Best of
Cocktails

2010

Punch: The Delights (and Dangers) of the Flowing Bowl


David Wondrich - 2010
     Replete with historical anecdotes, expert observations, notes on technique and ingredients, and of course world-class recipes, Punch will take readers on a celebratory journey into the punch bowl that starts with some very lonely British sailors and swells to include a cast of lords and ladies, admirals, kings, presidents, poets, pirates, novelists, spies, and other colorful characters. It is a tale only David Wondrich can tell-and it is sure to delight, amuse, and inspire the mixologist and party-planner in everyone.

Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined


Jason Kosmas - 2010
    In those days, hard beverage options were usually made with homemade hooch and flavorings of dubious origin and quality.      Thankfully, a cocktail renaissance has emerged in many of today’s bars, where inventive drinks showcase both the artistry and craft of bartending. At their moody and atmospheric West Village bar-restaurant Employees Only, master mixologists Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric can regale you with colorful tales of cocktail origins—or just pour you a mean drink. In Speakeasy, Kosmas and Zaric take their inspiration from traditional favorites, then use the finest spirits, the freshest ingredients, and a good measure of reverence for their craft to elevate the mixed drink to artisanal status. More than 80 imaginative libations that riff on the classics are showcased in this one-of-a-kind collection. Recipes emphasize fresh fruits and herbs, homemade syrups and infusions, and a careful balancing of flavors, with a mind toward seasonality. A Ginger Smash is offered in four different versions: kumquat, pineapple, pear, or cranberry, depending on the time of year. The Millionaire becomes the Billionaire with the addition of homemade grenadine and 107-proof bourbon. And the South Side becomes the West Side by replacing the gin with sun-kissed Meyer lemon–infused vodka. With the specter of Prohibition firmly in the past, Speakeasy shares recipes for the choicest potent potables, reimagining the finest drinks of yesterday for today’s thirsty imbibers.

Left Coast Libations: The Art of West Coast Bartending: 100 Original Cocktails


Ted Munat - 2010
    Written in a style that is both playful and appreciative, the book provides invaluable information on topics such as what people ought to know about ice (and don't) and what role egg whites can have in a drink. The mouth-watering recipes and lush photographs featured here will make readers excited to create the amazing cocktails of professional mixologists.

Rum Drinks: 50 Caribbean Cocktails, From Cuba Libre to Rum Daisy


Jessica B. Harris - 2010
    More than a cocktail book, Rum Drinks is your ultimate rum resource, including salty talesfrom a history of the sugar trade to the sparkly heydey of the Cuba Librean island-by-island listing of Caribbean rums, and a guide to great rum bars all over the world.

Jelly with Bompas and Parr


Sam Bompas - 2010
    Here they present the definitive book on the history and making of jelly - a fun, informative, visually stunning and entertaining package. The book begins with an overview of the incredible history of jelly, from Henry VIII's 'jelly hippocras' to the fantastic forms dreamed up by the Victorians. It then delves into the science of creating the perfect jelly, using the very best ingredients and unmoulding techniques. An array of delicious recipes finally ensure that you can enjoy everything from super-economical fruity delights to flights of the fantastic (everyone should try their hand at a glow-in-the-dark jelly at least once!). With cutting-edge design and photography, and an unparalleled insight into the subject, this is the book to make all your jelly dreams come true