"In this gorgeous guide to every cocktail imaginable, Rathbun, a poet and the 'editor for the Kitchens and Housewares store' at Amazon.com, breaks out the 12 chapters not by ingredients but by useful, or at least amusing, categories. These include 'Dinner for Two,' which is a chapter of romantic drinks such as the French Connection (brandy and amaretto) and the Kiss in the Dark (cherry brandy and dry vermouth). A section entitled 'An Obscure Reliquary' features creepy concoctions, like a Brain Hemorrhage and a Corpse Reviver. There's a voluminous chapter on martinis, including a questionable Bacontini, as well as others on shots, frozen drinks, hot drinks and blended drinks. There are 450 recipes in all — and, fortunately, an excellent index. Not only is there a general index to let you know on which page to find a Purple Python, there is also an index of 'Drinks by Primary Liquor,' which lists, for example, all the book's 29 bourbon-based options at a glance. The scores of full-page color photos by the aptly named Melissa Punch, each with dazzling Day-Glo backgrounds, are thirst inducing and add an irresistible retro charm to the proceedings." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Consumers are spending more than $40 billion each year on spirits, and it sometimes seems there are nearly 40 billion drinks to choose from. In Good Spirits, A.J. Rathbun has collected 450 of the best cocktail recipes, featuring an incredible variety of spirits, mixers, and garnishes. The recipes are organized by theme, so it's easy to find the perfect drink for every occasion, and engaging sidebars throughout the book showcase Rathbun's unabashed passion for and knowledge of his subject. With its stunning, full-color photographs and fresh, lively tone, this is the definitive guide to both classic and contemporary drinks for anyone who appreciates the art of the cocktail.

Rathbun collects 450 of the best cocktail recipes, featuring an incredible variety of spirits, mixers, and garnishes. With its stunning, full-color photographs and fresh, lively tone, this is the definitive guide to both classic and contemporary drinks for anyone who appreciates the art of the cocktail.