The epitome of glamour and sophistication, the cocktail has withstood the test of time, dating back over a century and surviving depression, war revolution and prohibition to bring elegance and excitement to any occasion. "The Cocktail Hour" celebrates those irresistible concoctions that have graced the world's best bars for decades, providing the inspiration you need to create fabulous cocktails at home. Award-winning bartender and best-selling author Ben Reed brings you an indispensable collection of recipes, from the delectable Vodkatini to a mouth-watering Bellini. He also gives you the know-how to make the perfect cocktail - learn how to muddle, layer and build. Impress your guests with a tray of ice-cold Margaritas or beat that hangover with a spicy Bloody Mary. With over 50 easy-to-use-recipes, captured in dazzling photography by William Lingwood, "The Cocktail Hour" is the perfect home bar companion.

Author Biography

Ben Reed has mixed cocktails all over the world. In 1997 he was named Cocktail Bartender of the Year. Former bar manager of the Met Bar and Woody's in London he was then appointed Executive Director of IPBartenders and is now a freelance consultant working with premium brands and top bars and hotels. Ben has made many TV appearances. His column 'Barfly' ran in The Times Magazine and he has been in a wide range of publications, including Vogue, Red and GQ. His previous books include The Art of the Cocktail and Cool Cocktails, both published by Ryland Peters & Small.