Cocktail information

Both books are easy for beginners to follow. Whisky Made Me Do It has clear recipes for every level and also explains the history and types of whisky. Whisky: Shake, Muddle, Stir starts with the basics, from choosing the right bottle to shaking and stirring. If you mainly want to get going with recipes, choose the first; if you want to understand the technique, the second is a better fit.

A handful of classics form the foundation: the Old Fashioned (whisky, sugar, bitters), the Manhattan (whisky, sweet vermouth, bitters), the whisky sour (whisky, lemon juice, sugar), the Rob Roy (the Scotch version of the Manhattan) and the Penicillin (blended Scotch, lemon, honey-ginger syrup and a splash of smoky Islay whisky on top). With these five you practise the key techniques: stirring, shaking and floating a layer on top.

Yes, although for most cocktails bartenders prefer a blended Scotch or bourbon, as they are more affordable and mix well. A single malt shines best in simple cocktails where the whisky keeps the lead, such as a highball or an Old Fashioned. A smoky Islay malt is often used in a small amount as an accent, as in the Penicillin.

The editions we sell are in English. With basic English the recipes are easy to follow, as ingredients and techniques largely speak for themselves. Note that British and American recipes often measure in ounces (oz); 1 oz is roughly 30 ml. A 25/50 ml jigger, like the one in the Bar Originale shaker set, makes converting easy.

Yes, especially for someone who already knows whisky neat and is curious about other ways to enjoy it. A book like Whisky Made Me Do It is an affordable gift you can combine with a cocktail shaker or a set of cocktail glasses, so the recipient can try a recipe straight away. For anyone who likes a smoked Old Fashioned, a smoker set goes nicely with it.