annieb123's Review of Shake Strain Done

by J M Hirsch

Are you done with generic gin and tonics, mediocre Manhattans and basic martinis? You can use pantry staples and basic liquors to produce more than 200 game-changing craft cocktails worthy of a seat at the bar.

Many cocktail books call for hard-to-find ingredients and complicated techniques that can frustrate home cocktail makers. Shake Strain Done shows a better way:

* If you can shake, strain, stir and turn on a blender, you can make great cocktails.
* No tedious secondary recipes hidden between the lines.
* No mysteries. You'll know what each drink will taste like before you pick up a bottle.
* No fancy equipment needed. A shaker, strainer and spoon are as exotic as it gets.
* The ingredients are mostly pantry and bar staples--things you already have on hand.

Every drink is rated by its characteristics--Warm, Refreshing, Sweet, Sour, Bitter, Fruity, Herbal, Creamy, Spicy, Strong and Smoky--to help expand your horizons and find more drinks to love.

These are drinks with the sophistication of a high-end speakeasy, minus the fuss, like:

* The Sazerac 2.0 - a spice cabinet update that takes the classic back to its origins
* A new White Russian that lightens the load with coconut water instead of cream
* A grownup Singapore Sling that's fruity without tasting like fruit punch
* A Scorched Margarita that uses the broiler to char those lemons and limes
* A feisty new Gin and Tonic in which black pepper is the star ingredient
* And plenty of originals, like the Pooh Bear. Butter, honey and bourbon? Yes, please! And Mistakes Were Made, for tiki time

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Shake Strain Done is a basic no-frills mixology book by J. M. Hirsch. Due out 3rd Nov 2020 from Little Brown & Co. on their Voracious imprint, it's 272 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a really solid bar book full of traditional recipes. The recipes are arranged thematically, by main alcoholic ingredient - brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey (and analogues) and wine. The introduction includes some background, an overview of cocktails, bar equipment, and more.

Each of the recipes includes an introductory description and yields. Ingredients are listed in American standard (oz) only (no metric measurements) and step by step instructions. Variations and alternatives are provided at the end of the recipes. Each of the recipes is also accompanied by a signature note (warm, spicy, strong, and so forth) which can help when pairing drinks with hors d'oeuvres/snacks. There are no photographs, but it does have a nice art deco vibe with colored line drawings (also showing some bar-glass shapes and garnishes) along with cool evocative chapter headings and a deco graphic layout.

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 traditional libations to build mixology skills and impress one's friends at the next gathering. (Especially given that it really looks like the sensible segments of society aren't going to be packed into night-spots anytime soon).

Four stars.

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

Shake Strain Done

by J M Hirsch

Reviewed by annieb123 on Oct 3, 2020

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