Barman’s bible: Which one do you live by?

“Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy.”

― Frank Sinatra

Whenever I get into a conversation about drinks, mixology, or general booze, there is always one question that comes up – “How did you get into craft cocktails?”

To be honest, I was sick of drinking vodka & cranberry. I don’t know if it is some unwritten rule somewhere that every young lady at the bar should always order “vodka cran”, but I for one was over it! Now I had always known that other drinks were out there like martinis, gin & tonic, and an array of rum drinks, but I was always too scared to order them at the bar. (No one wants to pay $7 for a drink and then not like it)

So I did what any other millennial would do, I looked up cocktail recipe books on Google and ordered one off of Amazon. But lets be clear, I didn’t order just any book, I ordered the PDT Cocktail Book – and I LOVE IT! 

I know that every mixologist or bartender has his or her preference, but I am completely smitten by this book. Not only does it provide me with amazing recipes but it also includes history on the drinks, tips for setting up your own bar, and a killer index so you can look up drinks by ingredients. (Check out the photos below for examples) Taking the time to sit down and read it cover to cover is what truly inspired me to take the plunge into craft cocktails. 

Now if you don't have the time to dedicate yourself to a cocktail book, there are other options out there. I am a subscriber to Imbibe Magazine and I can testify that it is worth the subscription fee. It is nice to "shake things up" every once and a while and pull out a new recipe to try from the magazine. Not to mention they have their own app!  
So that is why I pose the question to you, what barman’s bible do you live by? Is it PDT’s or Imbibe? I want to hear your thoughts!

Inside look of PDT's