tkd7

eje, I just started through this thread and it is amazaing. Keep up the great writing!

One book I haven't seen mentioned is Cocktails in New York. It is obviously New York centric, but I've found that it is a great mix of proven classics and creative mixes. Each recipe is linked to a NYC establishment, which makes it as much a bar guide as a cocktail book. Peppered throughout are short historical essays on the cocktail and info on spirits and the like. I've found it to be a book I can leaf through and read, not just a destination for a cocktail recipe. I definitely suggest it for those in the NY area. It is a few years old, so you can likely find it at a deep discount.

I just made a reservation there for a Saturday in December. Any impressions, now that the restaurant has been open for a few months?

Has anyone tried Bluecoat yet? I will be in Philadelphia in a couple of weeks and any ideas on where to pick up a bottle will be greatly appreciated.

I'll agree as well, the Manhattan is my standby cocktail. I always use Van Winkle rye and brandied cherries are a must. I've started using Punt e Mes vermouth as well, but its not necessarily the required vermouth for me.

My list would look similar to yours, although I would not include bitters as a bottle since it is so inexpensive. I would replace bitters with Cognac and would be tempted to replace bourbon with Scotch