GSN Alert: Cocktail & Spirits Book Preview – Summer 2021

Summer is almost here, so time for some light reading while enjoying a refreshing beverage. GSN presents our quarterly round-up of new beverage books.

The Negroni: A Love Affair with a Classic Cocktail by Matt Hranek Artisan (June 1, 2021) A century ago, the cocktail achieved perfection when, according to legend, Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender in Florence to stiffen an Americano by replacing the soda water with gin. The world never looked back. With its cosmically simple 1:1:1 ratio, its balance of bitter and sweet, its pleasant kick, its aura of sophistication, the Negroni has bewitched cocktail lovers ever since. Perhaps none more so than Matt Hranek, who intones this love song to his favorite drink and offers a curated collection of recipes, both the classic and dozens of variations, deviations, and delicious reinterpretations.

The Japanese Art of the Cocktail by Masahiro Urushido & Michael Anstendig Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (June 1, 2021) Katana Kitten, one of the world’s most prominent and acclaimed Japanese cocktail bars, was opened in 2018 by highly-respected and award-winning mixologist Masahiro Urushido. Just one year later, the bar won 2019 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for Best New American Cocktail Bar. Before Katana Kitten, Urushido honed his craft over several years behind the bar of award-winning eatery Saxon+Parole. In The Japanese Art of the Cocktail, Urushido shares his immense knowledge of Japanese cocktails with eighty recipes that best exemplify Japan’s contribution to the cocktail scene, both from his own bar and from Japanese mixologists worldwide. Urushido delves into what exactly constitutes the Japanese approach to cocktails, and demystifies the techniques that have been handed down over generations, all captured in stunning photography.

Gazoz: The Art of Making Magical, Seasonal Sparkling Drinks by Benny Briga & Adeena Sussma Artisan (June 1, 2021) Starting with plain sparkling soda, a gazoz layers in fresh fruits and flowers, aromatic herbs and spices, ferments, syrups, and other artisanal ingredients, all to create a beautiful marriage of flavor and fizz. In Gazoz, discover recipes for stone fruit gazoz, citrus gazoz, even “milkshake” gazoz using nut butters. The possibilities are endless, the results amazing. It’s the best nonalcoholic drink you’ve ever tasted, and by far the most fun to make.

Keto Cocktails: Keto Diet Cocktails by Mitchell C. Fogel Independently published (June 3, 2021) Find out how you can enjoy all your favorite alcoholic beverages while living the keto lifestyle. Keto Cocktails is a keto diet cookbook featuring easy-to-make, low-carb versions of classic and innovative cocktail recipes―plus a selection of tasty happy hour bites―that you can enjoy while sticking to your diet. From learning how many carbs are in every kind of alcohol to hangover hacks, discover all there is to know about drinking while maintaining ketosis with this keto diet cookbook. Learn the terminology, the flair, and even the proper glasses to use so you can create your favorite invigorating low-carb libations, like Sidecars, Moscow Mules, and Frosé Slushies.

The Distilleries of Vancouver Island: A Guided Tour of West Coast Craft and Artisan Spirits by Marianne Scott Touchwood Editions (June 22, 2021) In the past five years the number of craft and artisan distilleries on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands has more than doubled. A change in the provincial liquor laws in 2013 made small-batch distilling a viable business and with this alternative to high-volume, mass-market liquor comes a focus on local ingredients and distinctive flavors. From relative veterans like Merridale and Sheringham, to the newest stills on the block, you’ll meet a group of entrepreneurs unbound by traditional liquor-making rules who are creating vodkas, gins, whiskeys, and liqueurs with their own unique characteristics, using a wide range of grains, fruit, botanicals, peat smoke, seaweed, and spices. Craft-spirits enthusiast Marianne Scott introduces readers to the methods distillers use to develop their spirits, how they learned their craft, the products they make, and the recognition they’ve garnered. With an introduction on the history of spirit making and the process of distilling, a glossary of common distilling terms, cocktail recipes inspired by each distillery’s products, and a map to help you organize your ideal tasting tour, Vancouver Island’s Spirits has everything you need to jump into the region’s burgeoning craft-spirits scene.

