Whiskey Cocktails

February 1, 2015

Bobrow (Apothecary Cocktails) is a devotee and demystifier of obscure spirits. His new title goes way beyond the Manhattan, with recipes for 75 creative concoctions including "Ulysses Left on Ithaca" and "Captain Swank's Sandwich Sippah." The book's breezy introduction explains that whiskey varies widely depending on how and where it's distilled, and it accordingly covers a range of spirits, from familiar rye, scotch, and Tennessee bourbon to less common white whiskeys and alternative grains. Yes, there's a fail-safe old-fashioned here, but also ideas for what to do with quinoa or millet whiskey, should that be what you have on hand. The book assumes that readers know their muddler from their strainer and their Angostura from their amaro, and is designed to be practical. Its spiral-bound pages fold flat to display the recipe and a photograph that's more for reference than admiration. That's a good thing: lots of these recipes run to five or more ingredients and can be tricky to visualize. VERDICT Both a challenge and an inspiration for the adventurous whiskey lover who's willing to grill pineapple, brew espresso, or hunt up yuzu syrup in the service of an unforgettable drink.--Joanna Scutts, Astoria, NY

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