A book that never stays in one place.

For 18 years, it has been travelling the world from bar to bar, from hand to hand and from one bartender to another. It contains more than just recipes, signatures and memories. Above all, it features people, their stories, friendships and a passion for a craft that has the power to bring the world together.

Alex Kratena

The book is currently in the hands of a world-renowned Czech barman, mixologist and entrepreneur who has played a pivotal role in shaping modern bar culture. He was born in the Czech Republic, but achieved worldwide success and fame in London ...

Idea

The idea for The Bartenders Travelling Book was born out of my deep and enduring love for the craft of bartending, its history and, above all, the people who have dedicated their lives to it.

The plan was simple. To create a unique book from handmade paper, bind it in genuine leather and send it out into the world. Without a set plan. Without knowing for certain how far it would travel. Simply with the belief that there would be people who would contribute something of themselves to it.

The Travelling Bartender’s Book has been travelling the world for 18 years now. Its pages are gradually being filled by people who become part of its story. A story that has yet to reach its final chapter…

Facts about the book

The book comprises 333 pages of handmade paper sourced from the oldest paper mill in Europe (Velké Losiny). It features a masterfully crafted binding from the workshop of the renowned master Jiří Fogl.

It was christened with what was at the time the world’s most expensive cocktail (the Manhattan Exclusive) at Bugsy’s Bar in Prague, from where it set off on its journey around the world.

The project also received unique artistic support. The Czech-American musician and Grammy winner Ondřej Pivec lent the book his composition ‘Don’t Get Ideas’.

The book is now regarded as a sacred object and connects top bartenders across all continents. The American magazine Punch aptly described it as the “Boomerang Book”.

Mission

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AUTHORS ..

Alex Kratena

Simone Caporale

Serhan Kusaksizoglu - Papa Charly

Photos from the trip

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Contact

[email protected]

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Support her journey.
Your contribution helps the project to continue, to share the story with other bartenders and lovers of bar culture, and to preserve a unique record of the people, places and times the book encounters along the way. Be part of this journey.

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