Cocktail Codex

Cocktail Codex by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, and David Kaplan is a revolutionary guide that redefines the craft of mixing drinks. From the brilliant minds behind the iconic Death & Co, this book serves both novice and seasoned mixologists by introducing an innovative approach to mastering cocktails. By focusing on six fundamentally essential "root cocktails" — the Old-Fashioned, Martini, Daiquiri, Sidecar, Whisky Highball, and Flip — the authors provide a clear and uncomplicated template to understand and create any drink imaginable.

Each chapter delves into one of these roots, offering detailed explanations and insights into the mechanics of each drink. Readers will learn the principles of balance and flavour that govern these foundational recipes, enabling them to mix drinks intuitively and confidently. With this knowledge, you will not only master classic cocktails but also acquire the skills to experiment and invent your own bespoke creations. The comprehensive nature of the book ensures that even the most basic concepts, such as when to shake versus when to stir, are thoroughly covered, making it an indispensable resource for all skill levels.

Accolades and Praise

Cocktail Codex has received numerous prestigious awards, further cementing its status as a must-have for anyone passionate about cocktails:

James Beard Award Winner

Winner of the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book

Named one of the Best Cookbooks of the Year by the Chicago Tribune

Expert and reader reviews alike have lauded the book for its innovative approach and practical utility:

"There are only six cocktails." So say Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, and David Kaplan, the visionaries behind the seminal craft cocktail bar Death & Co. In Cocktail Codex, these experts reveal for the first time their surprisingly simple approach to mastering cocktails - the "root recipes," six easily identifiable (and memorizable!) templates that encompass all cocktails - the Old-Fashioned, Martini, Daiquiri, Sidecar, Whisky Highball, and Flip. Once you understand the hows and whys of each "family," you'll understand why some cocktails work and others don't, when to shake and when to stir, what you can omit and what you can substitute when you're missing ingredients, why you like the drinks you do, and what sorts of drinks you should turn to - or invent - if you want to try something new.

Praise for Cocktail Codex

"Learn the template, and any cocktail you can think of is within reach." - Food & Wine

"Too bad all college textbooks weren't this much fun." - Garden & Gun

"A must for amateur and pro mixologists alike." - Chicago Tribune

"If Dora the Explorer turned twenty-one, split herself into three people, and decided to write the Magna Carta of booze books, this would be the result. And, unlike every other book you'll read this year, Cocktail Codex is packed with actual knowledge you can use in the real world. Please, please, can Cinema Codex be next?" - Steven Soderbergh, filmmaker

Immerse yourself in the art of mixology with Cocktail Codex, an extraordinary resource that promises not just recipes, but true understanding. Whether you are a home enthusiast or a professional bartender, this book will transform your approach to mixing drinks, empowering you to create with confidence and flair.