The delicious combinations of flavours, the ritual stirring and shaking, the exquisite presentation... cocktails are magical mixes that satisfy all the senses.

In American Bar, William Yeoward, renowned for his glamorous take on interior design and table settings, shares his passion for these drinks. Here, he visits five of his favorite bars and chooses cocktails from each to create a compendium of iconic and signature recipes by some of the world۪s most acclaimed bartenders. Added to these are their helpful tips, plus William۪s own thoughts on making cocktails and, importantly, how to present them. As someone who is not only passionate about cocktails but also about crystal, he has the perfect knowledge and eyeto advise and inspire. As William says, Cocktails come in such a huge variety that there۪s something for everyone and for every possible occasiona birthday celebration, an anniversary, a first date, the closure of a deal, or a surreptitious flirt. Or they can simply provide a relaxing stopat the end of the day.۪ These cocktails cover a wide range. Some are short, others are long, and a few contain no alcohol, but two things are common to all: they are deliciousand extremely glamorous.