The Cocktail Seminars by Brian D. Hoefling Abbeville Press (June 22, 2021) As a senior at Yale, Brian Hoefling realized that his classmates were about to enter the real world with an imperfect knowledge of how to prepare and enjoy cocktails. To remedy this dangerous deficiency, he devised and taught The Cocktail Seminars. In his subsequent career as a cocktail teacher and writer, Hoefling has developed and refined The Cocktail Seminars into the present book. Each of the five seminars herein (from beginner to advanced) covers thirty different drinks, which are arranged so as to progressively introduce the ingredients and techniques of mixology, as well as its eventful history. In each seminar, an exercise and examination challenges readers to apply what they’ve learned to the creation of new and variant drinks. Hoefling’s seminars are founded on the principle that all cocktails consist of a base spirit modified in certain fundamental ways, such as sweetening, souring, bittering, aromatizing, aerating, lengthening, and thickening. Each cocktail is illustrated by a color-coded wheel that shows how the base spirit is modified by the other ingredients. Those who are less serious about their cocktail education may also consult The Cocktail Seminars for drink recipes as needed, or display this handsome volume, bound in faux leather, on their bar cart―but they are only robbing themselves of a brighter future through the gift of education. The Cocktail Seminars will make an excellent gift for all but teetotalers.

The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book: 55 Unofficial Recipes for White Claw® Slushies, Truly® Mixers, and More Spiked-Seltzer Drinks by Casie Vogel Ulysses Press (June 22, 2021) Live your best seltzer life with the original cocktail book designed to make your favorite bubbly boozy beverage all that much boozier, from sparkling Cosmos and daiquiris to a twist on the ever-popular Aperol spritz. Make every season hard seltzer season! The wildly popular sparkling beverage is a tasty, low-cal treat on its own…but sometimes you have to take it up a notch (or several).  The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book offers everything you need to add a little snap, sparkle, and pop to your favorite cocktails. Whether you’re team White Claw, a Truly follower, or a Bud Light Seltzer fan, there’s something for everyone with these easy-to-make recipes. These 55 recipes are designed to get the party started, whether it’s a Friday night pregame or it’s just been a tough day (girl, you do you). Instead of that next round of always-regrettable tequila shots, pick up this book and let’s get bubbly.

The Artisanal Kitchen: Classic Cocktails: The Very Best Martinis, Margaritas, Manhattans, and More by Nick Mautone Artisan (June 22, 2021) Learn to master the proportions of a classic Martini or effortlessly put the finishing touches on a Moscow Mule with this essential guide to making classic cocktails. With the guidance of master mixologist Nick Mautone, anyone can learn to create these classic cocktails at home. With recipes taken from Raising the Bar (Artisan, 2004), this jam-packed cocktail handbook will teach readers liquor fundamentals, basic mixing techniques, how to prep certain drinks ahead of time, and what drinkware to use for each cocktail. Within the pages are brunch staples like the Mimosa and Bloody Mary, but also cult favorites, including the Cosmopolitan and Margarita, and spirit-forward cocktails that never go out of style, like the Old Fashioned and Sazerac. With all these favorite recipes at their fingertips, home bartenders can rely on Classic Cocktails for foolproof, easy-to-make cocktails anytime.

American History Through a Whiskey Glass: How Distilled Spirits, Domestic Cuisine, and Popular Music Helped Shape a Nation by Harris Cooper Ph.D. Skyhorse (June 29, 2021) American History Through a Whiskey Glass presents a unique perspective on American history. It describes how bourbon and rye whiskey played a role in the most important events in American history, including the voyage of the Mayflower, George Washington’s failed and successful political campaigns, the Civil War, pioneers moving west, Prohibition (of course), plus many more into the twenty-first century. It does so with descriptions of historical events but also with amusing anecdotes and humorous quotes from the historical figures themselves. The book gives readers an integrated and entertaining perspective on popular culture in America at different times, revealing how Americans have politicked, drank their native spirits, ate, and sang. But it does more; readers will not only learn about America’s history, they can experience it through numerous illustrations, whiskey tasting, food, and music. It provides an opportunity for readers to be involved in a truly immersive approach to life-long learning . . . and it’s fun.

The Encyclopedia of Cocktails: Over 1,000 Cocktails for Every Occasion by The Coastal Kitchen Cider Mill Press (July 6, 2021) From 3-ingredient drinks to mad-scientist mixology, The Encyclopedia of Cocktails is any bartender’s go-to resource. Clean, uncluttered design and extensive index make finding drinks easy, whether you’re searching by spirit or style. Ever wondered about the origins of a Martini or Old Fashioned? This book delves into the history of over 100 classic cocktails. There are also recipes for hundreds of homemade ingredients; from syrups to blends, infusions, tinctures, foams, and more, you’ll be crafting bespoke ingredients in no time. The Encyclopedia of Cocktails is the perfect gift for anyone who likes to mix drinks – it’s the only cocktail book they’ll ever need!

