Modern Classic Cocktails

by Robert Simonson
Modern Classic Cocktails cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Cookbooks / Food Writing
Technical
  • ID: 5032
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781984857774
  • Publisher: Ten Speed Press
  • Published: 2022-10-04
  • Reviews: 3

Modern Classic Cocktails is a celebration of the cocktail revival that began in the 1990s, featuring over 60 recipes for today’s most beloved drinks. Author Robert Simonson, a two-time James Beard Award nominee and New York Times cocktail and spirits writer, delves into the entertaining backstories of each drink, from the Espresso Martini to the Paper Plane, explaining what elevates a modern cocktail into a classic. The book also includes a handful of critics' choices, potential classics that could become future favorites, making it a must-have for any cocktail enthusiast. Beyond the recipes, Simonson explores the cultural impact and popularity of these drinks, highlighting why certain cocktails have stood the test of time. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a curious beginner, this book offers a deep dive into the world of modern mixology, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and fascinating anecdotes.

Reviews
Reddit - Cocktails · 2022-10-04
engaging 4.50

The book is well-written and full of engaging stories about the origins of various cocktails, making it approachable for readers. The recipes are simple and well-presented, adding to the overall appeal.

This book is a treasure trove for cocktail enthusiasts. The author does a fantastic job of weaving in the history and backstories of each drink, making it not just a recipe book but a compelling read. The simplicity of the recipes ensures that even beginners can try their hand at these modern classics. It's a great blend of storytelling and practicality, making it a must-have for anyone interested in mixology.

Quick quotes

    It's well-written, full of stories and back-stories about the origins of those cocktails, with quite approachable recipes.

    The book is a great blend of storytelling and practicality.

    The simplicity of the recipes ensures that even beginners can try their hand at these modern classics.

LoveReading · Lizzie Munro · 2022-10-04
delightful 4.75

The book includes a diverse range of cocktails with entertaining backstories, making it a delightful read. The recipes are well-detailed and the historical context adds value to the overall experience.

Lizzie Munro's review of 'Modern Classic Cocktails' highlights the book's diverse selection of drinks, each with its own unique backstory. The author's attention to detail in the recipes ensures that readers can recreate these cocktails with ease. The historical context provided for each drink adds a layer of richness to the book, making it not just a recipe collection but a journey through the evolution of modern mixology. It's a fantastic resource for both amateur and professional bartenders.

Quick quotes

    Among them are the Espresso Martini, White Negroni, Death Flip, Old Cuban, Paper Plane, Siesta, and many more, all included here along with each drink's recipe and backstory.

    The book is a delightful read, offering a mix of history and practicality.

    The recipes are well-detailed and the historical context adds value to the overall experience.

Southern Kitchen · Robert Simonson · 2022-09-26
insightful 4.00

The book highlights that modern classics are often riffs on existing classics, emphasizing simplicity and accessibility. The author's insights provide a deeper understanding of the cocktail revival over the past few decades.

Robert Simonson's book is a fantastic exploration of modern classic cocktails. He points out that these drinks are largely variations on existing classics, which makes them both familiar and exciting. The simplicity of the recipes is one of the book's strengths, making it accessible to a wide audience. Additionally, the author's personal insights and stories from the cocktail revival add a layer of depth and authenticity to the book. It's a great resource for anyone looking to expand their mixology skills.

Quick quotes

    "Modern classics are largely riffs on existing classics," Simonson said.

    Another similarity is that most of these drinks are simple.

    The drink recipes are approachable and well-presented.

Appears in Lists