Complete Cocktails 

One of our favourite bartenders, the legendary Sebastian Reaburn from 1806 (home of the recently-voted Best Cocktail List in the World), has just published his first book: Complete Cocktails – and not a moment too soon.

Its 64 pages might not seem like much alongside the plethora of weighty cocktail tomes on the market, but this book is incredibly practical and contains precisely what you do need – and very little of what you don’t. It’s clean and straightforward but it’s also inspired, entertaining and educational. As Seb himself says, “it’s one for the bar fridge, not the coffee table.” So remember, if it doesn’t end up stained with spirits and fruit juices, you’re doing both yourself and the book a great disservice. But any book that kicks off by talking you through how to make a Tom Collins to drink while you continue reading isn’t likely to cause too much hesitation in that department.

With sections broken down into different spirits and even different weather conditions, it’s incredibly easy to navigate your way around. An enjoyable start-to-finish read, it’s also tailor-made for dipping into at will depending upon the ingredients you have at hand.

Most importantly, it works. Along with a bundled DVD - in which Seb takes you through early and modern cocktails, key skills and home bar essentials - it’ll give you the confidence to be glad you brought your friends back to your place. But whether you keep it as your little secret, or proudly spread the gospel of Reaburn, Complete Cocktails will prove truly indispensable to the aspiring home bartender – and is surely set to become a standard reference work.

Priced at $24.95, the Complete Cocktails book and DVD set is published by Hinkler and available now from leading bookstores and, of course, from 1806 cocktail bar, 169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, Tel: 03 9663 7722.

Read our full investigation HERE.