Mittie Hellmich The Ultimate Bar Book

Last updated: April 11, 2022


This attractive hardcover book offers 1,000+ recipes and mixing guides, plus historical information, basic information on how to set up your bar, the right glasses for each drink and much more. Easy-to-follow directions make this a great tool for any setup.

We looked at the top Mixology Books and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Mixology Book you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: With its easy-to-follow directions and classic appeal, this mixology book is a must-have for beginning bartenders.

In our analysis of 19 expert reviews, the Mittie Hellmich The Ultimate Bar Book placed 1st when we looked at the top 6 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

The cocktail book for your home: The Ultimate Bar Book is an indispensable guide to classic cocktails and new drink recipes. Loaded with essential-to-know topics such as barware, tools, and mixing tips. Classic cocktails and new drinks: As the mistress of mixology, the author Mittie Hellmich has the classics down for the Martini, the Bloody Mary—and the many variations such as the Dirty Martini and the Virgin Mary. And then there are all the creative new elixirs the author brings to the table, like the Tasmanian Twister Cocktail or the Citron Sparkler. Illustrated secrets of classic cocktails and more: Illustrations show precisely what type of glass should be used for each drink. With dozens of recipes for garnishes, rims, infusions, and syrups; punches, gelatin shooters, hot drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages; and let’s not forget an essential selection of hangover remedies, The Ultimate Bar Book is nothing short of top-shelf.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

A great starter guide to the art of drink-mixing, and it gives fully detailed, user-friendly descriptions of each recipe.
Extremely useful book for a beginner bartender or someone who is trying to advance their knowledge about the science of spirits. I picked up a load of useful information, cocktail recipes, history, and so much more.
Features a number of high-quality illustrations that make it an easier and more enjoyable read. If you're looking for a solid, all-around book on bartending and drink recipes, this is a great choice.
At nearly 500 pages, the Ultimate Bar Book is, nonetheless, compact and eminently practical. It's a book that obviously meant to be used, as opposed to just being stashed away on a shelf. Even the semi-glossy pages seem to be designed to minimize spill damage.

What reviewers didn't like

I wish the background commentary on each type of alcohol had been a little more extensive (I was looking for a cover-to-cover book) but I still enjoyed it.
View our Mixology Book buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

From our partners