David A. Embury (1886–1960)

Found this very interesting. Written in the early 1950's so quite a lot has changed since then but a lot of what he says still holds true. Lots of information on the different types of alcohol gin, whiskey, etc., mixers, glasses, tools you would need. He emphasizes not to use this book as a recipe book but he does tell how to make quite a few cocktails. Fun book.

Embury as its better known is a classic handbook for the cocktail afficianado. Whilst the author is somewhat opinionated, he leads you through the ingredients and the art of making fine cocktails. This is a fairly hard to find book, but his notes on the Old-Fashioned alone make the trouble & cost worthwhile. The scorn he has for prohibition and poor bartending ought to raise a smile in most readers.

A handbook, written by an amateur expert in prose as dry as the martini he praises

A must-have for anyone who wants to make a great drink. Embury's thoughts on the mechanics of creating a fantasitc cocktail and on the appropriate proportions for classic cocktails are invaluable.

Unsurpassed guide.