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Potions, Elixirs & Brews: A modern witches' grimoire of drinkable spells
An enchanting collection of magical cocktails, punches and teas that function both as delicious recipes and as effective spells, written by witch YouTube influencer Anaïs Alexandre.
Taste real magic.
Drawing on her eclectic craft, harnessing influences from Wiccan and rootwork practices, Anaïs Alexandre shares a collection of delicious potions for the modern witch. From potent cocktails, to restorative elixirs and captivating brews, this book of drinkable spells offers the powers of time-honoured wisdom in truly delectable form. Each potion is accompanied by a simple ritual to supercharge its effectiveness, whether as a solitary witch or with your coven.
Sip on a subtle love potion, draw monetary fortune your way with a lucky prosperi-tea, or spread friendship vibes with a warming party punch; as the wheel of the year turns, discover your own craft through the magic of mixology.
Taste real magic.
Drawing on her eclectic craft, harnessing influences from Wiccan and rootwork practices, Anaïs Alexandre shares a collection of delicious potions for the modern witch. From potent cocktails, to restorative elixirs and captivating brews, this book of drinkable spells offers the powers of time-honoured wisdom in truly delectable form. Each potion is accompanied by a simple ritual to supercharge its effectiveness, whether as a solitary witch or with your coven.
Sip on a subtle love potion, draw monetary fortune your way with a lucky prosperi-tea, or spread friendship vibes with a warming party punch; as the wheel of the year turns, discover your own craft through the magic of mixology.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published October 13, 2020
35 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Anaïs Alexandre
3 books8 followersAnais Alexandre is a content creator on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram as well as an author from Miami, Florida. For as long as she can remember she's always had a fascination with magic (a mundane term to denote fantasy in the media and sleight-of-hand stage magic) which slowly evolved into a fascination for real magick (the force that manifests change in our reality).
At first this meant she sped-read books like HarryPotter and Lord of the Ringsor played fantasy games like Dungeons & Dragons, The Elder Scrolls and The Witcher franchise. This in turn grew to becoming self-educated in esoteric subjects such as Gnosticism, Wicca and Hoodoo.
Throughout the years she's had her fair share of otherworldly
occurrences: from seeing a spirit in her kitchen, seeing glowing orbs floataround her house, hearing voices of people who weren’t there and having the uncanny ability to know who was calling at the door before any doorbell rang. Oh and she had a habit of wishing thingsshe really wanted into existence.
Anais started her YouTube channel in 2017, creating videos related to self-help, witchcraft, fashion and video gaming. Her fans love discussing and learning about how to pursue their passions and motivate them to truly enjoy what life has to offer. Her following has amassed to 134,000+ subscribers on YouTube, 23,400 on Instagram and over 25,000+ on her TikTok pages.
Anais became a published author in 2020 with her book titled Potions, Elixirs & Brews. She went on to create a dedicated video cafe which you can find @potionsbook on TikTok.
Her relationship with the otherworldly continues to strengthen, and now she has the tools at her disposal to sense, read and work with a number of different energies. She's evolved into a new magickal space in her life drawing upon any number of open faiths and practices that interest her, creating an Eclectic Witchcraft all of her own.
At first this meant she sped-read books like HarryPotter and Lord of the Ringsor played fantasy games like Dungeons & Dragons, The Elder Scrolls and The Witcher franchise. This in turn grew to becoming self-educated in esoteric subjects such as Gnosticism, Wicca and Hoodoo.
Throughout the years she's had her fair share of otherworldly
occurrences: from seeing a spirit in her kitchen, seeing glowing orbs floataround her house, hearing voices of people who weren’t there and having the uncanny ability to know who was calling at the door before any doorbell rang. Oh and she had a habit of wishing thingsshe really wanted into existence.
Anais started her YouTube channel in 2017, creating videos related to self-help, witchcraft, fashion and video gaming. Her fans love discussing and learning about how to pursue their passions and motivate them to truly enjoy what life has to offer. Her following has amassed to 134,000+ subscribers on YouTube, 23,400 on Instagram and over 25,000+ on her TikTok pages.
