The best cookbooks and cocktail books to give to your favourite foodies this Christmas

For all of the foodies on your list, nothing beats a gorgeous cookbook. We've rounded up our favourite cookbooks that would make the perfect gift for any gourmand. 

101 Champagnes and Other Sparkling Wines to Try Before You Die by Davy Zyw
We love champagne (who doesn't?!) and with the festive season upon us, the bubbles are flowing freely.  Everyone has their favourites (my go to is always Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label, a rich, fruity and toasty Champagne, which makes the list (p.134), but it's always nice to branch out from what you know to try something new and unexpected.  Compiled by Davy Zyw, one of the UK's experts in sparkling wine, you can rest assured that this man knows his fizz.

The book is broken down into useful sections such as origins, glassware, pairing with food, fun facts (such as up until a couple of years ago London drank more champagne than the entire United States) and of course the list of the Davy's 101 top picks, which includes 51 champagnes and 50 sparkling wines.  This book is a great reference guide for when you're hosting your next dinner party or selecting a special bottle of fizz to give as a gift.
101 Champagnes and Other Sparkling Wines to Try Before You Die by Davy Zyw is published by Birlinn Limited. Available at Amazon.co.uk for £12.29 (hardcover).

Season: Big Flavours, Beautiful Food by Nik Sharma

Written by food blogger and acclaimed photographer Nik Sharma, this cookbook is inspired by his time growing up in Bombay, India, as well as his time spent living in America. 

Throughout the book the moody photos with their predominantly black backgrounds, highlight the beauty of each dish and draw you in.

Nik's inventive recipes often take a simple dish and elevate it by adding his own unique twist. For example, Sweet Potato Fries drizzled with Basil Yogurt Sauce or Chicken Soup with Omani Limes.  Packed with 100 recipes and 270 photographs, it is certain to be treasured by those who love injecting surprising flavours into traditional dishes.

Season: Big Flavours, Beautiful Food by Nik Sharma is published by Chronicle Books LLC. Available from Amazon.co.uk for £25.00 (hardcover).

The Cook's Atelier: Recipes, Techniques, and Stories from Our French Cooking School by Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini

This cookbook by mother and daughter American expats Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith shares their story of their life in Burgundy where they founded The Cook's Atelier, a French cooking school.

Featuring 100 market-inspired recipes and classic French cooking techniques, this cookbook is a must for any Francophile.

This weighty book (coming in at an impressive 400 pages) is beautifully written and immediately transports you to France with the vivid description of their school, "Inside sounds of old-time French jazz floats through the air and an aroma of baking madeleines wafts down from the kitchen above. Clanks of pots and pans and the rythmic chop-chopping of knives on wooden cutting boards blend with the whir of grinding coffee beans and the hiss of the vintage Italian espresso machine."

The book is broken into easy-to-follow sections including: tools of the trade, cook's larder, and of course, lots of fabulous recipes (100 to be exact)! Throughout the book the stunning images (300 cracking photos)  help to set the scene. We loved how they shared their family tales (and photos of their gorgeous clan) detailing their day-to-day foodie activities. They also share insights about French culture and Burgundy, so the reader comes away with a better understanding of the region. 

While French cuisine can often be thought of as complex or too fussy for the average home cook to attempt, the recipes within the book are approachable and family friendly.  We're sold.

The Cook's Atelier: Recipes, Techniques, and Stories from Our French Cooking School by Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini is published by Abrams. Available from Amazon.co.uk for £21.56 (hardcover).
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Jakarta Bites: Exploring Vibrant Street Food from the Heart of Indonesia by Petty Elliott

Recently named 'Winner' at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, this cookbook is inspired by Jakarta's street food scene.

Written by food writer Petty Elliott, who was inspired by her time spent living in Jakarta, The recipes feature authentic Indonesian recipes with a modern twist, all of which are relatively easy to prepare.

From Roasted Chicken, Jakarta Style to Fish Fillet with Turmeric and Chilli Sauce to West Sumatera Dried Beef Curry, the wealth of recipes will get your mouth watering, while introducing your taste buds to a taste of Jakarta without having to to make the trip.

​Petty Elliott will be bringing Jakarta's street food culture to the UK in 2019 as part of the spotlight on Indonesia at The London Book Fair.

Jakarta Bites: Exploring Vibrant Street Food from the Heart of Indonesia by Petty Elliott is available from Amazon.co.uk for £20.22 (hardcover). 

​Ashley Miln