8 New Cocktails Books Reshaping Mixology in 2025

The latest insights in cocktail culture come alive in this inventive collection that blends fantasy storytelling with mixology. Pop Press offers 60 recipes inspired by romantasy novels, linking flavors like spicy Vampiro and creamy Empyrean Espresso Martini to beloved characters and themes. You’ll discover how to craft drinks that not only taste great but also capture the essence of elven warriors, vampires, and other fantastical beings, making your reading sessions richer and more immersive. This book suits both romantasy fans eager to deepen their engagement and cocktail enthusiasts looking to explore thematic drink-making. If you're seeking a fresh way to connect narrative and flavor, this book offers a playful yet thoughtful approach.

Drawing from their collaboration with BioWare, Cassandra Reeder and Jim Festante deliver a cocktail book that merges mixology with immersive storytelling. You get more than just recipes; the book offers detailed guides to crafting drinks inspired by iconic characters and locations from the Mass Effect universe, like the Afterlife Club and Dark Star Lounge. You’ll find over 70 cocktails ranging from casual crew favorites to elegant after-dinner options, complete with tips for non-alcoholic alternatives. If you enjoy both gaming lore and creative cocktails, this book brings a unique, interactive experience that’s as much about atmosphere as it is about technique.

This tailored book explores the groundbreaking developments and emerging trends shaping cocktail mixology in 2025. It covers innovative recipes, novel ingredient combinations, and the latest techniques that are redefining how cocktails are crafted and experienced. By focusing on your interests and background, this personalized guide examines cutting-edge discoveries and evolving flavor profiles to inspire your creativity behind the bar. Whether you seek modern twists on classics or entirely new concoctions, it provides a deep dive into the freshest mixology insights that match your taste and goals. The book’s tailored approach brings the newest cocktail knowledge directly to your fingertips, making your exploration both relevant and engaging.

Drawing from their experience as hosts of the Criminalia podcast, Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi have crafted a cocktail book unlike any other, blending historical crime tales with inventive drink recipes. You’ll explore drinks inspired by notorious yet overlooked criminals, each paired with stories that bring a darker edge to your cocktail hour. The book offers more than just recipes — it’s a playful dive into history’s strangest villains, perfect if you enjoy mixing your interest in true crime with creative mixology. Chapters feature unique pairings like a fiery jalapeño cocktail matched with a cunning murderess, giving you a fresh way to entertain and impress.

Drawing from a deep appreciation of video game culture, Elias Eells and Solji Lee crafted this book to bridge gaming and mixology in a fresh way. You’ll find 75 cocktail and mocktail recipes inspired by iconic games like Portal, Elden Ring, and Super Smash Bros, designed to be approachable without requiring rare ingredients. Each recipe offers playful nods to characters and game mechanics, with chapters providing clear tutorials on equipment and components to level up your home bartending skills. If you’re a gamer looking to add a thematic twist to your game nights or a casual mixologist wanting fun, accessible recipes, this book delivers an enjoyable and engaging experience.

The research was clear: traditional cocktail books rarely capture the immersive experience of fantasy role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. Andrew Wheeler, collaborating under the Official Dungeons & Dragons license, developed this collection to bridge that gap, offering 75 themed recipes inspired by iconic in-game taverns and characters. You'll find everything from adventurous cocktails like Necromancer to nonalcoholic options such as Baldurian Tonic, each recipe accompanied by lore that pulls you directly into the D&D universe. This book suits anyone looking to elevate their game nights with creative drinks and snacks that reflect the spirit of the campaign, blending mixology with storytelling in a way few other cocktail books attempt.

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of mixology as it stands in 2025, focusing on emerging trends and innovative cocktail techniques that match your interests and background. It examines the latest discoveries in flavor combinations, preparation methods, and presentation styles, all tailored to address your specific goals and creativity. By delving into cutting-edge insights, the book reveals how to keep your cocktail skills fresh and forward-thinking. The personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with topics that matter most to you, making this an engaging guide to mastering next-generation mixology.

When Welbeck first realized the emotional resonance between Taylor Swift's lyrics and cocktail culture, they crafted a unique approach that blends music fandom with mixology. This book offers you 65 inventive cocktails, each linked to a Taylor Swift song, encouraging you to explore flavor combinations inspired by her albums. Beyond recipes like the "Lemon Drop on My Guitar" or "ME!jito," you gain insights into setting up a home bar and mastering the art of cocktail presentation. If you enjoy creative, themed drinks and have a taste for pop culture, this book provides a playful, refreshing way to unwind and entertain with flair.

Drawing from her extensive experience as a self-taught cocktail creator and social media drinks specialist, Julianna McIntosh has crafted a collection that goes beyond basic recipes to teach you how to elevate your home bartending. You’ll learn not only diverse recipes—from tequila mango refreshers to low-ABV spicy fizzes and booze-free punches—but also techniques like creating floral ice cubes and dehydrated citrus garnishes that add visual and flavor complexity. This book suits anyone looking to bring sophistication and creativity to casual gatherings or personal indulgence, offering inspiration for every mood and occasion. It’s less about rigid mixology rules and more about making stylish drinks approachable and fun for you at home.

While working as a cocktail enthusiast and vintage culture buff, Shelly Slipsmith teamed up with 50s Vintage Dame to capture the vibrant world of tiki drinks in this book. You get access to over 180 recipes that span classic rum concoctions like the Mai Tai and the Zombie, alongside lesser-known tropical cocktails such as the Trotsky and the Woodpecker. The book also dives into details about glassware and garnishes, adding depth to your mixology skills. Whether you want to impress guests or simply enjoy a liquid escape, this collection serves those looking to deepen their understanding of tiki-style cocktails and mid-century flair.