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Difford's Encyclopedia of Cocktails: 2600 Recipes

DESCRIPTION
The most complete and authoritative cocktail encyclopedia ever published. There is a drink for any and all occasions, and every one of them can be found in the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COCKTAILS.

A recognized expert in the hospitality industry, Difford has collected a record-breaking 2,600 recipes into one all-encompassing volume, in an A-Z format. While some require special components, he promises that "just 14 key ingredients, a few mixers, some fresh fruit, copious amounts of ice, and a handful of kitchen basics" will allow the home bartender to make more than 500 of the cocktails in this guide.

Readers will find a crash course in bartending basics, lists of bar essentials, and detailed, easy-to-follow instructions on how to produce delicious results.

In addition to loads of practical information, Difford scatters helpful sidebars, amusing quotes and interesting anecdotes throughout the volume. (During World War II a group of Alpine soldiers who were stranded in the mountains survived for an entire month on nothing but a cask of sherry.)

~ An A to Z recipe directory
~ Detailed instructions for beginners, including all the basic skills
~ Recommendations for the best equipment
~ A directory of glass types
~ The 14 key alcoholic ingredients, which make a minimum of 450 cocktails
~ The 9 essential juices and mixers
~ The 18 essential refrigerator and cupboard staples
~ An index of ingredients and the cocktails they are used in
~ The top 100 great cocktail bars of the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Simon Difford is a drinks industry celebrity. His experience includes running his own bar, founding his own import company and establishing brands. He is a Glenfiddich Food & Drink Award winning writer and lives in London.