The 12 Bottle Bar

September 1, 2014

While many people may have a cocktail recipe or two at the ready, it can seem daunting to stock one's home with the supplies and ingredients needed to create and sample a variety of drinks, especially since many cocktail books demand obscure or expensive ingredients for single recipes. In the Solmonson's first book, the husband-and-wife team's solution is a core set of 12 bottles featuring such stalwarts as gin and golden rum and surprises including absinthe and genever, omitting some common spirits such as vodka and tequila. These building blocks will enable readers to craft a wide range of easy drinks (classic martinis and sours, for example) as well as more involved ones (the Tom and Jerry uses five ingredients including egg batter). The progression from simple to complex and the categorization of cocktails by key ingredient is helpful, and the recipes are clearly written. The authors, meanwhile, encourage experimentation and swapping ingredients to create other, related cocktails. VERDICT This title is sure to have readers wanting to set up home bars and begin exploring for new favorites. Highly recommended for all public libraries.--Peter Hepburn, Coll. of the Canyons Lib., Santa Clarita, CA

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