annieb123
Written on Mar 26, 2022
Beyond Grapes: Simple Recipes for Delicious Homemade Liqueurs is a tutorial guide with recipes for homemade liqueurs curated by Yacov Morad and is the second book in the Beyond Grapes titles by the author. Released 18th Oct 2021 by Library Tales, it's 134 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
The author has experience as a non-grape based vintner, and these recipes reflect non-grape based liqueurs and flavorings. The book is streamlined and meticulously, logically laid out. The introductory tutorial walk-through of the base process is followed by the recipes, grouped thematically: specialty liqueurs, fruit liqueurs, mixed liqueurs (dozens to choose from), veggie and herbal, homemade and flavored vodkas, and homemade moonshine.
Each of the tutorials contains a description, yields, estimated proof alcohol percentage, a bullet list of ingredients with measurements given in standard (metric) units, and followed by step-by-step instructions. The photography throughout is stellar; beautifully styled, clear, and attractive.
There were some minor points which I didn't understand with the first read though which I need to investigate a little more thoroughly, for example, which specific sort of alcoholic base is used in the moonshine recipes (which I understand to be home-distilled high-proof liquor which is legally problematic in most of the world without special licensing). I'm assuming that, like the other chapters, store-bought vodka or grain alcohol is used as a base.
The author's style of writing is warmly conversational and he seems like a genuinely knowledgeable and generous man. The introductory dedication to his family, especially his wife, was touching and uplifting, especially in the current darkly unsettled world climate.
Five stars. This would be a superlative choice for public library acquisition, for foodies, for cocktail aficionados, and fans of hospitality/entertaining.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.