Anais became a published author in 2020 with her book titled Potions, Elixirs & Brews. She went on to create a dedicated video cafe which you can find @potionsbook on TikTok.
Her relationship with the otherworldly continues to strengthen, and now she has the tools at her disposal to sense, read and work with a number of different energies. She's evolved into a new magickal space in her life drawing upon any number of open faiths and practices that interest her, creating an Eclectic Witchcraft all of her own.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 15, 2020
Before reading, I wasn't sure if this was a themed cocktail book or a sincere potion book. It's a sincere potion book but all the potions are tasty drinks. I can only hope the sequel is a potion book where all the potions are yummy stews and soups.
I would say this is suitable for beginners to potion making because I am a beginner. There's a lot of different options, including some technology related ones for the modern age. It's very conscientious and it discusses safely making potions (ingredients, equipment, etc.) and the social and environmental implications of smudging.
I decided to make one of the potions. I chose the renewing hang-over cure because it was simple, summery, and it suited my allergies and access to ingredients. It was very tasty and refreshing, definitely something I'd consider making again. Generally, the ingredients in this book are not hard to find, but I was limited to what my local Tesco had because of the pandemic.
The book itself is very attractive with nice illustrations and I wish I had a physical copy to display on my shelf.
I received a digital advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would say this is suitable for beginners to potion making because I am a beginner. There's a lot of different options, including some technology related ones for the modern age. It's very conscientious and it discusses safely making potions (ingredients, equipment, etc.) and the social and environmental implications of smudging.
I decided to make one of the potions. I chose the renewing hang-over cure because it was simple, summery, and it suited my allergies and access to ingredients. It was very tasty and refreshing, definitely something I'd consider making again. Generally, the ingredients in this book are not hard to find, but I was limited to what my local Tesco had because of the pandemic.
The book itself is very attractive with nice illustrations and I wish I had a physical copy to display on my shelf.
I received a digital advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2020
I would like to try all the recipes in this lovely books as they seems to be very tasty.
It's a book about potions but also a recipe book. I loved how it is organised, the rituals and the lovely illustrations.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's a book about potions but also a recipe book. I loved how it is organised, the rituals and the lovely illustrations.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 20, 2020
* I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review *
What a fun, fast read! Baby witches today are quite lucky (and by that, I only mean "witches under age 30" -- no ageism here, I know baby witches can be quite knowledgeable and experienced!) TikTok and other social media platforms where this author is an established influencer help baby witches find their people and forge strong bonds to work their craft together -- this was not always such an easy task, so in that regard I think baby witches today are quite lucky, because some of those influencers go on to write books like these. I wasn't aware of the author's status when I requested book or began reading, so keep in mind my review exists separately from their social media platforms.
I've read at least one book on a similar topic lately, and the main differentiators are the branding of each book, and the fact that this book includes an equal representation of non-alcoholic potions and elixirs.
The book is well organized, with an introduction by the author explaining who she is, her path to magic, and some of the struggles she's had on her way to identifying as an eclectic witch working with various practices, including African rootwork (she is a witch of color, so this is culturally appropriate.) After providing the framework to her approach to magic, she explains what potions, brews, and elixirs are and what they do, provides further specificity about the different kinds of potions, and clears up some common, media-created misconceptions about potions. The next chapter is dedicated to clarifying the steps involved in making a potion -- fantastic for novices and a good refresher for old pros.
Everything is written in a friendly, knowledgeable, approachable manner using language that addresses the reader as a friend. One of the most difficult barriers for baby witches in the time before social media was always feeling like your level of knowledge was not enough, and the inaccessibility or secretiveness of older witches willing to share knowledge. Though social media isn't my thing -- I'm glad that this new, inclusive attitude of crowd-sourced knowledge that anyone can access is the upshot. If you are thinking that this book is somehow "less than" because the author is a YouTube influencer, please set aside your preconceptions.
The recipes themselves are well-organized into 13 sections that range from love potions to batch potions for your coven.
I would also like to give praise to the fact that the author clarifies that the love potions are ethical love potions and cannot bewitch someone into loving you; they simply make your "love me vibes" louder to those who are receptive to them. I also appreciate that the author clarifies that potions don't work instantaneously or independently of doing the actual work.
