Ever wondered how to mix a Manhattan or build a B52? What exactly goes in a Cosmopolitan and how does the salt stay on the rim of your Margarita glass? In The Art of the Cocktail award-winning bartender and dest-selling author Ben Reed tells you all you need to know about the of making the perfect cocktail.

Ben begins by exploring the glamorous origins and culture of the cocktail, celebrating its lasting appeal. In Behind the Bar, he takes you right back to the basics of mixology. With a whistle-stop tour of the cocktail base spirits, from vodka to rum, you'll discover what makes each perfect for mixing in cocktails. There's an invaluable list of what to have in your cocktail cupboard plus a section on valancing the flavours in cocktails, with hints and tips on the best garnishes and mixers to complement your drink.

In Equipment and Techniques Ben tells you just how to shake or stir a martini and explains what to do with a 'muddler' There's information on the must-tave tools of the trade and matching your cocktail to the correct glass. In The perfect serve he shows you how to create a gin and tonic like a professional.

Armed with the know-how and your cocktail shaker it's time to experiment. With over 200 recipes there's a drink to suit any taste. Start the evening with a power Aperitif – from an Orange Daiquiri to a Gin Gimlet. Create an irresistible Champagne Cocktail from a Bellini to a James Bond and impress your guests with one of the Smashes such as a minty Mojito. For summer drinking there are long refreshing cocktails in highballs, Coolers and punches.

Including a fruity sea Breeze and a tantalizing Mai Tai. Sip and savour the modern classic cosmopolitan. Or shoot down an Alabama Slammer from the Slammers, Sippers and shooters. Round off meal with a soothing Old Fashioned or a Vodka Espresso from the collection of Digestifs.

With a cocktail recipe for every occasion, Ben's top tips and stuning photography by willian Lingwood. The Art of Cocktail is desined to become the home bartender's bible.

 

Ben Reed has mixed cocktails all the world, including stints in Hong Kong and south Africa. In 1997 he was named Cocktail Bartender of the Year in a competition sponsored by Absolut Vodka. Former bar manager of the fashionable Met Bar and woody's in London he now works as a bar consultant for IPBartenders. Ben has made several TV appearances and starred in series shaker Maker for the BBC.

His popular colmn 'Barfly' ran in The Times Magazine and he has been featured in a wide range of publications -including Vogue. Red and GQ. His first book, the phenomenally successful Coo/ Cocktails. Publlished by Ryland peters & Small, has been an international Best-seller, He is the author of The cocktail Hour. Martinis and most recently Margaritas. All from ryland Peters & Small.