Drinking the Devil's Acre

September 15, 2015

The title of bartender and educator McDonnell's book is misleading in that it would seem to confine interest in the work to a Bay Area audience. This is not the case, however. The recipes alone are enticing enough to anyone, building from a focus on core drinks (not all of which, the author acknowledges, originate in the city) and then spinning into variations and relations. Encouraging the use of better ingredients, McDonnell shares his professional blends for syrups as well as liquors such as vermouth and brandy. Each chapter incorporates anecdotes from his experience and from the history of an especially bar-laden part of San Francisco. These insights are fascinating, and, as a whole, the writing is respectful of the past and of the audience. Readers will find themselves yearning to have a drink with, take a guided tour from, or be taught cocktail making by McDonnell. VERDICT Not just another cocktail recipe book but a great read peppered with drinks to be made. Highly recommended where books on cocktails are popular.--Peter Hepburn, Coll. of the Canyons Lib., Santa Clarita, CA

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.