Classic Summer Cocktails Book Review
Having fun in the sun also works up a thirst for a cool summertime drink. Classic Summer Cocktails
Heritage Hammock Hooch
This book focuses on those frosty cold adult beverages which remind you of the hammock on the beach in some exotic destination to simply relaxing outside on the porch at home. Traditional favorites such as the Tom Collins, Mojito and Salty Dog are included along with drink recipes for contemporary cocktails like Sex on the Beach and Cosmopolitan.
Timeless Tropical Tipples & Signature Sports Sips
If you lust lavish looking liquid libations likened luxury locales then perhaps the Bahama Mama, Blue Lagoon, Mai Tai or Piña Colada would satisfy your desire. Signature drinks associated with hot weather sporting events are also represented such as the Kentucky Derby Mint Julep, the Wimbledon Pimm’s Cup and many more.
New Nips
There are also 25 original creations with a taste of old fashioned Caribbean glamor added to the exotic blend. 10 alcoholic cocktails and 15 non-alcoholic mocktails join the individual chapters devoted to the Daiquiri and the Margarita. Always have at least one great mocktail available behind the bar for any home party you throw.
Example Elixirs
Here are two great summer cocktails and the amusing historical anecdotes that go with the recipes in quotes …
Caipirinha ( a beloved Brazilian favorite ):
“Literally translated, this word means ‘peasant’s drink’ and has a reputation as the cocktail that could replace the malaria shot! It gets its kick from the cachaca, a Brazilian spirit distilled from sugar cane juice. In the 1920s and 1930s, car king Henry Ford outlawed the Caipirinha in Fordlandia, his company town located in Brazil. (Not enough concentration on the work at hand.)”
- 1 ¾ oz aguadente de cana ( cachaca )
- 1 ½ tsp brown sugar
- 1 small fresh lime
Slice the lime into small segments. Add to an old-fashioned glass with the brown sugar. Muddle together thoroughly. Add ice cubes and cachaca. Stir and serve with a stirrer ( straw optional ).
Moscow Mule ( an entrepreneurial spirit ):
“While in Hollywood, John G. Martin who bought the American rights to Smirnoff vodka in 1934, dined at the Cock ‘n’ Bull, then owned by Jack Morgan, who was facing a glut of ginger beer stock. Morgan had a friend who was also experiencing problems; she had to offload copper mugs. The three of them concocted the Moscow Mule, to be sold in a copper mug stamped with a kicking mule to warn of its kick.” Wasn’t another cool summer treat a marriage of circumstance also, i.e. the ice cream cone?
- 1 ¾ oz Smirnoff vodka
- juice of half a lime
- ginger beer as needed
Pour the vodka and lime juice into the copper mug ( or highball glass ). Top off with ginger beer. Garnish with wedge of lime. Serve with a stirrer.
Generally speaking, summer means more fruit juice, more ice and more fresh garnishes. And you need the right bar equipment to make it easy.
Classic Summer Cocktails is the third book by this acclaimed bartender and much sought after drinks expert. Lots of vintage liquor advertisements are included to add another dose of humor along with the stories and fun facts. Mixing these drinks at home is a breeze with the help of this bar reference. Order a must have reference copy of Classic Summer Cocktails for your home bar library here
