The first think any level headed explorer requires is a map. Without a suitable cartograph, one can waste precious provisions on a foolhardy venture. In other words, if you don't follow a recipe you may very well create an abomination from some very fine ingredients. That isn't to say that you should only stay the course exactly dictated by a recipe, but it is best to first take the tried and true route to a destination for the first time before exploring alternatives and variations.
I currently have two maps at my disposal: Difford's Guide, and Mixologist.
Difford's Guide is the undisputed authority on cocktails, and is deserving of its full title "Cocktails: The Bartender's Bible". I will be following the 11th edition. This book is truly incredible, with more than 3000 recipes, all of which are illustrated. The preface chapters contain detailed directions on the various methods of mixing drinks, the preparation of garnishes, tools of the trade, and various types of glassware in which drinks are served.
Mixologist is an app I downloaded on my iPod Touch five years ago. It is the paid upgrade to the app Mixology. This app would be brilliant if it included illustrations, but alas it does not. It has an impressive number of recipes, and I would recommend this resource for those who have an affinity to the more common contemporary drinks like the "porn star" and "jagger bomb". Difford's Guide is more the type to offer the "porn star martini" and the "jagerita", if you catch my drift. Both resources have their place and relevance, and for beginners I would suggest Mixology over Difford's Guide.
Map in hand, it is time time venture into the deep blue curacao!
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