The Cocktail Balance 2.0 by Stanislav Harciník

The Cocktail Balance 2.0: An In-Depth Guide for Bartenders

The Cocktail Balance 2.0 is the advanced sequel to the original guide, crafted for both experienced bartenders and eager novices ready to immerse themselves in the art of mixology. This edition delves deeper into the intricacies of bartending, offering a meticulous blend of theory, practice, and inspiration.

Divided into three sections—theoretical, practical, and inspirational—the book provides in-depth knowledge on various aspects of bartending. The theoretical section includes detailed Excel sheets covering margins, cocktail costs, inventory management, and profitability, giving insights into the financial aspects of bartending. It also delves into advanced mixology techniques such as carbonation, clarification, and the use of enzymes, which have recently become more popular in bars.

The practical section features 15 key ingredients (plus one bonus), each with three component recipes and two cocktail recipes—a twisted classic and a signature cocktail. This results in a total of 45 component recipes and 30 cocktail recipes, showcasing innovative uses of ingredients like stinging nettle, pine tree, gooseberries, and black rice. The book emphasizes sustainability, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency in cocktail creation.

The inspirational section, "The Legacy of Slovak Bartending," highlights the contributions of Slovak bartenders who have made a significant impact worldwide, such as Stanislav Vadrna, Martin Siska, Rastislav Kasar, and Marika Debnarova. These professionals share their philosophies and messages, offering inspiration to bartenders globally.

Additionally, the book includes comprehensive notes with foundational recipes, manuals, and detailed descriptions to support the more complex processes discussed. Essential recipes from the first book are also revisited, making "The Cocktail Balance 2.0" a valuable resource for anyone looking to elevate their bartending skills and knowledge.