Cocktail books are like Muppets or Fraggles: some are clearly better than others, none of them are truly terrible and everyone has a favorite. With this in mind, cocktail books can become a point of contention. Who’s to say which one is best (only Kingsley Amis, really)?

The one that I’ve been using for this column is American Bar by Charles Schumann, and a few other recipes here and there that I glean from area bars and of course, recommendations. Grab a cocktail book while you hang out at the pool this summer, and by fall you will be able to impress your friends with your new knowledge and get tipsy in the process. And when it comes to cocktails everyone’s got an opinion; books are no exception. If you’re fond of a book that a.) isn’t produced by a company that ever made a “_____ for dummies” book and b.) doesn’t say the words “TGI Fridays”, “Applebee’s”, or “Ruby Tuesday” in the title, leave it as a comment below.

The Craft of the Cocktail, by Dale DeGroff

Any book can list a Martini recipe and call itself a cocktail book, but what about the history behind the Martini? DeGroff’s book is a good read because it delves deeper into drinks and doesn’t merely scratch the surface and call it a day. It also has useful tips on crafting your beverage.

The Joy of Mixology, Gary Regan

This book bridges the gap between sensual mixologist and raging nerd, as it not only describes cocktail recipes in depth (though this is in the last quarter of the book, to give you an idea) but Regan is painfully thorough in his history of the cocktail and explanations of what makes the best cocktail work and how to be a good bartender. My favorite part of this book is his chart explaining cocktail “families” – how cocktails and alcohol are related to each other. It’s a family history messier than the British royal family, and it makes you think about drinks in a completely different way.

Imbibe!: From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash, a Salute in Stories and Drinks to “Professor” Jerry Thomas, Pioneer of the American Bar, by David Wondrich

This one comes from the cofounder of the Museum of the American Cocktail, and delves into the life and work of Jerry Thomas. Thomas’ 1862 book, The Bartender’s Guide, became the first collection of cocktail recipes ever created. Wondrich’s book contains many of the original recipes featured in The Bartender’s Guide with some updates for the 21st century, plus stories and anecdotes. This is a fascinating look at the history of cocktails and bartending.

The Bartender’s Guide, Jerry Thomas

Can’t feature the book about The Bartender’s Guide without featuring the guide itself, now can I? This book isn’t as accessible as some of the others, but it’s a good read and interesting look at the history of cocktails from the book that defined it all.

The Savoy Cocktail Book, Henry Craddock

This one oozes style and 1930’s glamor. If you’re looking for a book that blends the history of the Savoy with the brazen opulence of The Great Gatsby and some cocktail recipes thrown in for good measure, here’s your book.