Cocktails are becoming a popular at-home trend, especially since the pandemic shifted socializing and drinking to personal spaces. Many states have embraced cocktails to-go, and liquor stores now offer canned cocktails and hard seltzers. In addition, home bartending has seen a significant rise, with several new books providing easy-to-follow recipes for craft cocktails, designed for those who want to mix drinks at home without mastering the complexities of mixology.
One such book is Beautiful Booze: Stylish Cocktails to Make at Home by Natalie Migliarini and James Stevenson. Formerly based in Seattle, the authors traveled to explore the world of spirits and created this book, which is inspired by their blog. The recipes focus on simple, three-ingredient cocktails with a refined yet fun twist. The striking photography, taken in a rented New Orleans apartment, complements the visually appealing drinks.
John DeBary’s Drink What You Want: The Subjective Guide to Making Objectively Delicious Cocktails also caters to home bartenders, whether they’re beginners or experienced. DeBary, a veteran of the New York City bar scene, presents straightforward and accessible cocktail recipes, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. His approach is free of pretension, making it easy to follow, and provides helpful tips to improve your home bartending skills.
For a culinary take on cocktails, J.M. Hirsch’s Shake, Strain, Done: Craft Cocktails at Home categorizes drinks into 11 distinct types, like fruity, herbal, or strong. Hirsch, a food writer and former editor at the Associated Press, uses a unique approach to match cocktails with flavor profiles, guiding readers toward the right drink based on their preferred liquor or taste, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bartenders.
If you're missing the French café culture, pastry chef David Lebovitz brings a touch of Paris to your home by drinking French. The book features classic and contemporary French drinks, including iconic spirits like cognac and Armagnac. Lebovitz’s Instagram “apéro hour” videos add an interactive dimension, teaching you the French tradition of enjoying drinks at dusk.
Lastly, Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free perfect for those who wish to enjoy flavorful drinks without alcohol.recipes for When You’re Not Drinking for Whatever Reason by Julia Bainbridge offers non-alcoholic alternatives, p
These books make it easy to craft enjoyable cocktails at home, whether alcoholic or not, and provide simple, yet elegant recipes for every taste. Start with the basics and let your personal preferences guide your bar-building journey.
Post a Comment