Authoritative, fascinating, and lavish.
Feature image credit: Murdoch Books
Michael Madrusan is something of an icon in Australian classy boozing circles. Founder of The Everleigh in Fitzroy, and Bar Margaux amongst others, Madrusan likely knows more about mixology than anybody else in Australia (and possibly world-wide). Zara Madrusan is Michael’s partner in business and life, and has a background in performing arts and events. Together they are a formidable duo.
When Everleigh was going strong, there was an ever-evolving book which lived under the bar: a sort of Bible of cocktails and drinking lore. It is this well-thumbed document which has been crushed with some ice and a sprig of mint to become The Madrusan Cocktail Companion.
After Michael’s introduction (which includes a very helpful anatomy of his recipe structure), he goes on to give a guide to bartending. Cleary aimed more at the professional, this includes such wisdom as ‘service should always be attentive, but never obtrusive.’ Next he outlines The Bartender’s Choice service style, which is a series of questions designed to deliver a suitable drink to a customer who has asked the bartender to make his/her own choice. As he says, this is also a useful system to try on oneself, for those ‘I feel like something but I’m not sure what’ moments! The next few sections delve into such matters as: Tools; Ice; Methodology, Technique & Terminology; Spirits, Liqueurs & Modifiers; and Glassware & Garnishing.
The bulk of the book is devoted to recipes, and is divided into sections based on what the Madrusans refer to as ‘the branches’; that is, the specific types of cocktails, of which there are really only a handful. These include: Collins; Cup & Punch; Sour; Fizz; Cobbler; and (of course!) Martini. Each section opens with an explanation of the basis of this branch, including fascinating history and lore. It then gives the ‘essential variations’ before going on to list many more variations. In turn, these are each clustered around the focus alcohol such as gin, vodka, or whiskey. Each recipe includes an attribution or source, and if known, the name of the bartender who developed it.
Essentially a reference work, this massive tome contains a resource/citation list, and a comprehensive index. But fear not: This is also a great read, full of fascinating stories of bartenders, bars, and the people who frequent them. Illustrations throughout are clear, colourful, and a good size.
The Madrusan Cocktail Companion is a wonderful addition to the library of anyone keen on hosting and/or drinking, or anyone generally interested in food and beverage. It is also undoubtedly going to become THE set text for any bartending, mixology, or general hospitality course.
An absolute banger of a Christmas present for the host/mixologist/lush in your life!!
Distributed by: Murdoch Books
Released: September 2025
RRP: $69.99
Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
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