Jessica Schacht, co-owner Ampersand Distilling Co., has distilled the art of the cocktail to five essential bottles—gin, whiskey, sweet and dry vermouth and Campari. Within that lies a world of creativity, tastes and flavours. The Five-Bottle Bar supplies a solid foundation in the essentials—tools, techniques, tips, glassware and garnishes—everything you need to know to set up your minimalist bar cart. Learn the classics and new contemporary drinks; there is even a chapter on zero-proof cocktails. It’s a wonderful gift for the bartender curious. Find at better books shops, $28 or buy here.