The recipes are introduced with a pictographic key indicating their level of difficulty, whether they are alcoholic or non alcoholic, and the season in which they're best enjoyed. Brew recipes are for the most part vegan; wherever a milk is indicated there are notes for using non dairy milks, especially helpful if a dairy/non-dairy milk produces different results. There is also a QR code that will direct you to Anais's TikTok channel, where you can see how some of the brews are made.
I found more than a few recipes I've bookmarked for later, and had everything on hand to make the Burnin' Love potion immediately. (It was good!)
My only real critique of the book is that some of the ingredients might be a little fiddly or difficult to find in the US, where things like boba pearls and a wide selection of very specific herbal teas aren't as readily accessible.
This critique is small enough that I saw no need to deduct stars, though it would be nice in her next book to include suggested substitutions for some of the less-easy-to-come-by ingredients.
On a similar note, there is equal representation of non-alcoholic brews, but in a future book is love to have seen a non-alcoholic adaptation for every brew, so that non-drinking witches can enjoy every recipe, too.
The whole book is stylish, attractive, and ready for posting on social media. If you're an older witch, don't let the youthful branding of it dissuade you from picking it up-- the contents are knowledgeable, ethical, and well-thought out. If you're a baby witch, lucky you! This is definitely a volume to keep on your shelf, because you're sure to find more than a few potions to use throughout your practice.
What a fun, fast read! Baby witches today are quite lucky (and by that, I only mean "witches under age 30" -- no ageism here, I know baby witches can be quite knowledgeable and experienced!) TikTok and other social media platforms where this author is an established influencer help baby witches find their people and forge strong bonds to work their craft together -- this was not always such an easy task, so in that regard I think baby witches today are quite lucky, because some of those influencers go on to write books like these. I wasn't aware of the author's status when I requested book or began reading, so keep in mind my review exists separately from their social media platforms.
I've read at least one book on a similar topic lately, and the main differentiators are the branding of each book, and the fact that this book includes an equal representation of non-alcoholic potions and elixirs.
The book is well organized, with an introduction by the author explaining who she is, her path to magic, and some of the struggles she's had on her way to identifying as an eclectic witch working with various practices, including African rootwork (she is a witch of color, so this is culturally appropriate.) After providing the framework to her approach to magic, she explains what potions, brews, and elixirs are and what they do, provides further specificity about the different kinds of potions, and clears up some common, media-created misconceptions about potions. The next chapter is dedicated to clarifying the steps involved in making a potion -- fantastic for novices and a good refresher for old pros.
Everything is written in a friendly, knowledgeable, approachable manner using language that addresses the reader as a friend. One of the most difficult barriers for baby witches in the time before social media was always feeling like your level of knowledge was not enough, and the inaccessibility or secretiveness of older witches willing to share knowledge. Though social media isn't my thing -- I'm glad that this new, inclusive attitude of crowd-sourced knowledge that anyone can access is the upshot. If you are thinking that this book is somehow "less than" because the author is a YouTube influencer, please set aside your preconceptions.
The recipes themselves are well-organized into 13 sections that range from love potions to batch potions for your coven.
I would also like to give praise to the fact that the author clarifies that the love potions are ethical love potions and cannot bewitch someone into loving you; they simply make your "love me vibes" louder to those who are receptive to them. I also appreciate that the author clarifies that potions don't work instantaneously or independently of doing the actual work.
The recipes are introduced with a pictographic key indicating their level of difficulty, whether they are alcoholic or non alcoholic, and the season in which they're best enjoyed. Brew recipes are for the most part vegan; wherever a milk is indicated there are notes for using non dairy milks, especially helpful if a dairy/non-dairy milk produces different results. There is also a QR code that will direct you to Anais's TikTok channel, where you can see how some of the brews are made.
I found more than a few recipes I've bookmarked for later, and had everything on hand to make the Burnin' Love potion immediately. (It was good!)
My only real critique of the book is that some of the ingredients might be a little fiddly or difficult to find in the US, where things like boba pearls and a wide selection of very specific herbal teas aren't as readily accessible.
