You’re no dummy for buying this book.

From the author and publisher of Bartending magazine, Ray Foley, comes this easy to use and irreplaceable book for beginners. Bartending for Dummies covers everything from how to choose just the right tools and equipment, to setting up your own home bar, to information on the most common liquors. To top it all off, Bartending for Dummies contains a straight alphabetical listing of over 1000 drink recipes, which are cross-indexed in the back of the book.

Being in the restaurant business myself for over 10 years and having trained many new employees, I know how intimidating even the most basic skills can be to someone new to the business. Ray Foley takes the time to start at the beginning and thoroughly cover everything. He covers the basic tools and glassware using clear headings, simple language and pictures to help explain what they are used for and why.

Once you are familiar with the tools of the trade, Ray Foley goes on to some of the basic skills, starting with how to cut fruit, then covering shaking drinks, opening wine and champagne bottles and finally ending with how to make simple syrup. Once again, Ray Foley uses simple step by step instructions and diagrams that will soon have you cutting fruit and opening bottles of wine with the speed and ease of a professional.

With the basic skills and techniques mastered you will be ready to start stocking your home bar, and yes, Bartending for Dummies talks about this as well. After offering advice on everything from the basic to the ultimate bar setup, Bartending for Dummies goes on to help you in planning your 1st party. Its easy to follow charts cover everything you will need to purchase from liquors to mixers to garnishes. Not only do they help you with what to buy the charts offer advice on how much to purchase.

I could continue singing the praises of the various topics Bartending for Dummies covers, but I will leave that for you to discover and I'm sure you will find this a must have resource for anyone interested in becoming a bartender or just interested in looking like one. I will, however, say that Bartending for Dummies contains one of the easiest to use drink recipe sections I have come across. Its nicely laid out, uncluttered look and good use of icons makes it easy to read and use while trying to mix drinks. A definite must have.