Best Whiskey Books of 2026

The Home Bartender, Second Edition is a must-have for anyone who loves cocktails. Author Shane Carley has curated a collection of over 125 cocktail recipes that require only four ingredients or less. This book is perfect for those who want to impress guests at their next party but don't have a lot of time or a thousand-dollar liquor cabinet. The book includes beautiful full-color photography, virgin variations on most drinks, simplified classics, and innovative new libations. The Home Bartender, Second Edition is a fantastic guide to becoming a master mixologist with just a handful of ingredients.

The Cocktail Codex is a cocktail recipe book that offers a comprehensive guide to the art of mixing drinks. The authors, who are also behind the famous Death & Co craft cocktail bar, introduce their unique “root cocktails” approach to teach readers how to execute and improvise both classic and original cocktails. The book is structured around six “root recipes” that encompass all cocktails, making it easy for readers to understand the hows and whys of each “family” and learn to create their own cocktails. This book is a must-have for both amateur and professional mixologists alike.

Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails is the ultimate guide to the contemporary craft cocktail movement. With over 500 innovative cocktail recipes, this book is a complete cocktail education that includes information on the theory and philosophy of drink making, a complete guide to buying and using spirits, and step-by-step instructions for mastering key bartending techniques. The book also features beautiful photography, charts, and essays about the characters who frequent the Death & Co bar. This book is a must-have for serious drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

The Ultimate Bar Book by Mittie Hellmich is a comprehensive guide to classic cocktails and new drink recipes. It covers everything from barware, tools, and mixing tips to garnishes, rims, infusions, and syrups. With dozens of recipes for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, punches, gelatin shooters, and hangover remedies, this book is a must-have for any bartenders or cocktail enthusiasts. The author's creative new elixirs like the Tasmanian Twister Cocktail or the Citron Sparkler are a standout feature. Overall, The Ultimate Bar Book is an essential addition to any bartender's book collection or a great gift for those interested in mixology.

The New York Times Essential Book of Cocktails (Second Edition) is a must-have for any cocktail enthusiast. This updated edition features over 400 classic and contemporary craft cocktail recipes, as well as engaging essays from renowned cocktail writers and original interviews with bartenders and spirits professionals. The book also includes chapters on non-alcoholic drinks, bourbon cocktails, and vermouth cocktails, making it a comprehensive guide to home entertaining. The author, Steve Reddicliffe, has curated this essential collection with exceptional writing from The New York Times journalists, resulting in a book that is both informative and entertaining.

Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last is an instant New York Times bestseller that tells the story of how Julian Van Winkle III fought to protect his family's heritage and preserve the taste of his forebears in a world where authenticity is in short supply. The book takes readers on a journey through the history of this coveted Kentucky bourbon whiskey and the family's dedication to crafting fine bourbon. The author, Wright Thompson, paints a vivid picture of the industry and the people behind it. This book is a must-read for bourbon enthusiasts and anyone interested in the intersection of family, business, and tradition.

The New Craft of the Cocktail is an updated version of the renowned cocktail bible. It contains over 100 new recipes, modern photography, and an up-to-date history of the cocktail. Dale DeGroff, the father of craft cocktails, brings his expertise to this edition, making it a must-have for cocktail enthusiasts. DeGroff's liquor recommendations ensure the perfect mix, while anecdotes and reminiscences make the reader feel like he's guiding from behind the bar. This authoritative and satisfying reference is a perfect fit for home bartenders. Overall, this book is a great addition to any cocktail lover's collection.

Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine is a fantastic introductory book for those looking to deepen their knowledge of wine. The book is designed with sleek modern information and data visualization, providing pragmatic answers to all your wine-related questions. From detailed taste profiles of popular and under-the-radar wines to practical tips for serving and tasting wine, this book is packed with useful information. The guide also includes a food and wine pairing section and detailed maps of wine regions. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their wine knowledge and confidently make decisions at the table.

The Bourbon Bible is a comprehensive guide to America's favorite spirit, bourbon. Written by Eric Zandona, a spirits specialist at the American Distilling Institute, the book explores 140 of the best bourbons from big-name classics to tiny craft distilleries. It includes flavor profiles, recommendations for the best way to drink each one, and recipes for 20 classic bourbon cocktails. The book also delves into the history of bourbon, how it's made, and what to consider when buying a bottle. Overall, The Bourbon Bible is an essential read for bourbon enthusiasts and those looking to expand their knowledge of this iconic American drink.