Cocktail Chemistry

by Nick Fisher

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Cocktail Chemistry is a fun and modern collection of bar recipes with lots of fun pop-culture references curated and written by Nick Fisher. Due out 17th May 2022 from Simon & Schuster on their Simon Element imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is a really solid bar book full of twists on traditional recipes. The recipes are arranged thematically, by reference to show/movie (including James Bond, Iron Man, The Avengers, The Simpsons, Mad Men, The Office, and so many more). There is a very short abbreviated introduction with an overview over basic bar equipment and tools, but the author does presuppose a base level of familiarity. There are lots (and lots) of very basic introductory tutorials online, so the book's emphasis is on the recipes. The photography is beautifully rendered and adds a lot to the appeal of the book. I also liked that the author does a whimsically competent job of explaining some of the science behind the interaction of the ingredients with each other (and with our bodies during and after consumption).

Each of the recipes includes an introductory description and yields, ingredients in metric measurements (ml) and American standard (oz), followed by step by step instructions. Variations and alternatives are provided at the end of the recipes. These are well made cocktails which don't take themselves too seriously. Some of the blending ingredients are exotic, colorful, and may be moderately difficult and expensive to source. Some are just weird (a pea sized bit of the red stripe from Aquafresh toothpaste O.0 ).

Many of the ingredients should be available at any well stocked grocery/liquor store although some might need to be sourced at specialists.

Cocktails are such a civilized interlude and this book includes a solid cross section of classics and variations on the tried-and-true basics to build mixology skills and impress one's friends at the next gathering.

Four and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.