Cocktails, A Still Life

This is exactly what it sounds like: instead of photos or illustrations, this cocktail book is fully illustrated with oil paintings. Featuring an all-star team, Cocktails, A Still Life is less of a bartending guide and more of a presentation piece attracting the eye, mind, and palate focused squarely on the art—including the dozens of luscious, hand-painted images. As they say, "We drink first with our eyes."

Contemporary still-life master Todd Casey has collected 60 paintings for 60 classic drink recipes, developed by Drinkology author James Waller, that are then paired with witty and eminently readable behind-the-bar anecdotes and histories by beverage historian Christine Sismondo. Broken down into sections, inspired by times and events that call for a cocktail, the book includes art, recipes, and history. Drinks include:

Part One: Daytime Drinking

• Belgian Beers
• Bellini
• Bloody Mary
• Mojito
• Ramos Gin Fizz

Part Two: Aperitivo Hour

• Aperol Spritz
• Daiquiri
• Gimlet
• Gin & Tonic
• Sgroppino

Part Three: Cocktail Party

• Cosmopolitan
• Long Island Iced Tea
• Mai Tai
• Negroni
• Vieux Carre

Part Four: Celebration

• Egg Nog
• French 75
• Margarita
• Mezcal and Sangrita
• Mint Julep

Part Five: After Dinner/Nightcap

• Boulevardier
• Brandy Alexander
• Grasshopper
• Irish Coffee
• Sake

Both a sophisticated gift and a useful cocktail-making guide, Cocktails, A Still Life is not just for "cocktail nerds" but also for those who enjoy finely crafted art and finely crafted beverages.