This critique is small enough that I saw no need to deduct stars, though it would be nice in her next book to include suggested substitutions for some of the less-easy-to-come-by ingredients.
On a similar note, there is equal representation of non-alcoholic brews, but in a future book is love to have seen a non-alcoholic adaptation for every brew, so that non-drinking witches can enjoy every recipe, too.
The whole book is stylish, attractive, and ready for posting on social media. If you're an older witch, don't let the youthful branding of it dissuade you from picking it up-- the contents are knowledgeable, ethical, and well-thought out. If you're a baby witch, lucky you! This is definitely a volume to keep on your shelf, because you're sure to find more than a few potions to use throughout your practice.
October 19, 2020
So the title of this book caught my eye, because POTIONS! But it was much more than a simple mixology type recipe book. I really enjoyed the rituals that accompanied each of the concoctions.
The recipes were easy to follow, although some of the ingredients I'd never heard of, it was very easy to search online and find out where to get them so you can try everything.
I don't drink, but some of the recipes involving alcohol sound delish, so I might try them without alcohol in the future!
All in all, this is a book I'd love to have a hard copy of on my shelf!
The recipes were easy to follow, although some of the ingredients I'd never heard of, it was very easy to search online and find out where to get them so you can try everything.
I don't drink, but some of the recipes involving alcohol sound delish, so I might try them without alcohol in the future!
All in all, this is a book I'd love to have a hard copy of on my shelf!
August 18, 2020
I picked up this book out of curiosity, because potion making is one of those magical acts that sounds like fiction but happens more than you think. As the book mentions, even mixing yourself a good cup of coffee or tea can be made into a potion brewing session if you put intent behind your actions.
That said, I liked the balance between witchcraft tidbits and recipes. The correspondences offered for each topic were common options, allowing the reader some familiarity with the ingredients of each recipe (rather than focusing on obscure herbs or unfamiliar spices). You could get the ingredients used in almost any grocery store. They were also simple enough that you could take her recipes as examples and craft you own with little fuss.
There's definitely a focus on cocktails and other alcoholic drinks, though there are at least one or two nonalcoholic options in each section. As a non-drinker, that means this book isn't really for me, but the recipes all sounded balanced and often delicious. This book is more geared toward turning your evening cocktail or game night drinks into something special, and that's alright.
The overall tone is approachable and modern. I hadn't realized when I asked for this book that I already knew the author from YouTube. She also has a TikTok with some of the recipes. All in all, this is a trendy manual to add magic into your life through what you drink.
That said, I liked the balance between witchcraft tidbits and recipes. The correspondences offered for each topic were common options, allowing the reader some familiarity with the ingredients of each recipe (rather than focusing on obscure herbs or unfamiliar spices). You could get the ingredients used in almost any grocery store. They were also simple enough that you could take her recipes as examples and craft you own with little fuss.
There's definitely a focus on cocktails and other alcoholic drinks, though there are at least one or two nonalcoholic options in each section. As a non-drinker, that means this book isn't really for me, but the recipes all sounded balanced and often delicious. This book is more geared toward turning your evening cocktail or game night drinks into something special, and that's alright.
The overall tone is approachable and modern. I hadn't realized when I asked for this book that I already knew the author from YouTube. She also has a TikTok with some of the recipes. All in all, this is a trendy manual to add magic into your life through what you drink.
October 13, 2020
If you know me, you know I'm not really into anything like witchcraft. But I couldn't resist checking this adorable book out! Not only does it teach you beginner spells for your drinks, it has recipes for delicious sounding potions, elixirs, and brews just like the title says! I think I want to get a copy for my grandma, because it might be right up her alley.
Check out my full review here!
https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpr...
Check out my full review here!
https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpr...
August 5, 2020
4.5
Lately I am in chef mode of food and drinks and I love to cook or prepare drinks although I do need some practice but in the end I really enjoy it. This is a book that I recently came across Edelweiss a platform where you can read books that are about to be published; in fact, this book that I'm going to talk about was published on October 13 of this year in case you dare to read it, you already know when to buy it.
