This one is great because it groups drinks together that have similar structure or ingredients. That's helpful when trying to build a framework of learning about cocktails

A great survey of the history of punch, which is one of two major ancestors of the cocktail.

Imbibe! will teach you all about the origins of the American cocktail.

First cocktail book I got and it's a great snapshot of the cocktail renaissance of the late '90s/2000s as well as recipes for classics

A great history book that uses ten different rum drinks as a way of conveying centuries of colonialism and drinking culture.

A useful reference about many early twentieth-century cocktails.

An entertaining modern book about eighteenth-century and early Republic drinking in the U.S.

A very effective reference book that compiles recipes from various household companions and cookery books of the colonial and pre-Civil War periods.

A clear, concise book that attempts to give shape to the arc of cocktail history.

Bartender and drinks expert Caiafa provides a well-researched book with updated recipes.

Modern cocktail writer Simonson tells you everything you ever wanted to know about the Martini.