Book Review- Edible Cocktails

Edible Cocktails: From Garden to Glass- Seasonal Cocktails with a Fresh Twist by Natalie Bovis proves once again that not only is gardening, working with compost, and going to farmer's markets a very sustainable way of life, it can also be very trendy and edgy. These recipes are sure to impress.

The introduction chapters are dense with information. You'll learn about the supplies you need to properly mix drinks, a bit about various alcohols, the types of spices you'll want to have on hand, and the sorts of things you can grow in your garden with gardening tips. It also talks briefly about farmers markets.

When I was tending bar, one of the other bartenders would make grow and pickle beans to put into Bloody Marys. That was a great idea, but this volume eclipses that by so much. There are savory drinks with specialty salt rims, sweet drinks that mix fresh fruit with good quality alcohol and drinks that combine flavors in wonderful ways.

It's not all alcoholic drinks though. There are also recipes for making different flavored syrups, jams, marmalade and other things using a garden bounty or what's in season at the supermarket. Agua Fresca and garnish recipes and ideas like candied limes can pair for non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers and minors.

I love the creative flavors and ideas. There are several recipes for using meat in cocktails which is not something you'd ever expect, but bacon lovers would appreciate the novelty of the Bacon Cherry Creek Cocktail which combines a smoked bacon washed bourbon with a cherry cinnamon syrup (both recipes are in the book). For fresh, fruity flavors, you can't beat the peach puree Whiskey Bellini recipe.

If there is one thing that I don't like about this volume is that there aren't any mocktail recipes for non-drinkers.  However, there were recipes my daughter would like to try that are non-alcoholic. She's wild for Roy Rogers, and loves the idea of making her own grenadine syrup. The chapter on jams, jellies and purees starts with instructions for making your own pectin from scratch using apples and the recipes use homemade pectin.

This is a book that makes me crave a large kitchen, and several evenings with good friends.
Published by Adams Media.
You can get the book from Amazon.com using the affiliate link below.



I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, my reviews are always my personal and honest opinion. You can read more about my review policy here.