"A well-mixed cocktail is not simply a drink; it is a story in a glass. Which is why Brian D. Hoefling's "textbook" is a such pleasure to peruse. Hoefling has created a lively mixology history seminar as well as an instructional course; he stirs together legends, facts, and personal observations along with the techniques for making classic and overlooked cocktails - the Mint Julep, Ramos Gin Fizz, Sidecar, just to name a few. This is a master class in shake, stir, and spin for the home bartender." --Stephanie Schorow, author of Drinking Boston: A History of the City and its Spirits -- " The Cocktail Seminars is a valuable resource that breaks down cocktails into classifications as to why they work as opposed to merely a collection of recipes left for the reader to interpret. Brian is constantly drawing references to previous drinks in the book to compare, contrast, and build on the concepts. The interconnection between drinks crosses styles such that a 19th century classic, for example, will explain why a Tiki drink works so well.

Moreover, as an advanced cocktailian, this book had me rethinking and fine-tuning my thoughts on drinks, so this is not just a beginner's course. Bravo!" -- Frederic Yarm , author of Drink & Tell: A Boston Cocktail Book and Boston Cocktails: Drunk & Told , and the Cocktail Virgin blog -- "Hoefling's latest book is the culmination of a years-long pursuit ignited by his college classmates' plea to help them navigate the world of classic drinks. Navigate he does. His unique philosophy departs from the "template" approach to mixology, using simple diagrams to illustrate how the components and techniques of a particular cocktail transform the canvas of a base spirit into a painting. And Hoefling deftly weaves the vital history of the cocktail into each chapter." -- Lauren Clark , author of Crafty Bastards: Beer in New England from the Mayflower to Modern Day --.