Gift Idea: Barkeep 2: The Art of Mixology, Bar & Cocktails Book

Danilo Božović Managing Partner of Swizzle Rum Bar and Drinkery Miami and bar industry veteran’s book Barkeep 2: The Art of Mixology, Bar & Cocktails makes the perfect gift.

Božović has been a bartender at some of the country’s most awarded bars for over two decades. In addition, his work as a beverage consultant has taken him around the world, where he developed a deep knowledge of international spirits and global trends. Get ready for lessons on unique global spirits like Slivovitz, Clairin, Singani, and Mastiha, together with sections on Caribbean and Latin spirit offerings informed by Božović’s creation of Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery, signature cocktails from the bar, and cocktails he encountered on his travels.

The second edition of Barkeep offers updates and insights on mixology, cocktails, craft techniques, classic and contemporary recipes, food, wine, cigars, and easy-to-make ingredients at home.

We Ask Danilo to tell us more about his book:

Tell us something about you in the spirits industry that most people don’t know. What are some important lessons you’ve learned behind the bar?

Being a writer, I love to read books all the time—especially books about mindfulness and cocktails, of course. I’m sure that people would assume that about me, so that’s nothing too much new. I’d say that I’m a fan of UFC; probably not many people know that. I also very much respect and like to watch Canelos and Fury fights. It’s not just the fights, but I also analyze their psychological state. It’s fascinating to me, and I genuinely have the utmost respect for these two individuals.

Talk to us about what inspired you to write your book.

When I was starting to be a bartender, there wasn’t a lot of material available for me to learn from; I would have friends from the U.S. send me CDs and any book I could learn from. Usually, the books in Serbia were mostly Cocktail books or books just focusing on cocktails. It was as tough to find a mentor since experienced bartenders weren’t sharing much information or knowledge. Since it was hard for me as a young bartender to develop myself, I told myself a long time ago that I would do my best to help anyone starting to bartend or, as the book has evolved into anyone looking to learn anything from our cocktail world. The Barkeep book is dedicated to that young me or anyone else in that situation.

Talk to us about Barkeep 2.

The goal with Barkeep 2 was to be as comprehensive and knowledge-giving as possible. Not only does it possess cocktail recipes, but what I’m genuinely proud of is that it goes so much more into the depth of our craft, how to move behind the bar, how to create Cocktails, what to do when you open your bar, it talks about coffee, tea, cigars, wine, it possesses a food lexicon, the history of bartending and so much more. It has everything one would need or wants to read when we talk about our world of mixology and cocktails.

Tell us about Barkeep 1.

Barkeep one was released in 2016. It was done in-depth with the knowledge from our craft. Since then, I have changed as a person and as a bartender and have noticed things that I would like to say more in there for the second book was released. It’s nominated for a James Beard Award, which, to be honest, is my biggest dream to receive.

What should bartenders expect to learn from reading your books?

After reading so many Cocktail books, I wanted to give the world a slightly more different book. It possesses cocktails, but cocktails are not the emphasis of the book. Our craft, the history behind it, the psychological aspect of hospitality and bartending, and the approach towards that craft is what I’m genuinely proud of, Barkeep. I am a very critical person, and it brings me nothing but joy to say that I couldn’t be prouder of Barkeep Book.

Who would you say are your biggest influences in bartending world?

Definitely Dushan Zarić, Dale DeGroff and Igor Hadzismajlovic. I cannot say enough great words about these three individuals. They are the geniuses of our time, and because of the inspiration and respect I had for these individuals, I left my hometown of Belgrade, Serbia, and came to New York to work for Employees Only and Macao Trading Company. Even though you start from the bottom as a stocker and or bar back apprentice at Employees Only, it was nothing but an honor to be there and learn from these two individuals, Dushan and Igor. Also, Gilda Groff was an inspiration for me since I probably took the most from his books than any other cocktail book around 2006.

Barkeep: The Art of Mixology, Bar & Cocktails will be available on Amazon.

For more Gift ideas visit Chilled Magazine’s Annual Holiday Gift Guide.