Gin Cocktails by Stuart Walton is perhaps the best quality and best priced gin cocktail book around. It’s from Lorenz Books who have a reputation for publishing good value books which one will actually use.
Christmas will soon be with us and it’s probable that we will be staying home in small ‘bubbles’ this year. Cocktails will be in order and this book will be welcomed by any gin lover who has hitherto been limited to a G&T.
Elevate your homemade cocktails
The book starts with the history of gin and considers its contemporary popularity, as cocktails in general have enjoyed a resurgence not known since the roaring 20s. And then there are guidelines to choosing gin, bar equipment, glassware and techniques. There are step-by-step instructions on such things as crushing ice, frosting glasses, making garnishes, that will elevate your homemade cocktails to the level of those found in swanky bars.
There are dozens of classic cocktails as well as many more which were new to me. If one could learn to make just a fraction of those included here, then one’s friends would be impressed and likely book you for that End of Lockdown celebration party.
Each cocktail includes not only the recipe but also its provenance. For instance, the Gin Sour dates from the 1850s. There are cocktails here to suit every taste, time of year and occasion. Yes, I do have favourites not only to drink but to make. They include Pink Lady (gin, grenadine, cream and the white of an egg); an Oasis (gin, blue Curaçao and tonic water); and a Gin and It, which was loved by ladies back in the 1950s.
Gin Cocktails might only be a little book but it’s comprehensive and well-researched. It would make the perfect stocking filler for any budding home barista.
Gin Cocktails
Author: Stuart Walton
Published by: Lorenz Books
Price: £6.00
ISBN-13: 978-0754833710