Shaken & Stirred: A Holiday Gift Guide for Cocktail Book Enthusiasts

Cocktail books are a fantastic gift for anyone who loves mixing drinks. They’re packed with fun recipes, from the classics to more adventurous creations, so there’s always something to try out. Plus, many of these books share interesting stories about the drinks and their origins, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

As readers dive into these recipes, they not only sharpen their bartending skills but also create memorable moments with friends and family at get-togethers. With their cool photos and engaging writing, cocktail books can even spruce up a coffee table, making them perfect for sparking conversation. Here are four great options for holiday gift-giving.

Signature Cocktails by Amanda Schuster

This book delves into the intriguing tales behind some of the most beloved cocktails, offering a journey that will keep you captivated from the very first page. Inside, you’ll find a collection of 200 meticulously curated recipes that highlight a diverse range of drinks. These include iconic classics that have stood the test of time, alongside innovative modern creations that are likely to become the next must-serve cocktails at social gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a curious beginner, this book promises to enhance your cocktail-making skills and deepen your appreciation for the artistry behind each signature drink.

WitchCraft Cocktails by Juliana Halina Hadas

This enchanting cocktail book presents 70 seasonal drinks, each crafted with care and infused with a sense of magic and ritual that Hadas passionately embraces. The book’s fun and whimsical cocktails are deeply rooted in an array of herbal ingredients, inviting readers to explore each element’s unique properties. Hadas’s recipes and insights skillfully blend spirits with complementary flavors.

This book will delight and inspire you, whether you are drawn to witchcraft or simply love herbal-focused cocktails that nourish body and soul. Every page beckons you to discover the restorative power of cocktails, transforming your mixology experience into a journey of creativity and connection with nature.

The Cocktail Parlor: How Women Brought the Cocktail Home by Nicola Nice

Despite not being recognized, women have been key players in making classic cocktails like the Martini, Manhattan, and Old Fashioned popular. Although private clubs frequently barred them, women still made their mark on cocktail culture, working from home and in their own parlors.

Focusing on different hostesses in each chapter, like the “Apartment Hostess” or the “City Hostess” and correlating them to a category of drinks, the book is an exciting read. It’s a joy to revisit classic cocktails through a different lens. Nicola Nice, a sociologist, author, and entrepreneur, offers 40 cocktail recipes and explains the overlooked contributions of women to cocktail history. She also sheds light on how they continue to shape cocktail culture today.

The Whiskey Sour by Jeanette Hurt

The Whiskey Sour was first recorded in a print form in Jerry Thomas’s 1862 book The Bartender’s Guide. However, the cocktail predates Thomas. The lore surrounding this cocktail is longer than the list of variations and debates this cocktail has created throughout the years.

Even today, the whiskey sour remains a cherished drink that has delighted many and, according to some, introduced whiskey to the tastes of non-whiskey drinkers for years. There are books dedicated to the Old Fashioned, the Mint Julep, and the Manhattan cocktails, but none for the Whiskey Sour. Author Jeanette Hurt set out to change that.

“Classic cocktails are classics for a reason–they’re delicious. The whiskey sour has never gone out of style–not even in the dark days of cocktails, aka the 1970s and ‘80s, even if it was made with sour mix from a gun. Also, to paraphrase a distillery owner–Dave Colt, owner of Sun King Brewery and Distillery–the whiskey sour is like pizza–even a bad pizza is still good,” Hurt said in a recent interview.

This engaging guide blends rich historical narratives with tantalizing recipes, dispelling the misconception that the whiskey sour lacks sophistication and is only for those with unrefined palates. It invites readers to explore the whiskey sour, showcasing its elegant charm, romantic history, and intricate flavor profile. With its delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, this cocktail is not just a drink but a celebration of artistry in mixology, beckoning those who appreciate depth and complexity in every sip. You might just fall in love with the whiskey sour all over again, or for the first time!



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