Book excerpt: Anthony Dias Blue, America's foremost expert on wines and spirits, has written the definitive American book on cocktails. In this huge and comprehensive volume, Blue tells us everything: how to stock a bar, listing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages by probable frequency of use (you must have bourbon on hand but coffee liqueur is only "sometimes required"); bar and cocktail definitions (learn the difference between a julep and a smash, a toddy and a flip); calorie charts, mixology tips, and an illustrated description of glasses. Organized by spirit, each chapter -- about vodka, scotch, gin, brandy, aquavit, and every other wine and spirit -- is introduced by an accessible and eloquent essay. The characteristics that define and create particular spirits are lovingly described so the reader is drawn into an appreciation of those qualities that make the spirits interesting and delicious. The spirits are the foundation, but the drinks are central to this book. More than 1,000 "recipes" for cocktails are here: Classics, Creative Concoctions, Signature Drinks, Tropical Drinks -- everything from the popular Martini and Coco Loco to Trader Vic's West Indian Punch, Midori Sour, and a Velvet Hammer. Teetotalers can enjoy a Black Cow (made with root beer), or a Big Banana, fruit smoothies, and lots more.