Craft Cocktails, a cool new coffee table book from French luxury publisher Assouline, celebrates the new golden age of the cocktail as a “culinary art form.” In the posh volume world-renowned mixologist Brian Van Flandern, former chief cocktail maker at Michelin three-star chef Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York and the Carlyle Hotel, shares some of his innovative recipes conceived while working for Keller and other famed chefs — including Mario Batali and Michel Richard. Van Flandern has also collected recipes from some of New York City’s most renowned craft cocktail lounges including Employees Only, Clover Club, Death & Co., and PDT (Please Don’t Tell).


In addition to the recipes themselves, Van Flandern — the first to apply Keller’s unique philosophy of "flavor profiling" to mixology and thereby discovering techniques to create well-balanced food-friendly cocktails — also offers tips on such important topics as bespoke ingredients, garnishes, glassware, temperature, balance, and the art of consistently creating a delectable drink. The lavish photography and cool design does the drinks justice, making it a must for any host dedicated to dishing out well-crafted cocktails or experienced bartenders looking to hone their skills.

Craft Cocktails retails for $50.