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Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks, Springsteen’s Tunnel of Love, The Beatles’ Abbey Road are but a few examples (not to mention the works of Van Gogh or Michelangelo). So when Rachel Federman (lead singer of indie-pop band Dimestore Scenario) and boyfriend Jason split up on the 3rd of March (we aren’t told who dumped who) after a week of sitting around the house, she found inspiration in her first love (cocktails) and hit the New York bar scene to research her book.
101 Cocktails for every occasion; and it is a beautiful pocket guide to cocktails that not just girls, but guys would enjoy. The artwork for the book is great and delving deeper, you won’t be disappointed with the contents. The recipes are organized into 7 chapters: New York city cocktails
Sex, girl drinks & rock ‘n’ roll
Wedding drinks
Summer vacation drinks
Party drinks
High spirits
Classic mixed drinks Each section is started by a bit about Rachel and what was going on in her life and the band at that point in time. It all helps to make the chapter to chapter transition very pleasant and gives the book a flow, making it more than just a cocktail recipe book. The recipes are presented with clear instructions on mixing and some have additional info as well: “London Fog
1 oz/3 mL white cream de menthe
1 oz/3 mL anisette
dash of angostura bitters
1 scoop of vanilla ice cream blend until smooth and serve in a chilled cocktail glass”
We are also told that the classic version (as opposed to the Manhattan version) of this drink does not contain the ice cream and is shaken not blended. The recipes vary from classics to newer versions of old drinks to some of the newest cocktails being made in NY bars. Overall we were very impressed with the recipes and the quality of the book and at £4.99 ($9.95) its a steal, go out and buy your copy now! We only wish it was a bit bigger (in dimensions) but then it wouldn’t be handy and pocket sized. |
