The Periodic Table of Cocktails (Emma Stokes)

A fantastic cocktail book from Emma Stokes (aka Gin Monkey) that covers 106 cocktails (bonafide classics, established modern classics and even some recent creations from some of the best bartenders around) within the structure of the periodic table of elements.

Whilst the periodic table orders elements by atomic number (and therefore chemical properties and behaviour), Stokes places martini-style cocktails in the left hand column for example, with drinks getting longer as you work your way across. The rows meanwhile correspond to spirit type, getting darker as you work your way down. In this way, you can appreciate connections between various drinks and discover new favourites that you may not have realised would be right up your street. There are also sections for snappers and cream based drinks and those that contain absinthe, beer and overproof spirits - it seem she's thought of everything!

The full periodic table of cocktails can be found both at the front of the book and in a fold out colour poster at the back, whilst the rest of the book covers the history of each cocktail as well as the recipe and method for making them. Perfect for newcomers and full blown aficionados, it would also make a great gift.