Why This Book Exists
Somehow you stumbled on this website and found yet another cocktail book. Well, it's really a cocktail book project. It's online and should be a living document -- that is the list of cocktails, potions, elixirs and related mixtures will evolve. What is really different about this "book" is the organization. There are plenty of good cocktail books - and websites for that matter - that dial you into technique, or the science behind cocktails. They can teach you how to make great syrups, how to select the right bottles for various drinks and even help you build and stock a home bar. There are libraries full of classics and modern versions that re-formulate those libations. There are cocktail books that deal with niche areas like Tiki. You get the point -- there seems to already be a cocktail book to cover all elements of the craft of making mixed drinks. So why another cocktail book?
If you are like many avid home mixologist there are some bottles on your bar collecting dust. You used them for a cocktail or two and they really don't seem versatile enough to keep in a steady rotation. Or you made a syrup three weeks ago and you need to toss it because it's on the cusp. This book is organized to help with the aforementioned issue. It starts with the odd bottle of liquor or syrup. And then it walks you through several ideas to use them more. There are plenty of classics. There are some newer ideas and twists on standard drinks. The big idea is to help you finish up the bottle of creme de violet. Or make good use your orgeat before it turns. That's it.
The book is not meant to be the definitive guide to all possible cocktails. It's not an encyclopedia. It will not instruct you on making syrups or tinctures. Nor will it discuss mixing technique. Furthermore the specs here are my preferred version (yes, I have tasted every drink listed). That does not mean these drinks are immutable. You may like more syrup or you have a bourbon of choice. That's all fair game. The cocktails here are general parameters. Be creative; make what suits you.