I have (virtually) spilled a lot of (virtual) ink expounding on the joys and the variegated forms of mixed drinks. Of course, combining ethanol and sugar-water is my hobby, and I don’t much tire of it, but people often ask me, Joe, how do I make the basics?

The basics of mixology are very simple. With a few simple tools, techniques, and ratios, you, too, can dodge social obligations at parties by nerding out about booze.

The drink recipes in the following sections are meant to form a core of essential knowledge, but they are by no means exhaustive, and they are not intended to be.

You can make a drink out of almost anything if you follow a few classic ratios

• Equipment and Technique
• How to Stock a Bar
• Sours
• Aromatic Drinks
• Highballs
• Hot Drinks
• Fruit, Eggs, and Dairy
• Syrups and Infusions
• Garnishes
• Tiki
• Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide helps you take your cocktail game to the next level, whatever that level might be.

Cheers.