, and Embury outlines the six key cocktails that every gent should know how to mix.

The Daiquiri, the Jack Rose, the Manhattan, the Martini, the Old Fashioned, and the Sidecar are the cocktails listed, and chapters include ‘Glassware, Gimmicks and Gadgets’ and ‘Pertinent Pointers’. Embury also outlines his five basic principles for the mixing of cocktails.

First, he opines that all drinks should only be made with the best quality spirits. Secondly, he says that drinks should never been too sweet, and should whet – rather than dull – the appetite. Thirdly, all cocktails should be dry, but still smooth. Fourthly, mixed drinks should always be pleasing to the eye and, lastly, always well iced.

The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks is an institution to this day, and well-respected by professionals and amateur enthusiasts alike. If you’ve already got a copy, take a look inside the sleeve – some first editions can sell for over $8,000. If you don’t, invest now.