60 Vibrant and Versatile Vodka Cocktails Vodka is the perfect spirit that can turn almost any combination of mixer, juice and garnish into a bold and boozy beverage. Clear in colour and crisp to taste, some of the most famous cocktails are vodka-based. From the punchy Moscow Mule and the pink-hued Cosmopolitan, to the sweet-smooth Espresso Martini and the Bloody Mary pick-me-up, this beautifully illustrated book shows off the best of vodka cocktails that are fun and easy to make. In Vodka Made Me Do It seasoned mixologist, writer and cocktail consultant Colleen Graham explains everything you need to know about this versatile spirit: how to make tasty vodka infusions, which mixers blend well and how to create flavourful cocktails for every occasion. Including twists on classic cocktails - from bellinis and punches, to a whole host of delicious martinis - you'll soon be saying; 'Sip sip hooray for vodka!'

Bourbon is America's favourite spirit and has been for more than a decade. Eric Zandona - spirits specialist at the American Distilling Institute - explores the history, craft and rich flavour of this distinctive spirit. The Little Book of Bourbon, the perfect drinker's companion; delves into this wonderful world and offers everything you need to know at a glance about Bourbon - from how it is made, how to drink it like a pro and the key things you need to understand when buying a bottle. The Little Book of Bourbon also features 20 classic cocktail recipes, from an Old Fashioned to a Manhattan or Whiskey Sour.

Entertain in style with Ladies Who Drink, a gloriously glamorous excursion into the world of cocktails. Within these pages, recipes for updated classics like the mojito, cosmopolitan, and old fashioned meet modern concoctions like the strawberry basil margarita, lime shandy, and spicy michelada. This engaging and user-friendly guide is gorgeously illustrated by Anne Keenan Higgins, who brings each cocktail and setting to life with a whimsical array of sipping ladies dressed in to-die-for original fashions. Picture it: a woman in a chartreuse dress drinking a Daiquiri while reading Hemingway's To Have and Have Not; or a woman with a Manhattan in hand wearing a cherry styled fascinator against the backdrop of the New York City skyline. Broken down by occasions like game day, book club, or barbeque, as well as moods like April in Paris, seaside sunset, or Mardi Gras, Ladies Who Drink is filled light-bite food pairing recipes and entertaining ideas perfect for just about any occasion.

Step aside, rose. A more refreshing drink is here, in a bubbling array of colors and flavors. The iconic Italian export, the Aperol spritz, with its classic (and simple) makeup of fizzy prosecco, sparkling water, and a splash of the bittersweet, citrus-flavored liqueur, is just the beginning. In Just a Spritz, author Danielle Centoni shares an inspired world of spritz variations. Add in sweet liqueurs and bitter amari, fresh juices, flavored kombuchas, and drinking vinegars to update the sparkling spritz. A spritz is quick to assemble and does not require a stocked pantry--its beauty is in its simplicity. Here there are more than 50 recipes (and numerous variations) organized by flavor profile and theme, including the Raspberry Beret, the Margarita Spritz, and the Cucumberbatch, as well as nonalcoholic spritz drinks. For a spritz newbie, a classic Negroni Sbagliato may be just the thing, whereas the social media savant may find the fruity-floral, scarlet-purple, picture-perfect Lady Lavender calling their name. Whatever the craving--from a sweet peach and honeyed spritz to a slightly bitter and citrusy Cappelletti Shandy--there's a recipe to satisfy every thirst, along with colorful photos to inspire.

An essential reference guide to port, this book is recommended reading for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and other certification programmes. It describes the unique features of the Douro Valley, the cycle of work in the vineyards, historical production techniques and more recent innovations, and the role of the wine lodges where port matures before being shipped to its worldwide markets. Ben Howkins offers a concise history of port and the port trade as they have developed over the last 300 years. He covers important changes in recent ownership of the major shippers and highlights the people driving change in the industry while protecting port's heritage.

