3 or 4 nights a week I moonlight as a bartender. And so whenever a new cocktail book comes out, I can’t wait to see what it’s all about. The craft cocktail revolution over the last ten years has brought in many new “classic cocktail” books. But I am not exaggerating when I say, they all pale in comparison to Death + Co’s book. Here are some reasons:
1. This book is sexy. The cover (black boards with silver inlay lettering, the photography, and the illustrations (pen and ink drawings of the tools of the trade are interspersed throughout) all come together to make this a well-rounded addition to any cocktail enthusiast.
2. Reading recipes was never this much fun. I’m sure that not everybody wants to spend their Sunday afternoon reading cocktail recipes, but that’s not the only thing on these pages. Wondering exactly what Aquavit is? Check out page 37. The authors recommend that you try Linnie Aquavit or Krogstad Aquavit. Wondering what bitters do to a cocktail, page 47 is invaluable. (Did you know there are 2 basic ways bitters work in a drink–lifting or binding?)
3. The Regulars. Being a bartender is great, not just for the creativity of making something that somebody is going to drink and enjoy immediately, but because of the regulars. Death + Co features some of the people who have kept them on their toes and in business throughout the book. This homage to the man or woman on the other side of the bar is pretty classy. (I’m also nosey; I want to know what Sherri Harrison drinks and why.
4. Graphs and Charts. There is a flow chart to help you decide what kind of spirits/cocktails you should drink. There is a glossary of bar terms. A pie chart breaking down the flavor profile of the major spirit categories and how they mix together.
5. It’s for everybody. Yes, this book is chockfull of information for bartenders and restraunteurs (in fact, I think that EVERYBODY working behind a bar should read this book) but it’s also a great starting point for the hobbiest. There is advice for setting up a bar in your home, and even recipes for large-batch cocktails to serve at your next Christmas party.
6. The Drinks. Death + Co opened in NYC in 2006 and their attention to detail has made them one of the best cocktail bars in the country. Taste a drink and you will know why. From simple and classic (Negroni, Last Word, Old Fashioned) to complex (Smoked Horchata, Cobra’s Fang, Sweet Hereafter) these drinks are worth lingering over.
-A
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