This book is a compilation of recipes on drinks that help the human body, by this I mean that they are a mixture of juices, punches and drinks with alcohol. This recipe book tells us about different drinks that help certain parts of the body, it tells us about the benefits of each ingredient, how it helps us to strengthen and, of course, how to prepare it.
I really liked this book because of the way it is structured or divided, I tell you that in this book it is divided into positions for love, prosperity, psychology, dreams, protection, transformation, happiness and endless of concepts. Within each section we find drinks preparation methods that help stimulate and strengthen but the most interesting thing is that apart from the preparation method we are informed about when we should prepare it, what zodiac sign is going for it, the benefits and that helps to stimulate, personally I found it very interesting and I think that most of you would like to relax or even show off among your friends.
Each section gives us an explanation of what the drinks will consist of and why they are within that section. Among all my favorite section is that of dreams and that of the coven because the illustrative image of the section is much more than precious.
Another thing I like is that in the method of preparation and informative data very clear and concise words are used, that is, it tells you how to prepare them very easily and without giving it much ado.
The only thing I did not like was in the preparation methods, there was not an illustration that represents the steps to follow, I would have liked this to be included in this edition.
Lately I am in chef mode of food and drinks and I love to cook or prepare drinks although I do need some practice but in the end I really enjoy it. This is a book that I recently came across Edelweiss a platform where you can read books that are about to be published; in fact, this book that I'm going to talk about was published on October 13 of this year in case you dare to read it, you already know when to buy it.
This book is a compilation of recipes on drinks that help the human body, by this I mean that they are a mixture of juices, punches and drinks with alcohol. This recipe book tells us about different drinks that help certain parts of the body, it tells us about the benefits of each ingredient, how it helps us to strengthen and, of course, how to prepare it.
I really liked this book because of the way it is structured or divided, I tell you that in this book it is divided into positions for love, prosperity, psychology, dreams, protection, transformation, happiness and endless of concepts. Within each section we find drinks preparation methods that help stimulate and strengthen but the most interesting thing is that apart from the preparation method we are informed about when we should prepare it, what zodiac sign is going for it, the benefits and that helps to stimulate, personally I found it very interesting and I think that most of you would like to relax or even show off among your friends.
Each section gives us an explanation of what the drinks will consist of and why they are within that section. Among all my favorite section is that of dreams and that of the coven because the illustrative image of the section is much more than precious.
Another thing I like is that in the method of preparation and informative data very clear and concise words are used, that is, it tells you how to prepare them very easily and without giving it much ado.
The only thing I did not like was in the preparation methods, there was not an illustration that represents the steps to follow, I would have liked this to be included in this edition.
August 16, 2020
3.5 Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy for review!
Anais is definitely a fun writer, with lots of witchy information behind her choices and recipes. This is not a fluff book. While it's fun, it's actually good witchcraft and insight and would be excellent for beginners (to be honest, I'm gonna try my hand at most of these recipes!). She is right--most of the magic comes from intent, the tools you use are there for focus and to assist, so don't get hung up on the 'tools'. Focus more on your creation.
One minor pet peeve was use of the word magick--I'm a witch but not Wiccan, and while I've attended classes in the past based on Wicca, for me the letter K doesn't make a difference or give the word any more or less meaning. Personal preference!
With all the information at the start I believed these potions might include mixes for baths and things which would have been delightful -- I hope Anais does one with those in future! But this was a really handy, stylistic, fun addition to my witchy bookshelves, and I think it belongs on any witch's shelf, whether full of 'heavy' topics or not.
I'll definitely be on the lookout for her books in future.
Anais is definitely a fun writer, with lots of witchy information behind her choices and recipes. This is not a fluff book. While it's fun, it's actually good witchcraft and insight and would be excellent for beginners (to be honest, I'm gonna try my hand at most of these recipes!). She is right--most of the magic comes from intent, the tools you use are there for focus and to assist, so don't get hung up on the 'tools'. Focus more on your creation.
One minor pet peeve was use of the word magick--I'm a witch but not Wiccan, and while I've attended classes in the past based on Wicca, for me the letter K doesn't make a difference or give the word any more or less meaning. Personal preference!
