> once you pick a starting point, you can just incrementally explore the graph without having to buy a pile of ingredients.
That's exactly what I was picturing so thanks for the tips. Especially your intro steps and the coverage points. I specifically want to be able to make cocktails for friends at regular hangouts or as a fun activity at get-togethers/parties, so having good coverage is an especially important goal for me. I feel motivated to give it a shot now; I think I'll try Death & Co since a past coworker got into that, or just look around and see what's popular these days.
One more follow-up question, after getting some experience with cocktails, have you been able to replicate cocktails you try at bars? That's another skill I'd enjoy having because I really enjoy most craft cocktails at bars, but I draw complete blanks when I try making my own recipes at home (unsurprising since I haven't really gotten into the craft), so I'd love to be able to replicate ones I try