Preparing a first-class cocktail relies upon a deep understanding of its ingredients, the delicate alchemy of how they work together – their taste, aroma and colour. Most of all, mixing a sublime cocktail is an art. In The Curious Bartender: Volume I, the mastermind behind three of London’s most avant-garde cocktail bars, Tristan Stephenson, explores the art of preparing the perfect cocktail, explaining the science behind the flavour and the fascinating modern turns mixology has taken.Showcasing a selection of classic cocktails, Tristan explains their intriguing origins, introducing the colourful characters who inspired or created them and how they were intertwined within their historical context. Moving on, he reinvents each drink from his laboratory, adding contemporary twists to breathe fresh life into these vintage classics. Stay true to the originals. with a Sazerac or a Rob Roy, or experiment with some of his modern variations to create a Green Fairy Sazerac topped with an absinthe ‘air’ or an Insta-age Rob Roy with the ‘age’ on the side. Also included is a reference section, detailing all the techniques you will need. Using a mixture of science and an extraordinary aptitude for understanding flavour and the universal appeal of the cocktail, Tristan has created an essential anthology for the cocktail enthusiast.