With all the information at the start I believed these potions might include mixes for baths and things which would have been delightful -- I hope Anais does one with those in future! But this was a really handy, stylistic, fun addition to my witchy bookshelves, and I think it belongs on any witch's shelf, whether full of 'heavy' topics or not.
I'll definitely be on the lookout for her books in future.
August 18, 2020
Potions, Elixirs & brews is a cocktail recipe book with a twist! This book is for (mostly) drinkable spells.
The book starts with a brief introduction from the author and an explanation of the potions and how they work. A perfect book for people that are interested in witchcraft and are interested in learning more. All the recipes had interesting names and a short explanation on how to make them.
There are a variety of different types on potions throughout this book, there is a potion for any possible situation.
There are recipes for Love Potions, Cleansing Potions, Financial Success Potions, Beauty Potions, Psychic Power Potions, Dream Potions, Healing Potions, Protection Potions, Happy Home Potions, Divination Potions, Curse Reversal Potions, and Potions for the Coven.
I can't wait to try out some of the recipes in this book! The artwork throughout was also stunning!
Thank you to #NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The book starts with a brief introduction from the author and an explanation of the potions and how they work. A perfect book for people that are interested in witchcraft and are interested in learning more. All the recipes had interesting names and a short explanation on how to make them.
There are a variety of different types on potions throughout this book, there is a potion for any possible situation.
There are recipes for Love Potions, Cleansing Potions, Financial Success Potions, Beauty Potions, Psychic Power Potions, Dream Potions, Healing Potions, Protection Potions, Happy Home Potions, Divination Potions, Curse Reversal Potions, and Potions for the Coven.
I can't wait to try out some of the recipes in this book! The artwork throughout was also stunning!
Thank you to #NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2020
Potions, Elixirs & Brews is a book of recipes for drinkable spells.
The book starts with a brief introduction, who the author is, and an explanation of potions and how they work. The author also explain witchcraft basics and how to use the recipes.
There are recipes for Love Potions, Cleansing Potions, Financial Success Potions, Beauty Potions, Psychic Power Potions, Dream Potions, Healing Potions, Protection Potions, Happy Home Potions, Divination Potions, Curse Reversal Potions, and Potions for the Coven.
What I liked most was how the author described the history of the ingredient and how it can be used in workings. For example, "Vanilla can be used in workings to soothe, to calm, for personal empowerment and good luck".
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.
The book starts with a brief introduction, who the author is, and an explanation of potions and how they work. The author also explain witchcraft basics and how to use the recipes.
There are recipes for Love Potions, Cleansing Potions, Financial Success Potions, Beauty Potions, Psychic Power Potions, Dream Potions, Healing Potions, Protection Potions, Happy Home Potions, Divination Potions, Curse Reversal Potions, and Potions for the Coven.
What I liked most was how the author described the history of the ingredient and how it can be used in workings. For example, "Vanilla can be used in workings to soothe, to calm, for personal empowerment and good luck".
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.
August 20, 2020
~I was provided a copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review~
What a charming little book! I love the author's take on witchcraft and its workings, plus her voice is a perfect fit for an upbeat beginner's book like this one. I enjoyed how these potions were well thought-out and made of mostly accessible ingredients. It's wonderful how these could easily be made for fun or tested out by a more serious practitioner. As a bookstore owner, I love when books successfully walk the line as both a fun curio and a set of genuine spells to try. I certainly think this title would not interest serious occultists, and is more so one for beginners, those interested in witchcraft or the more playful practitioner, but that's what I love about it most. I will definitely be stocking this and look forward to seeing what else this author has up her sleeve!
What a charming little book! I love the author's take on witchcraft and its workings, plus her voice is a perfect fit for an upbeat beginner's book like this one. I enjoyed how these potions were well thought-out and made of mostly accessible ingredients. It's wonderful how these could easily be made for fun or tested out by a more serious practitioner. As a bookstore owner, I love when books successfully walk the line as both a fun curio and a set of genuine spells to try. I certainly think this title would not interest serious occultists, and is more so one for beginners, those interested in witchcraft or the more playful practitioner, but that's what I love about it most. I will definitely be stocking this and look forward to seeing what else this author has up her sleeve!
