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Classic After-Dinner Drinks
From the world's best bartender, the perfect companion to his bestselling Classic Cocktails. Finish off a delicious dinner with drinks luxurious (brandies, armagnacs, and cognacs), smooth and earthy (malt whisky), and rich and distinguished (port). Linger with liqueurs sweet and luscious to the palate, and savor the ideal partner to all these a fine cigar. Along with the recipes for such classic treats as the Blanche Cocktail and the Blushin' Russian, plus his own much-praised originals, Calabrese dishes up delicious history, definitions of the different varieties, and advice on choosing a brand, tasting and testing, and serving. Throughout, there are boxed sidebars and a multitude of color photographs showing the regions from which these liquors come, their processing, and a range of delightful vintage posters, advertisements, and drawings. 176 pages (all in color), 4 1/2 x 7.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 1999
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
March 31, 2025
So I picked this up at a sale at my library, and have really enjoyed reading small sections over the last couple of months. Calabrese is clearly an expert, but also comes off as friendly instead of pretentious, happy to share knowledge and allow the reader to look like they know more than they likely do.
The art is fantastic. Deeply enjoyed the posters and advertisements from various times and regions. I was so glad he included those, they were very fun.
The drinks are tricky. Clearly tastes have shifted in the quarter century since this was published. So many recipes include items like egg yolks, and I can’t recall one with an egg white. It sounds so heavy. The majority include fresh cream, which also I think could be a little heavy, but also, what do I use? Whipping cream? Anyway, it creates an interesting contrast to the drinks I see offered at modern speakeasies.
I have only made one. It didn’t have egg yolks or fresh cream, and it really was delicious. So, I’m curious to try a few. Or maybe Salvatore and I can bring back the 90s as I try some of these in the future.
The art is fantastic. Deeply enjoyed the posters and advertisements from various times and regions. I was so glad he included those, they were very fun.
The drinks are tricky. Clearly tastes have shifted in the quarter century since this was published. So many recipes include items like egg yolks, and I can’t recall one with an egg white. It sounds so heavy. The majority include fresh cream, which also I think could be a little heavy, but also, what do I use? Whipping cream? Anyway, it creates an interesting contrast to the drinks I see offered at modern speakeasies.
I have only made one. It didn’t have egg yolks or fresh cream, and it really was delicious. So, I’m curious to try a few. Or maybe Salvatore and I can bring back the 90s as I try some of these in the future.
Displaying 1 of 1 review