t seems the team at 1806 are so dedicated to the art of the cocktail that they’ve decided to follow up their award-winning cocktail menu with a book.

More than just another recipe book, this is a fun (and as we discovered a somewhat intoxicating) historical journey, as seen through the bottom of a glass. With the bar named after the year the word ‘cocktail’ was coined, the guys at 1806 have stayed true to their theme, creating a series of essays in which the relationship between a world event and the evolution of mixed drinks is explored in depth.

Beginning with the American Revolution and the classic Mint Julip, the Prohibition era, to the modern day Sex and the City era of the Cosmo and beyond, this is a fascinating look at our need to shake off a hard day’s work and unwind with a stiff drink. Who knew Tom Collins wasn’t a real person and that the Mojito has been around for over a 100 years?

For those who aren’t history buffs, each of the six chapters is accompanied by a drinks list from the respective historical period. If that’s not enough, 1806 owner Lisa Kelly’s hand drawn illustrations along with Nick Reed’s insights should inspire the reader to dust off the cocktail shaker or fire up the blender.

We’ve been told that the research for the book took months of hard work and dedication and taste testing for each of the recipes.

Should customers wish to ‘try before they buy’, the book is also the basis for the new cocktail menu at 1806. There’s also a three-day intensive Essential Cocktail making course for those wanting to host cocktail parties at home. Sign us up.

The 1806 cocktail book is available at the bar, all good book stores and online at: 1806.com.au