September 13, 2020
Who can say no to a cocktail book? Authored by a self proclaimed “branded” witch and pitted throughout with references to Harry Potter and Elder scrolls, you know you are going to need a stiff one. Contains plenty of DO NOTS which is interesting coming from someone who identifies as an eclectic witch. I have no idea who this book is for. Maybe college girls who dress up as witches for Halloween or Soccer moms on a girls night watching Practical Magic for the ‘enth time? The book includes a fun quiz for the reader to work out what kind of witch they are reminiscent of teen magazines. We tested some of the cocktail recipes. Got drunk. So can confirm they do that, but sometimes the most magical thing of all is a few drinks at the end of a busy week.
*eArc supplied by publisher and Netgalley
*eArc supplied by publisher and Netgalley
September 17, 2020
I have conflicting views on this book. I was hoping for some insight for baby witches or for those who want to dabble in the world of magick but don’t quite know where to start. While I like the approach that was taken I found myself bummed that this was targeting a more adult audience.
Not that I am against alcoholic beverages but I was hoping for a more PG invitation into magick, one where I can try different spells to bring myself closer to my personal goals - similar to meditation.
However, I very much appreciated the viewpoint of the author and her own journey with magick and it’s counterparts. Overall, I think this book would make an excellent gift for those who have already dabbled in brewing potions.
Not that I am against alcoholic beverages but I was hoping for a more PG invitation into magick, one where I can try different spells to bring myself closer to my personal goals - similar to meditation.
However, I very much appreciated the viewpoint of the author and her own journey with magick and it’s counterparts. Overall, I think this book would make an excellent gift for those who have already dabbled in brewing potions.
August 17, 2020
*4.5
This is a really cute and interesting book! The first part is an overall intro to witchcraft, which was helpful as I'm a beginner, the the rest was drink recipes organized by theme. Anaïs does a great job explaining each ingredient, its magickal properties, and how important they are. The little drawings of each drink are very cute, but I think I'd like a picture of the drink as well (they're available on her tik tok but I think it would be good in the book too). Overall, this is good for witches and muggles alike and has a wide variety of drink flavors and a nice mix of alcoholic and virgin drinks.
This is a really cute and interesting book! The first part is an overall intro to witchcraft, which was helpful as I'm a beginner, the the rest was drink recipes organized by theme. Anaïs does a great job explaining each ingredient, its magickal properties, and how important they are. The little drawings of each drink are very cute, but I think I'd like a picture of the drink as well (they're available on her tik tok but I think it would be good in the book too). Overall, this is good for witches and muggles alike and has a wide variety of drink flavors and a nice mix of alcoholic and virgin drinks.
July 9, 2021
Lots of great recipes!
There were lots of in-depth look at correspondences that will probably be my main use for this book as time goes on. There were also some wonderful articles sprinkled throughout.
I loved the author’s approach! My magic philosophy is quite similar to my own.
My biggest complaints are there are some ingredients that may be hard to get ahold of and not a good balance between alcoholic vs non-alcoholic concoctions. It could have been easily remedied by offering alternative ingredients. Yes, I can research this, but would loved to have it added here for those of use that are still pretty new to things.
There were lots of in-depth look at correspondences that will probably be my main use for this book as time goes on. There were also some wonderful articles sprinkled throughout.
I loved the author’s approach! My magic philosophy is quite similar to my own.
My biggest complaints are there are some ingredients that may be hard to get ahold of and not a good balance between alcoholic vs non-alcoholic concoctions. It could have been easily remedied by offering alternative ingredients. Yes, I can research this, but would loved to have it added here for those of use that are still pretty new to things.
August 10, 2020
Potions, Elixirs & Brews is a cocktails recipe book with a twist of magic.
All recipes have cool and fun names, the explanation on how to make them were easy to follow and sounded exciting.
Unfortunately the whole intro felt a bit too much to me.
I do definitely recommend the book for all cocktail lovers, however I do suggests skimming over/skipping the introduction part if the first few pages don't draw you in. The recipes are great either way.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
All recipes have cool and fun names, the explanation on how to make them were easy to follow and sounded exciting.
