Blotto Botany: A Lesson in Healing Cordials and Plant Magic

by Spencre L.R. McGowan

From talented herbalist and writer Spencre McGowan comes this book of cordial recipes that use the power of plants to heal (and also make some delicious cocktails).

Blotto Botany is a gorgeous little book of medicinal cordials created by herbalist and witchy healing expert Spencre McGowan. Blotto Botany was originally a zine that swept the indie circuit, and we are now turning it into a full-length book with nods to the original design. Inside, readers and herbalism practitioners will find 40 cordial recipes organized by season, each with their own healing properties. Soothe Yourself Tonic, for instance, soothes the nerves after a hard day with gentle lemon balm and rose petals. Lovers’ Lip, by contrast, contains stimulating damiana and elderflower, the perfect recipe for “one, two, or few.” Other recipes include:


Lilac Wine
Douglas Fir Tipsy
Oh, Mary! (Bloody Mary)
Champagne Strawberries 
Tulsi Me Tulsi      
Dandelion Swag  
Blackberry Ginger
Carmelite Water   
Drunk in Love      
Sommarvatten     


Blotto Botany also comes with recipes for medicinal shrubs and syrups, as well as details on plant lore, wild crafting, crystals, and the use of red wine vs. white wine in infusions.

The design and package of Blotto Botany also sets it apart as a truly unique work—each page is a four color collage and some photography, all created by the author, and all the recipes are written in her own handwriting. This is one of the most special packages on the market place—our goal was to capture the look and feel of the bespoke original zine, and in so doing, we have created a cocktail book that whispers of homespun plant magic.

Genres: Cookbooks, Health, Culinary, Witchcraft, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

Published September 4, 2018

Reviews

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway. This book was cute, and the recipes are well-written and easy to follow. I just think it could have explained a little more the healing or beneficial powers of each herb or tonic or cordial. It was more a straight cookbook-type read than a lesson on healing or plant magic.

[Lanen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little zine-turned-book of herbal cordial recipes. Cute handmade design. Lots of good recipes, including some non-alchoholic, but mostly full of inspiration for those of us who love combining seasonal fruit, herbs, and booze in a jar and enjoying the bounty throughout the year.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet little collection of cordial recipes that are very easy to make. It looks super cute with my small collection of cookbooks!
My favorite section for this book is the Spring Cordials, specifically the lilac one!!

[Christina (Bloodycrimsonreads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been interested in herbalism lately and this book is cute, but it’s not very detailed and there are a handful of recipes that aren’t explained as well. I feel like it’s missing some important elements for beginners.

[Ariel Kusby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I've made over half of the recipes in Blotto Botany, I can say that I am now obsessed with herbal cordial making. A cross between an herbalism guide and a cocktail recipe collection, this hand-written and collage illustrated book feels like a zine written by a warm, witchy friend. When I make these drinks, I feel like I am making potions. I am particularly in love with the "Dreamer's Cordial," which gave me some of the most incredibly vivid lucid dreamds of my life.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the illustrations, I should make some bitters. The whole healing thing though? Meh.

[Michelle Kalish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet book with lots of recipes I’m eager to try. I personally love the nod to the metaphysical and witchy realms of the plant world.