Cocktail Codex

Winner of the 2019 James Beard Award for Cookbook of the Year

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Cocktail Codex is the bartending bible for cocktail enthusiasts. The authors of Death and Co teach the basics of six cocktails and then show how all the other cocktails in the world can be created from them. Cocktail Codex is a smart, elegant book. Recommended By Tracey T., Powells.com

A guide to crafting impeccable classic cocktails and creating original drinks, Cocktail Codex aims to change the way we perceive the art and process of creating the world’s best cocktails.

Published in 2018 and written by Alex Day, David Kaplan, Nick Fauchald and Devon Tarby, Cocktail Codex simplifies the complex cocktail universe, declaring that there are truly only six fundamental recipes at the root of them all: The Old-Fashioned, Martini, Daiquiri, Sidecar, Whisky Highball, and the Flip. By studying each of the six drinks, the reader can learn the mechanics of a particular style of cocktail and important lessons in technique and ingredients that elevate his or her cocktail game. From there, the reader can explore how the world’s most innovative bartenders use these simple ideas to create their own cocktails through tried-and-true tactics – a powerful and intuitive roadmap for anyone interested in creating their own unique drinks.

Written for cocktail enthusiasts of all experience levels, Cocktail Codex is not only a beautiful addition to any coffee table, but has proved itself an indispensable reference for anyone who likes making cocktails and wants to know more about them. At the 2019 James Beard Foundation Awards, Cocktail Codex took home the top prize of Book of the Year, making it the first-ever beverage book to win in the category. Shortly following the groundbreaking win, Cocktail Codex was also awarded Best New Cocktail Book at the 2019 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.

“If Dora the Explorer turned 21, split herself into three people, and decided to write the Magna Carta of booze books, this would be the result. And, unlike every other book you’ll read this year, Cocktail Codex is packed with actual knowledge you can use in the real world. Please, please, can Cinema Codex be next?" Steven Soderbergh, filmmaker

“Alex, Dave, Nick, and Devon do an incredible job at teaching us the basic building blocks of modern cocktails. Their unique insight gives us the tools to master the classics and create new recipes. This book is a must for all young bartenders and veterans alike.” Leo Robitschek, Bar Director, The Nomad

“Cocktail Codex gives the drink enthusiast a comprehensive, fun, and complete look into the fundamentals of cocktails and the illustrations, stories, and background information give the reader a look into the world of professional drink making at its best. I strongly recommend picking this book up and flipping through the pages with your favorite cocktail in hand.” Grant Achatz, Chef/Co-owner Alinea, Next, the Aviary, the Office

“Learn the template, and any cocktail you can think of is within reach.” Food and Wine

Alex Day is the the co-owner of the Los Angeles-based Proprietors LLC, a fullservice hospitality company (Death & Co, Nitecap, Walker Inn, Honeycut, the Normandie Club, and more).

Nick Fauchald is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and publisher of print and digital products.

David Kaplan is the co-owner of the Los Angeles-based Proprietors LLC, a fullservice hospitality company (Death & Co, Nitecap, Walker Inn, Honeycut, the Normandie Club, and more).