Unfortunately the whole intro felt a bit too much to me.
I do definitely recommend the book for all cocktail lovers, however I do suggests skimming over/skipping the introduction part if the first few pages don't draw you in. The recipes are great either way.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
September 22, 2020
Hang on, a book of drinkable spells? As in, booze, that is magic!? Where do I sign up!?
This book of cocktails (and other drinks, but y'know COCKTAILS) was a really interesting read. I thought the way the author explained all about modern witchcraft and the ways in which all kinds of spells can be performed was really refreshing. Pun intended.
Very straight to the point, simple to follow, and beautifully presented, this book is a must for anyone looking to get more out of natural ingredients, and maybe enjoy a stiff beverage at the same time. What could be better!?
This book of cocktails (and other drinks, but y'know COCKTAILS) was a really interesting read. I thought the way the author explained all about modern witchcraft and the ways in which all kinds of spells can be performed was really refreshing. Pun intended.
Very straight to the point, simple to follow, and beautifully presented, this book is a must for anyone looking to get more out of natural ingredients, and maybe enjoy a stiff beverage at the same time. What could be better!?
January 5, 2021
This is an entertaining book filled with different potions that are all drinkable. The recipes were easy to follow, but you will need Google to figure out some of the ingredients. The rituals are fun and simple to do. This a great book to pull out with friends and have a good time making the concoctions
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. *Blurb and cover image via Goodreads.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. *Blurb and cover image via Goodreads.
August 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It is basically a collection of recipes that are drinks which are in turn spells. So its a collection of spells that you can drink! A great little book. I will definitely be buying copies for my friends.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
November 7, 2021
This is a cute little recipe book. Many of the drinks are alcoholic but there are a few for those who don’t/can’t drink. Alexandre lists the correspondences for each ingredient as well which makes it nice if you need to switch something out. With a few basic tips interspersed for the beginner modern practitioner, this may be something fun to pull out on your nights in.
March 28, 2024
I’ve been wanting to try out some new potions lately, and see how others do it (i’ve only ever done improvised potions, with my own recipes).
Some of the ingredients are hard to find where I live, but I flagged a couple i can modify.
Apart from the recipes, this book is quite informational and a good introduction to potions what ingredients to use, and how.
Some of the ingredients are hard to find where I live, but I flagged a couple i can modify.
Apart from the recipes, this book is quite informational and a good introduction to potions what ingredients to use, and how.
September 10, 2020
ARC provided by Netgalley
Fun cocktail and drink recipes for your inner witch. This would make a good gift.
The section header illustrations were gorgeous. I do wish that there were pictures of the drinks included as well.
Fun cocktail and drink recipes for your inner witch. This would make a good gift.
The section header illustrations were gorgeous. I do wish that there were pictures of the drinks included as well.
September 15, 2020
I've watched the author before on youtube. She is great at making simple and easy to follow potions. She also writes exactly what the ingredients provide. It is a pretty book with even better substance.
July 8, 2020
I absolutely loved this witty little book. With "potions" (or drinks - for you non-witchy folks) for Love, Cleansing, Wealth, Beauty and more, there was so many unique recipes in here. Anais states that you can either have a cocktail or a potion - all depending on your intention when making it! 200 pages of fun, witchiness and lots of drinks. They look amazing and I can't wait to try some out.
The illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and the whole book is just pretty as can be. I loved that she gave tips and tricks on insense, crystals and more to set the mood with your drink/potion as well. It is clear she's very well versed in the craft.
I would definitely recommend this and will likely be buying a few copies for friends!
* I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review*.
The illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and the whole book is just pretty as can be. I loved that she gave tips and tricks on insense, crystals and more to set the mood with your drink/potion as well. It is clear she's very well versed in the craft.
I would definitely recommend this and will likely be buying a few copies for friends!
* I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review*.
November 13, 2020
interesting book, nice compilation of potions and brews.
March 3, 2021
I really liked the flow of this book and it felt like the author is okay with other ways of doing things which I really like
November 9, 2021
amazing for any witches to have!! shows good correspondences with recipes and they all taste amazing
January 7, 2022
Tasty recipes
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