Day Drinking

March 1, 2017

Blogger and food writer Odell (Eater.com) writes this breezy book for low-alcohol cocktails, tapping into a recent trend for drinks with less kick but all the creativity and flavor of the craft cocktail movement. Odell presents an assortment of 50 cocktails that make use of beer, sherry, wine, sake, and other low-proof bases and mixers for sipping all day, including punches, sangrias, coolers, aperitifs, and toddies. Besides the drink recipes, there are many combinations for syrups, tinctures, and infusions that add flavor and interest. Cutting-edge ingredients include sour beer, osmanthus oolong tea, and shochu. Be prepared to discover fresh ingredients and employ two or three types of preparations for many drinks. There are sections on beverages for cold weather, hot days, batching drinks for groups, as well as several alcohol-free items. There are also details on both common and unusual ingredients, as well as how to mix drinks. VERDICT With a laid-back vibe, this is a solid collection for party hosts seeking some unusual and trendy cocktails. Recipes skew toward the sweet and fruity, so perhaps not the best choice for hard-core cocktail purists.--Devon Thomas, Chelsea, MI

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