zoe’s writing
From the art and science of cocktails to the semiotics and culture of flavour, Zoe’s expertise is shared through her published writen works.
The Cocktail Cabinet: The art, science and pleasure of mixing the perfect drink
In 2022, Zoe published her debut cocktail book ‘The Cocktail Cabinet: The art, science and pleasure of mixing the perfect drink’.
The first part of the book offers tips, tricks and thoughts on the structure and flavour of cocktails, breaking down drinks into the five main tastes; sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savoury. It explores different techniques and explains why certain ingredients are often paired together. Taken as a whole, this advice helps the reader to further understand their own taste preferences and craft unique cocktails suited to their palette.
The second half of the book covers 80 iconic recipes, split into the following themes: champagne-based, stirred, bitter, sour and long. Each page includes the basic recipe using helpful illustrations to demonstrate the flavour profile. Zoe then offers additions and variations, or non-alcoholic alternatives, allowing endless enjoyment.
The book was published by Octopus Publishing Group and nominated for best new cocktail book at Tales of The Cocktail 2023 awards and has been translated into Spanish, Italian and Mandarin.
Flavourful, a substack by Zoe Burgess
Flavourful is Zoe’s Substack, which covers cocktail culture and the semiotics of flavour - how drinks communicate beyond taste. Her writing explores the iconography, structure, and evolution of cocktails, including alcohol-free ones, to unlock flavour innovation and is divided into the following headings:
Flavour Musings
Spotlighting a single ingredient, uncovering how and why it connects with consumers through sensory, social and cultural analysis. Zoe also features fellow flavour enthusiasts, discussing their favourite flavours and inspiration.
Statement Cocktails
An in-depth look at the semiotics of cocktails- what they represent and how they shape cocktail culture, influence trends, and impact consumer choices.
Perfect Pours
In Perfect Pours, Zoe investigates the structure of cocktails, examining their components and potential for creative evolutions. Zoe also delves into other liquids that play a role in the cocktail world, including low and no alcohol cocktails. Along the way, expect insights into the creative process.
I Fried My Brain
What is Flavour? How does the brain process it, and why do we crave the experience? In this series, Zoe analyses the science of flavour and the multi-sensory experience.
press & substack pieces
Browse the latest commentary and thoughts from Atelier Pip and Zoe Burgess.
