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Staff Pick
Meehan’s Bartender Manual is an inspiring craft cocktail book from famed barman, Jim Meehan (The PDT Cocktail Book). Expect to learn a little cocktail history and some righteous bar hospitality. MBM is a treat for craft cocktail aficionados, and a good armchair read for foodies. Recommended By Tracey T., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
A stunningly packaged, definitive guide to bar-building from one of the world's most acclaimed bartenders.
Meehan's Bartender Manual is acclaimed mixologist Jim Meehan's magnum opus — and the first book to explain the ins and outs of the modern bar industry. This groundbreaking work chronicles Meehan's storied career in the bar business through practical, enlightening chapters that mix history with professional insight. Meehan's deep dive covers the essential topics, including the history of cocktails and bartending, service, hospitality, menu development, bar design, spirits production, drink mixing technique, and the tools you'll need to create a well-stocked bar — all brought to life in over 150 black- and-white illustrations by artist Gianmarco Magnani.
The book also includes recipes for 100 cocktail classics — including Meehan originals — plus insights as to why he makes them the way he does, offering unprecedented access to a top bartender's creative process. Organized by spirit base, the recipes contain detailed annotations and are accompanied by fine art photographer Doron Gild's breathtaking, full-color photos. Thoughtful contributions from more than 50 colleagues around the world who've greatly contributed to global cocktail culture further contextualize Meehan's philosophy.
This densely informative, yet approachable manual is presented in an iconic package — featuring a textured cover with debossed type, rounded corners, and nearly 500 pages — making it an instant classic to be enjoyed now, and for years to come. Whether you're a professional looking to take your career to the next level or an enthusiastic amateur interested in better understanding concepts like mise en place and the mechanics of drink making, Meehan's Bartender Manual is the definitive modern guide.
Review
"For anyone obsessed with cocktails and their unique subculture, this book will be fascinating and essential, a heady tome that pores over the origins of whiskey and gin like a graduate school volume." Matthew Kang, Eater
Review
"Absolutely necessary for any spirits dork." Christine Muhlke, Bon Appetit
About the Author
Jim Meehan is a renowned bartender and author of The PDT Cocktail Book. He worked at some of New York City’s most revered restaurants and bars, including Gramercy Tavern and Pegu Club, before opening the James Beard Award–winning bar PDT in 2007. In addition to writing for Tasting Table, Lucky Peach, and Sommelier Journal, Meehan served as an editor for Food & Wine magazine’s annual cocktail book and Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s Guide. He and his family reside in Portland,Oregon, where he runs the consulting firm Mixography, Inc.