In the run up to Christmas more books are bought than in the whole of the rest of the year.  This Christmas make sure the drink lovers in your life get something that’s just right with our tips on some of the best booze books around. We do recommend purchasing at independent book shops but it’s that time of year when time is short so we have included the relevant links to Amazon – sigh!

DRINKS by Tony Conigliario

Publisher: Ebury Books

Immensely stylish exploration of flavour and aroma in drinks and cocktails by the maestro Tony C. with a foreword by Heston Blumenthal.  It’s available on Amazon – amazon.co.uk

GAZ REGAN’S 101 BEST NEW COCKTAILS 2012 by Gaz Regan

Publisher: Mixellany Books

Gaz is a legend and his annual collection of the year’s best cocktail recipes a total must for professional barkeeps. In fact you wouldn’t go wrong with the entire Mixellany list for a truly dedicated drink lover. Watch out for “The Deans of Drink” by renowned drinks historians Anastasia Miller and Jared Brown which will be available in mid Jan and, er, “The Mixellany Guide to Gin” a new edition by Gintime editor Geraldine Coates. Mixellany bookshop is here – www.ekmpowershop19.com

EVERYDAY DRINKING by Kingsley Amis

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Kingsley Amis is a true hero of drink and Everyday Drinking brings together the best of his three short, now out-of-print works on the subject: Drink, Everyday Drinking and How’s Your Glass? With a foreword by the late lamented Christopher Hitchens it’s endlessly amusing and a source of great drinking quotes.

www.amazon.co.uk

HOW TO DRINK by Victoria Moore

Publisher: Granta Books

Victoria Moore is a highly respected drinks writer and this book, although it’s been out for a bit now, remains the go to for advice on everything from avocaat to wine with recipes for mint juleps in the spring, sloe gin in the autumn, hot buttered rum in the winter and year round classics including the world’s best G&T.

On Amazon its www.amazon.co.uk

WORLDS BEST COCKTAILS: 500 Couture Cocktails from the World’s Best Bars and Bartenders by Tom Sandham

Publisher: Jacqui Small

A unique collection of 500 couture cocktails from around the world accompanied by an authoritative, entertaining and informative text by drinks writer, Tom Sandham. Recipes range from user-friendly classics such as the Gin Sling to the innovative modern mixes of leading drinksmiths. The book also includes profiles of 30 top bartenders, including Jake Burger, Erik Lorincz and Ago Perrone and 25 bars worldwide. Buy here – www.amazon.co.uk

PDT COCKTAIL BOOK by Jim Meehan

Publisher: Sterling Publishing

The ultimate bar book by NYC’s most meticulous bartender, Jim Meehan. From his bar design, tools and equipment plus back stage secrets, his techniques, food and spirits, it’s all here, stunningly illustrated by Chris Gall. Get it here www.amazon.co.uk