Additional information
by Michael Madrusan (Author), Zara Madrusan (Author)
Nominated for the 2026 James Beard Award (Beverage with Recipes)
The most ambitious cocktail companion ever published: 2800+ of the world's greatest drinks curated by the best in the business
Expanded from an in-house manual conceived and curated by Michael as the go-to resource for teams at his acclaimed bars, and shared by the professional drinks community as a treasured educational resource, it includes more than 2800 drinks - tried, tested and updated for the modern palate.
Michael and Zara Madrusan draw on their own extensive library of books that date back to 1862 to present the stories behind the cocktail canon, alongside all the best variations, categorized by origin and by ingredient, and with an emphasis on readily available products and minimal preparation.
Whether it's every imaginable twist on the Martini in the past 100 years, Sours, Bucks and Flips for all tastes, or aperitivo-style and non-alcoholic options, every drink worth knowing about is here. Including an insider's guide to home bar excellence, and jovial toasts and quotes from history's most influential bartenders, The Madrusan Cocktail Companion is a spectacular compendium for the new age of drinking discernment.
Includes the origin and story behind the key cocktails, essential know-how for home bartenders, imperial and metric measurements, and stunning photography in a spectacular hardback package - complete with dual ribbons and sprayed edges.
US contributors include:
Sam Ross, Attaboy, NY
Jim Meehan, PDT, New York/Portland
Jeff Morganthaler, Pacific Standard, Portland
Ivy Mix, Leyenda, Brooklyn
Lynette Marrero, Speed Rack, US
Leo Robitschek, Nomad, NY
Alex Day, Death & Co. NY
Toby Cecchini, Creator of the Cosmopolitan/Long Island Bar, Brooklyn
Author Biography
Michael Madrusan is an Australian drinks educator and creative consultant, and one half of Bartender's Choice Consultancy. Michael built his reputation as the founder of world renowned Melbourne based venues including The Everleigh, Heartbreaker, Connie's Pizza and Bar Margaux, and pioneered both the packaged cocktail and clear ice movements back in 2015 with The Everleigh Bottling Co. and Navy Strength Ice Co. Across more than two decades, Michael has worked in some of the most revered bars in the world, including as a protege of the late Sasha Petraske at New York's Milk & Honey, Little Branch and PDT. Michael has been named #1 Most Influential Person by Australian Bartender Magazine and is an internationally respected industry leader and resource, regularly appearing at industry conferences and on spirits and cocktail judging panels. Michael owns one of the largest collections of classic cocktail books globally and is passionate about classic cocktails and their influence on the way we drink today.
Zara Madrusan is a writer and creative consultant, and one half of Bartender's Choice Consultancy. UK born and with a performing arts and production background, Zara has spearheaded the brand development and marketing of the duo's world renowned venues: The Everleigh, Heartbreaker, Connie's Pizza and Bar Margaux. Zara also co-founded premium packaged cocktail company, The Everleigh Bottling Co. and Australia's first hand-cut cocktail ice company, Navy Strength Ice Co. Together with Michael, Zara co-authored the couple's first book, A Spot at the Bar, in 2016 which continues to be a go-to resource for drinks enthusiasts and bar professionals almost a decade on. The pair are also responsible for multiple world-class venue openings, events and educational bar programs under Bartender's Choice Consultancy.
