Good Spirits: The Joy of Cocktails and the Stories Behind Them

The must-have companion for cocktail classics and creative drinks from a celebrated industry icon Hone your mixology skills while learning more about your favorite drink’s origins from award-winning bartender Tiffanie Barriere, known globally as “The Drinking Coach.” From gold-standard martinis and mint juleps to new classics inspired by inventors and trailblazers, this culture-rich exploration of cocktails seamlessly blends hands-on technique with deep historical knowledge. For Barriere, every ingredient has a story, and every story can become a drink. Bringing equal parts inspiration and education, Barriere shares 125 classic and contemporary cocktails while honoring the Black roots of our Friday night favorites, spirits, and bar tools, from the Cosmo to the Chocolate Martini, and Rhum Agricole to the hinged lemon squeezer. Many drinks have zero-proof variations, using Barriere’s ingenious concept of cocktail “stock” to build flavor layer-by-layer: build a drink’s flavor base first and then decide if it wants alcohol—this approach makes it easy to make your drinks zero-proof or boozy. Insights on everything from tools and garnishes that matter to knowing when to use different types of ice and the subtleties of shaking, rolling, and aerating set you up to receive a masters in drink-making. Alongside the cocktails, find dozens of recipes for flavorful syrups, shrubs, and infusions that bring depth and personality to the glass (and even more alcohol-free options). Barriere says that “every time you mix, shake, or stir, you’re not just making a drink — you’re creating a moment. That’s where your true spirit shows up, and that’s how you can find joy in the glass.”