Cocktails, A Still Life : 60 Spirited Paintings & Recipes

This is exactly what it sounds like: instead of photos or illustrations, this cocktail book is fully illustrated with oil paintings. Featuring an all-star team, Cocktails, A Still Life is less of a bartending guide and more of a presentation piece attracting the eye, mind, and palate focused squarely on the art-including the dozens of luscious, hand-painted images. As they say, "We drink first with our eyes." Contemporary still-life master Todd Casey has collected 60 paintings for 60 classic drink recipes, developed by Drinkology author James Waller, that are then paired with witty and imminently readable behind-the-bar anecdotes and histories by beverage historian Christine Sismondo. Broken down into sections, inspired by times and events that call for a cocktail, the book includes art, recipes, and history. Drinks include:

Part One: Daytime Drinking

* Belgian Beers
* Bellini
* Bloody Mary
* Mojito
* Ramos Gin Fizz

Part Two: Aperitivo Hour

* Aperol Spritz
* Daiquiri
* Gimlet
* Gin & Tonic
* Sgroppino

Part Three: Cocktail Party

* Cosmopolitan
* Long Island Iced Tea
* Mai Tai
* Negroni
* Vieux Carre

Part Four: Celebration

* Egg Nog
* French 75
* Margarita
* Mezcal and Sangrita
* Mint Julep

Part Five: After Dinner/Nightcap

* Boulevardier
* Brandy Alexander
* Grasshopper
* Irish Coffee
* Sake

Both a sophisticated gift and a useful cocktail-making guide, Cocktails, A Still Life is not just for "cocktail nerds" but also for those who enjoy finely crafted art and finely crafted beverages.