This handbook is for those interested in mixing their own alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The book begins with a history of cocktails from America's prohibition period to their transformation into a chic, modern drink, and looks at famous cocktail bars today. It features the glasses, equipment, base spirits and mixers necessary to create a wide range of classic and unusual cocktails. There is also a short section of hangover cures and non-alcoholic cocktails. The selection of recipes includes all the classics plus more unusual and exotic concoctions, including hot and cold punches, shooters, shakers and flamers, liqueur coffees, ice-cream cocktails and non-alchoholic cocktails.