Texas Whiskey: A Rich History of Distilling Whiskey in the Lone Star State by Nico Martini & John Whalen Cider Mill Press (July 6, 2021) Texas history runs deep, and the history of whiskey in the state is no exception. But the Texas whiskey scene, which emphasizes local corn and barrels made from trees grown in the state, has grown exponentially in the last 10 years, as this collection of over 100 varied distillers makes clear. Locals and tourists alike will discover new expressions that are sure to satisfy tastes as varied as Texas is large. Texas Whiskey, through distillery profiles, interviews with experts, and original photography, tells the story of how whiskey from the Lone Star State is unlike whiskey being made anywhere else on the planet.

Tarot & Tequila: A Tarot Guide with Cocktails by David A Ross Tiller Press (July 13, 2021) Tarot & Tequila is a positive and spiritually uplifting guide that includes both basic and humorous tequila-inspired meanings of all 78 tarot cards that both beginners and experienced tarot card readers will relate to. Featuring 40 cocktail recipes—one for each Major Arcana card plus bonus Minor Arcana drinks, too—based on the attributes of the cards themselves, as well as a mystical pairing that explains why professional tarot card reader David Ross chose to pair each card to their respective drink, this magical mixology book can be used as both a guide and a recipe book.

Cider Revolution: Your DIY Guide to Cider & Pet-Nat by Karl Sjöström & Mikael Nypelius Pavilion (July 13, 2021) Fascinated by the growing trend in natural wines, Karl and Mikael began to produce their own cider using 100% hand-picked fruit from the farms and villages outside Malmo, Sweden. Their aim is to make modern, natural drinks using only the naturally occurring yeast of the fruit, without any additives or preservatives. In Cider Revolution, authors Karl and Mikael seek to pass on their passion for cider and inspire others to taste, appreciate, and try their hand at making their own batch from home. As well as passing on the understanding of the cider-making processes, there are recipes for pears, cherries, plums, rhubarb, and berries, and notes on tasting cider, so that it can be appreciated in much the same way as any fine wine.

Big Whiskey (The Revised Second Edition): Featuring Kentucky Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, the Rebirth of Rye, and the Distilleries of America by Carlo DeVito & John Whalen Jr. Cider Mill Press; Updated edition (July 20, 2021) This updated edition of the definitive guide to the American Whiskey Trail is comprehensive collection of the whiskey, bourbon, and rye made by the best distillers in Kentucky and Tennessee. Full color images throughout showcase each and every bottle and label, behind-the-scenes images, and the beauty of the Whiskey Trail. Interviews with renowned distillers provide incredible insight into how whiskey is made. Locals and tourists alike will discover new distillers and expressions that are sure to satisfy any and all tastes. Big Whiskey is the perfect gift for the whiskey lover in your life.

Barantined: Recipes, Tips, and Stories To Enjoy At Home by Mike Wolf Turner (July 20, 2021) Shake, stir, and sip your way through quarantine with more than 80 easy-to-make cocktail recipes, techniques for making cordials, and the best drinking tips from mavericks of the mixology scene. With insights gathered from more than 50 expert bartenders and sommeliers, Barantined provides engaging advice for staying entertained at home―from music playlists, to reading recommendations, to suggestions for drinks to pair with takeout. Compiled by Nashville writer and mixologist extraordinaire Mike Wolf, Barantined aims to catch a unique moment in time when the world spun out of control and came to a halt all at once. In March 2020, the restaurant and bar business shut down for months when a devastating tornado tore through Nashville and a pandemic rocked the world. Join bartenders from Nashville and beyond in Barantined as they share what they miss about being behind the bar and how their approach to their profession has changed, alongside their favorite DIY drinks and activities designed to bring the bar to you.

Art Boozel: Cocktails Inspired by Modern and Contemporary Artists by Jennifer Croll & Kelly Shami Chronicle Books (August 3, 2021) Raise a glass to the world’s most exciting modern and contemporary artists in this inspired cocktail book with over 50 tribute recipes. Go on a boozy tour of art history with this collection of recipes for over 50 expertly crafted cocktails, each one a unique creation inspired by its namesake artist. Unwind with a refreshing tequila-watermelon Frida Kahlo. Spark some inspiration while sipping on a Salvador Dalí. Or mix it up with a colorfully sweet Yayoi Kusama. From painters to sculptors, photographers, and more, each artist profiled has a cocktail recipe that draws deeply from their life and work. Both art lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike will love pouring over this collection of engaging stories and unique recipes. Inventive and deliciously fun, ART BOOZEL will give you a new appreciation for each of these inspiring artists.

Chilling Cocktails: Classic Cocktails With A Horrifying Twist by Jason Ward Thunder Bay Press (August 3, 2021) This ghastly lineup of cocktails is inspired by the most famous creepy characters from horror novels and movies. Mix one of these wicked cocktails before diving into your next horror novel or film. These chilling concoctions inspired by classic works of literature and scary movies will put you in the mood to enjoy the darkest and stormiest of nights. Included are recipes for 50 thematic cocktails such as Redrum, Scrèam de Menthe, and Turn of the Screwdriver—along with a dozen equally creepy party snacks to add more shivers to your evening.

