Dale DeGroff is widely regarded as the worlds foremost mixologist. Hailed by theNew York Timesas single-handedly responsible for whats been called the cocktail renaissance, he earned this reputation during his twelve years at the fashionable Promenade Bar in New York Citys Rainbow Room. It was there in 1987 that he not only reintroduced the cocktail menu to the country but also began mixing drinks from scratch, using impeccably fresh ingredients instead of the widespread mixes used at the time. Known especially for crafting unique cocktails, reviving classics, and coaxing superior flavor from his ingredients, DeGroff has selected his 100 essential drinks and 100 of their best variationsincluding many of his signature cocktailsfor this premier mixology guide.

The Essential Cocktailfeatures only those drinks that stand out for their flavor, interesting formula, or distinctive technique. These are the very ones every amateur and professional bartender must know, the martinis, sours, highballs, tropicals, punches, sweets, and classics, both old and new, that form the core of a connoisseurs repertoire. Throughout the book are DeGroffs personal twists, such as a tangy Grapefruit Julep or a refreshing Yuzu Gimlet.

To complement the tantalizing photographs of each essential cocktail, DeGroff also regales readers with the fascinating lore behind a drinks genesis and instructs us on using the right ingredients, techniques, glasses, and garnishes