Dark Spirits: 200 Classy Concoctions Starring Bourbon, Brandy, Scotch, Whiskey, Rum and More

by A.J. Rathbun

Don't be afraid of the dark - the dark spirits, that is. Oh, vodka and gin have their place, but whiskey, rum, Scotch, bourbon, rye, and their kind are so much deeper and more complicated; they make white spirits pale by comparison. Time was, these brown liquors were relegated to serious (or dare we say sober?) solo sipping or perhaps the occasional old-fashioned mixture like, well, the Old Fashioned. But a cocktail renaissance has brought dark spirits back to their rightful station: as lively, engaging drink components that can mix it up in a full array of new-fashioned libations In this clever compendium of all drinks dark, A.J. Rathbun revisits the lively, witty, informative mood of his award-winning cocktail bible Good Spirits. It's a trip to the lighter side of dark spirits, as the book's thematic recipe chapters demonstrate. Bartender's Choice presents the favorite creations of some of today's top mixologists, and the sparkling quaff s in Bubbly Refreshers are sure to take the edge off a hot day. Powerful Punches provides piquant potables in plentiful portions, while the drinks in Hot Stuff will warm you from the inside. Of course, the dark spirits do have their dark side, as revealed in Drinks That Go Bump in the Night, a chapter that off ers such chill, chilled, and chilling concoctions as Corpse Reviver and Black Hood (rye, orange liqueur, and Benedictine - well, it sounds innocent enough). And in Dark Classics, you'll find - what else? - the classics, such as the Mai Tai, Manhattan, Mint Julep, and, yes, Old Fashioned. But a cocktail book by A.J. is never just a collection of recipes. In these pages, you will learn everything there is to know about the dark spirits; you'll never again confuse Cognac and Armagnac, or whiskey and whisky. Moreover, there's a thorough introduction that covers all the basics: techniques, equipment, ingredients, garnishes, even ice and how to use it. An array of tips and tidbits further enlightens the proceedings, with quotes of note, party hints, obscure but fun facts, and more. Today's dark spirits are more edgy than old-fashioned. Expand your cocktail repertoire with this must-have collection that helps shed light into a dark corner of the bar.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another bartender's friend!?

There are a lot of book out there on making drinks, and if that isn't enough there's always the internet so... is this worth buying?

200 drink recipe, OK that's fine. Great color photographs, that's nice too. The little tid bits of trivia are fine too. BUT...

The clincher, for me, was the introduction to each drink. Those are the reason to pull out this book and let your guests take a look at it and enjoy the witty little introductions to each drink.

For example, "Bosom Caresser- Hey, you, don't start thinking that because you sidle up in that fancy western shirt with the shiny buttons and present one of these frothy mergers for that sweet gal or guy you've had your eye on since the party began (no matter how late in the evening) that said presentation entitles you to start getting handsy. That's going to end with the drink on your head, as opposed to in anyone's mouth, and you'll look like an idiot besides. Give one of these enticing tipplers without any secondary motives outside of your love of giving good drink, though, and who knows what might happen."

Or, "Tartan Swizzle- I see you wallflowers out there, hugging the dancehall's walls, worried about your steps and your shoes (thinking they may rebel and trip you as you set off for that opening dance), chewing that bottom lip ever so slightly because of your lack of knowledge of those modern steps. I was with you, once. Then my pal, Jeremy Holt (The Husky Boy) told me about the Tartan Swizzle, a dance so wild and extemporaneous that no one can do anything but applaud as you're cutting that crazy rug. Wait, wait, before you head to the floor to bring it (as the kids say),I should tell you that Jeremy also served me up a gang of Tartan Swizzles before convincing me to start the dance of the same name. I suggest you take that route, too, before getting all Baryshnikov."

OK, THAT, Those very clever intro's are reason enough to buy the book, I mean, every single drink has a hoot of a piece like those to go along with it!

Very fun "must have" by the bar!