Good Spirits: The Joy of Cocktails and the Stories Behind Them

The must-have companion for classic cocktails, mocktails, and creative drinks, enriched with fascinating historical insight from a celebrated industry icon.

Good Spirits is a culture-rich exploration of cocktails that seamlessly blends expert technique with deep historical knowledge. For master bartender and cocktail educator Tiffanie Barriere, the bar has always been a place where history, creativity, and community come together.

From gold-standard martinis and expertly crafted Manhattans to drinks inspired by mood and occasion, readers will learn not only how to mix and pour with confidence, but also the often-overlooked stories behind beloved cocktails, spirits, and bar traditions.

Alongside recipes and backstories for 125 cocktails, Good Spirits features illuminating essays on selecting and using spirits, the complicated legacies behind them, influential figures who shaped cocktail culture, and the trends and movements that transformed the modern bar.

Zero-proof options are woven throughout, including Barriere’s inventive concept of cocktail “stock,” while bold syrups, shrubs, and infusions make alcohol-free drinks just as flavorful and exciting as their spirited counterparts. Practical guidance on bar tools, garnishes, ice, and techniques such as shaking, rolling, and aerating gives readers everything they need to sharpen their mixology skills and create exceptional drinks with confidence.