Boozy Beach Reads

The unofficial start of summer is just two weeks away. As you begin buying hot-weather provisions, put these new spirited books on your list along with sunscreen, bathing suits, and flip-flops. Not only will you enjoy reading them during your travels, but they are also great gifts for hosts. 

The Art of Fermentation ($40) by Sandor Ellix Katz
While it's not legal to produce spirits at home, Sandor Ellix Katz's guide will teach you how to create pretty much every other fermented thing, from yogurt to ginger beer. It includes a foreword by Michael Pollan as well.

Gaz Regan's Annual Manual for Bartenders, 2012 ($22) and 101 Best New Cocktails: 2012 by Gary Regan

Liquor.com advisory board member Gary Regan has been hard at work on not one but two volumes. Serious about mixology? Pick up his updated Annual Manual for Bartenders now and add his 101 Best New Cocktails to your library in June.

Restaurant Man ($28) by Joe Bastianich
If you've ever been curious about what goes on behind the scenes at the country's top establishments or dreamed of opening one yourself, read Joe Bastianich's Restaurant Man. Part memoir and part instruction manual, the tome from Mario Batali's business partner reveals what it really takes to succeed in the food-and-drink industry.

Check out our complete guide for more great summer books.

This article was originally published at Beach Reads: 2012. For more stories like this, subscribe to Liquor.com for the best of all things cocktails and spirits.