The Perfect Cocktail: From Craft to Artwork

In his new book, Stephan Hinz dedicates himself to the big and small things that make the perfect cocktail. In addition to essential knowledge about ingredients, techniques, and bar tools, he also explores often-overlooked aspects such as the right glass, the appropriate ice, and the hidden principles of composition that underlie every cocktail. Hinz demonstrates that even nuances like the amount of meltwater or the choice of garnish can significantly influence our perception. He delves into how and what we taste and which factors play a role in transforming a mere taste impression into an unforgettable experience.

To this end, Hinz goes far beyond the boundaries of the classic bar: he explains how cutting-edge equipment like rotary evaporators or dehydrators can be used for beverages and experiments with unusual presentation forms and textures. Along the way, he expands the flavor spectrum of his cocktails with ingredients like porcini mushrooms, rowan berries, or Parmesan, offering a glimpse of what the bar of the future could look like. In a dedicated chapter, Hinz addresses the question of how modern bar operations can be made more sustainable and presents ways to save resources and reduce food waste.

A journey through the history of bar culture, along with historical anecdotes about the creation of the most important drinks and over 400 recipes from classics to extravagant avant-garde cocktails, rounds out the book. Hinz guides readers from essential foundational knowledge to the latest innovations in contemporary bar culture, making this book a modern standard work for hobby mixers and bar professionals.

Cocktail Art - The Future of the Bar was first published in 2014. The book has won awards and has been translated multiple times. This new edition has been completely revised and updated.