Synopses & Reviews
Dont 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. Its a trip to the lighter side of dark spirits, as the books thematic recipe chapters demonstrate. Bartenders Choice presents the favorite creations of some of todays 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, youll 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; youll never again confuse Cognac and Armagnac, or whiskey and whisky. Moreover, theres 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. Todays 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.
Review
"Itand#8217;s a joy to have this cocktail connoisseur come over to our side to play. Wine lovers everywhere will enjoy mixing up a party with A.J.and#8217;s guidance." and#8212;Steve Michener, winemaker, Trio Vintners
Synopsis
Wine cocktails have long been a part of the cocktail culture in Europe, and in this 50-recipe, full-color book, cocktail connoisseur A.J. Rathbun shows Americans how easy it is to create memorable cocktails with more than just Champagne. Recipes make use of the many wine varietals, liquors, liqueurs, and fresh fruits and other mixers that have become readily available in recent years to make such drinks as Aloha Punch, Blue Train, Sake'd Saint, Whistling Orange, and Cactus Berry-unique and delicious alternatives to the conventional cocktail!
Synopsis
In this 50-recipe, full-color book, cocktail connoisseur Rathbun shows how easy it is to create memorable cocktails with more than just champagne.
Synopsis
50 stylish sippers that show off your reds, whites, and roses
Synopsis
There is a long European tradition of classic drinks made with wine, and author A.J. Rathbun believes itand#8217;s high time to give the world of wine cocktails its due. With his signature wit and flair, he explores the delicious art of mixing wine cocktails and shows readers how easy it is to enjoy a favorite wine in a whole new way. In four recipe chapters that cover reds and rosand#233;s, white wines, sparkling wines, and after-dinner treats, Rathbun mixes things up with juice, herbs, liqueurs, spirits, and spices to create such cocktails as the Champagne Bowler, Venetian Spritz, Sakeand#8217;d Saint, Valencia, and Queen Charlotte. Some recipes are clever twists on well-known cocktailsand#8212;he adds flavors of vanilla and pear to make a new version of the mimosa, and mixes mint and lime to create a lighter, white-wine cousin of the mojito. Others are brand-new creations destined to become classics in their own right.
With a section on the basics of making wine cocktails, and gorgeous color photos throughout, Wine Cocktails is sure to broaden anyoneand#8217;s thinking about wine and please even the most skeptical oenophile. These drink recipes offer an easy way to be festive while keeping things on the lighter side. Bottoms up!
Synopsis
Anthology of poems about drinking, bars, and drinkers.
Synopsis
In Good Spirits, A.J. Rathbun has collected 450 of the best cocktail recipes, featuring an incredible variety of spirits, mixers, and garnishes. With its stunning, full-color photographs and fresh, lively tone, this is the definitive guide to both classic and contemporary drinks for anyone who appreciates the art of the cocktail. The recipes in Good Spirits are organized by theme, so its easy to find the perfect drink for every mood and occasion. The 12 chapters include “Cool It Down” (summer drinks, such as the Bellini and the Gin Fizz), “Gold Standards” (classics such as the Manhattan and the Sidecar), and “Fresh Faces” (creative new drinks, such as the Dublin 8 and Urban Bourbon). Hosting a party? Mix up a bowl of Champagne Punch. Preparing a romantic evening for two? Opt for the Cupid Cocktail or a couple of Silk Stockings.
For anyone who wants to go beyond mixing a few new cocktails and become a home bartender, a thorough introduction provides information on all the different varieties of liquors and mixers, glassware, and essential equipment.
Throughout the book, Rathbuns unabashed passion for and knowledge of his subject are clear in engaging headnotes and sidebars such as “Four Drinks to Induce Dancing,” “Top Five Movie Star Mixes,” and “Four Drinks Not to Serve the In-laws.” Good Spirits is like the perfect party: the drinks go down easy and everyone, from the casual cocktail drinker to the connoisseur, will have a great time.
Synopsis
Timeless. Effervescent. Joyous. The champagne cocktail is one of the original cocktails. Without a doubt, there is a champagne cocktail that is perfect for any occasion, and with this colorful, bubbly book, youre sure to find one thats ideal for your occasion. Mixologist extraordinaire A.J. Rathbun supplies 50 recipes that go far beyond French Champagne (though its certainly well represented): Italian Prosecco and Asti, Spanish Cava, German Sekt, and the many varieties of American sparklers. Rosé and red sparkling wines are not forgotten either, with Italian Brachetto and Lambrusco, as well as sparkling Shiraz. While honoring classics such as the Bellini or Champagne Cocktail, Rathbun also covers fruity cocktails, fizzily sophisticated international mixtures, new and esoteric concoctions, as well as crowd-pleasing punches perfect for your next party. Whether your occasion is a wedding, a birthday, a gathering of friends, an anniversary, or a clear moonlit night with one special person, celebrate in style with these spectacular sparklers.
Synopsis
Liqueurs—infusions that meld liquor with fruits, herbs, and spices—are once again an “it” beverage. In Luscious Liqueurs: 50 Recipes for Sublime and Spirited Infusions to Sip and Savor, mixologist A.J. Rathbun shows readers how easy and fun it is to make their favorite liqueurs at home. An informative introduction demystifies the process of preparing homemade liqueurs and explains how to set up an efficient (and fun!) “liqueur laboratory.” With just a few fresh ingredients and A.J.s expert guidance, liqueur lovers will be whipping up batches of sweet, spicy, fruity, and exotic mixtures that cost less and taste better than any store-bought bottle. Recipes include Righteous Raspberry, Limoncello, Cinnamon Snap, Heroic Hazelnut, Scotch Treat, Irish Cream, Anisetter, Mandarino, and 42 other tempting liqueurs photographed in stylish full color. They are perfect for sipping on their own or in cocktails, and make memorable gifts, too!
About the Author
A. J. Rathbun is a freelance food and entertaining writer and the author of Champagne Cocktails, Wine Cocktails, Dark Spirits, Luscious Liqueurs, Party Drinks!, and the International Association of Culinary Professionals Award-winning Good Spirits. Rathbun earned his MFA in creative writing from Western Michigan University, and has worked variously as a buyer for Amazon.com, an usher at the Art Institute of Chicago, a rock band roadie, an envelope stuffer, a marketing assistant, the director of the Poetry After Hours program at the Seattle Art Museum, an online editor, a waiter, and of course, a bartender. In addition to his cookbooks, Rathbun is the editor of In Their Cups and the author of Want, two poetry collections. Rathbun has been a guest, talking about drinks, food, entertaining, and kitchen products, on numerous radio shows, including Martha Stewart's Everyday Food satellite radio program and USA Radio, has done interviews with a variety of publications, including the Seattle Times, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and the Arizona Republic, and has contributed to the magazines Every Day with Rachael Ray and Wine Enthusiast, among others. He is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the Museum of the American Cocktail. He teaches cocktail classes at the cooking school Dish It Up, one of which was recently profiled in the magazine Traditional Homes. Rathbun lives in Seattle, Washington. To learn more about him and his books, and to read his blog, Spiked Punch, and check out a few of his drink-making videos, visit his website at www.ajrathbun.com.