The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom by Alfred Barnard Origin (August 3, 2021) Around 1885, Alfred Barnard was secretary of Harper’s Weekly Gazette, a journal dedicated to the wine and spirit trade. In order to provide his readers with the history and descriptions of the whisky-making process, Barnard decided to visit all distilleries in Scotland, England and Ireland. Accompanied by friends, he visited over 150 distilleries. The names found in his reports still excite the dedicated whisky connoisseur today, as well as others whose fame has faded since the end of the 19th century. The appeal of Barnard’s book lies not only in the technical descriptions of each distillery’s processes, but also in the colorful descriptions of his journeys, brimming with historical color and detail. A superbly illustrated facsimile edition, with over 200 engravings, this book is a complete guide to the origins of Scotland’s national drink, as well as a lively picture of life and travel in the Victorian age.

Witch’s Brew: Magickal Cocktails to Raise the Spirits by Shawn Engel & Steven Nichols Sterling Epicure (August 17, 2021) For thousands of years, witches young and old have concocted mysterious potions to heal, to divine the future, to get in touch with the energies of the planet—and just to have fun. In this enchanting compendium of 40 drink recipes, mystical maven Shawn Engel shares her thoughts on what to imbibe for power, energy, and amusement. Written in tandem with the award-winning cocktail writer and developer Steven Nichols, this collection presents a broad range of drinks for every purpose. Whether it’s a trio of beverages celebrating the energies of the maiden, mother, and crone (with notes of pomegranate, fig, and smoke respectively), or an eminently sippable mint-based money magick brew for prosperity, this book is a party with a purpose. Not only are these drinks fun and shareable, they also contain ingredients with ancient magickal significance. For example, the “Keep it Hexy” is not only a delicious vodka-based cocktail perfect for kick-starting a memorable evening, it also contains black pepper to return a hex to sender, sage to cleanse an evil eye, and blackberries for protection. All recipes include energetic properties and plenty of information about magickal ingredients and why they’ve been used to address certain ills for millennia; some even come with invocations and rituals to amplify their power.

The Big Book of Amaro by Matteo Zed Countryman Press (August 24, 2021) An illustrated history, exploration, and celebration of the Italian liqueur everyone loves. This gorgeous guide teaches you everything you need to know about amaro, the delightfully complex and bittersweet Italian liqueur. Traditionally a digestif, it’s also a popular ingredient in modern cocktails. The first part of the book is dedicated to the drink’s creation and extraction processes, both traditional and contemporary. The second is a complete history of the beverage, from its origins in medieval alchemy to today’s popular renaissance. Further chapters explore the liqueur’s botanical profiles and natural properties, followed by a thorough buying guide with descriptions of bottles from Italy, Europe, and beyond. Finally, Zed showcases how best to use amaro behind the bar and in the kitchen, with recipes such as The Golden Mai Tai and Bitter Goat Cheese Risotto. A lovingly crafted tribute to a celebrated drink, The Big Book of Amaro is an eye-catching triumph that will delight anyone with a passion for amaro, mixology, food science, or all things Italian.

The Martini: Perfection in a Glass by Matt Hranek Artisan (August 31, 2021) Sophisticated, evocative, and delicious, the martini will never go out of style. Appearing in countless movies—for example, any one of the Bond films—it’s one of the most popular and well-known cocktails of all time. Making a martini is simplicity personified, the classic recipe requiring just two ingredients (not counting the garnish): gin and vermouth. And now man-about-town Matt Hranek is here to tell us everything we need to know about the iconic cocktail. Like Hranek’s The Negroni, The Martini will give readers insight into the drink’s nineteenth-century-origins, as well as the tools for making 35 simple variations of the drink—a combination of recipes from the author, recipes from experts/bartenders around the world, and iconic versions that any martini fanatic needs to have on hand. Included are the author’s own version, always with gin (never vodka), served ice cold and dry with a twist of lemon (or, on very rare occasions, like when he is hungry, an olive); the Martinez (circa 1849), named for the city of Martinez about 25 miles northeast of San Francisco, where some say this all began; a lime martini, a nod to Hranek’s father, who loved a gin and tonic; and New York City legend Russ & Daughters Cafe’s own martinis, “The Lower East Side” and “The Smoked Martini.” There will be details on ingredients, methods (to shake or to stir?), garnish, equipment, glassware; where to get the best martini around the world, and more. Beautiful original and archival photography make this an irresistible gift for anyone who loves to enjoy a martini.