While sipping one of my latest concoctions, friend R asked how I made the leap from mild-mannered scientist to craft cocktail mixer. The question was spurred by the drink before him, an on-the-fly creation based on his request - 'something bright and refreshing at the end of a hot day.' From his vantage, the process seemed mysterious: I grabbed a few seemingly random bottles of booze from the bar, a dropper of bitters from the collection, a piece of citrus from the fruit bowl, some ice from the freezer. Ingredients were poured into the shaker, stirred, sampled, a splash of another booze added, et voilà!

'Sir, your cocktail. Enjoy.'

He did.

But what looks like wizardry is largely the result of research and practice. I've sipped plenty of excellent cocktails - along with more than a few not-so-good ones - so I have a pretty solid idea of which flavors work well together. When experimenting with a new drink, I'll measure and record the amount of each ingredient, tasting and adjusting the proportions until I'm satisfied with the final result. But, unless you happen to be a cocktail savant, the key to success is a good bar guide (or several). I've amassed a small library of cocktail books over the years, many as gifts from similarly-minded enthusiasts. All have proven useful in my education, but a few stand out. Jim Meehan's The PDT Cocktail Book from the famed NYC speakeasy is my go-to reference, a comprehensive catalog of classic and new drink recipes accompanied by an engaging bit of history for each. The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart is essential background reading, a fascinating account of the plants used to produce our favorite libations. Brad Thomas Parsons has given us both Bitters and Amaro, in-depth guides to my favorite flavoring ingredients. And Smuggler’s Cove by Martin & Rebecca Cate is responsible for my relatively new-found love of rum and tiki cocktails.

So pick up a cocktail guide, thumb through the recipes, find one that sounds appealing, prepare the drink, and savor it while you read. You'll be glad you did.

h.