There is no other wine that is as versatile, as utterly unique in its range and production methods--and, unfortunately, as misunderstood--as sherry. For centuries, sherry was considered one of the world's great wines, spoken about in the same reverential terms as the finest Bordeaux and Burgundies. But in the last few decades, sherry lost its way--and cheap, cloyingly sweet blends sullied the reputation of what remains one of Spain's oldest and greatest winemaking traditions.
Thankfully, sherry is in the midst of a renaissance. Beloved of sommeliers and bartenders in the craft cocktail community, today sherry is being re-discovered and re-appreciated as an incredible table wine "and "essential component of many classic cocktails.
"Sherry "is essential reading for wine or spirits professionals looking to incorporate this complex wine into their menu, and for adventurous drink enthusiasts who are on the hunt for something unexpected. With a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the different styles of sherry, how they are made, and the people and places that produce it, "Sherry "demystifies what can be a confusing (and seemingly contradictory) wine. A thorough buyer's guide lists top producers and profiles the very best bodegas and wines.
Finally, a whole chapter on sherry-based cocktails illuminates a completely different side of sherry, featuring classic recipes like the Tuxedo and Sherry Cobbler, as well as modern creations from the country's top bartenders (Jim Meehan's East India Negroni, Derek Brown's Kojo Cocktail). More than a dozen recipes for tapas and other delicious foods--best eaten alongside a glass of sherry, of course--round out this wonderfully eclectic, engaging, and inspiring collection.

Sip sweet libations worthy of the Gods with these Greek myth-inspired concoctions based on all your favorite Gods and Goddesses. Care for Hestia's Old Fashioned? Want to fall in love with Eros on the Beach? How about the Bacchic Muddled Maenad sangria, topped with a blood orange; or maybe a Labooze of Heracles-made with plenty of strong whiskey? In Nectar of the Gods, you can sip Greek mythology-themed drinks while you enjoy your favorite ancient tales (or mythological retellings) with this collection of delicious and fun cocktails written by Liv Albert, host of the popular podcast Let's Talk About Myths, Baby!. Now you can discover new creations along with all your favorites and drink like the God or Goddess you know you are.

"A fascinating book that belongs on every wine lover's bookshelf."-The Wine Economist "It's a book to read for its unstoppable torrent of fascinating and often surprising details."-Andrew Jefford, Decanter For centuries, wine has been associated with France more than with any other country. France remains one of the world's leading wine producers by volume and enjoys unrivaled cultural recognition for its wine. If any wine regions are global household names, they are French regions such as Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy. Within the wine world, products from French regions are still benchmarks for many wines. French Wine is the first synthetic history of wine in France: from Etruscan, Greek, and Roman imports and the adoption of wine by beer-drinking Gauls to its present status within the global marketplace. Rod Phillips places the history of grape growing and winemaking in each of the country's major regions within broad historical and cultural contexts. Examining a range of influences on the wine industry, wine trade, and wine itself, the book explores religion, economics, politics, revolution, and war, as well as climate and vine diseases. French Wine is the essential reference on French wine for collectors, consumers, sommeliers, and industry professionals.

Bill Smith's introduction to winemaking happened when he worked in California, where he visited wineries in the Napa Valley. Back in England, he became a keen amateur winemaker. Adapting his skills as a research scientist in anaerobic fermentation to winemaking, the author soon became a prize-winner at shows, furthering his interest in the hobby by becoming a National Wine Judge He wrote this book for winemakers at all levels; all aspects of home winemaking are discussed from the basic equipment to the Wine Clubs that are the backbone of this widespread hobby. It gives the author's own views on methods that will improve on standard winemaking techniques and concludes with a selection of over fifty recipes from him and his winemaking friends.

In this fascinating little book, John DeMers tells the story of the Vieux Carre cocktail against the evolving backdrop of the ever-rich cocktail culture of New Orleans. Mixologist Walter Bergeron created this distinctive drink in the 1930s at the Hotel Monteleone; it was later dubbed "the Cocktail that Spins" in honor of the slowly turning Carousel Bar at the hotel. It's an iconic cocktail that, in recent years, was rarely ordered or prepared, though that is changing as a new generation of cocktail enthusiasts rediscover the old ways. The Vieux Carre draws on the local proto-cocktail, the Sazerac, as well as several booze-forward classics including the Manhattan, the Old Fashioned, and, from Italy, the Negroni. DeMers tells all that is known of Walter Bergeron's early life and also examines the ingredients in this cocktail and how each of them made its way to the Crescent City.

A stunning collection of over 100 recipes inspired by the heart of Britannia. Forget pouring a cuppa, fill your glass with unique drinks from the heart of Britain and explore some of the best pubs and lounges the home of Big Ben has to offer. Enjoy cocktails from some of London's best bartenders and mixologists from the comfort of your own home. Plan your next stroll along the River Thames or bring the big city to your home bar with photographs and recipes that capture the heart of the city. City Cocktails profiles some of the most happening cities in the world to give readers a taste of class, no matter where they set their glass.

In his new book, Gordon M. Shepherd expands on the startling discovery that the brain creates the taste of wine. This approach to understanding wine's sensory experience draws on findings in neuroscience, biomechanics, human physiology, and traditional enology. Shepherd shows, just as he did in Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters, that creating the taste of wine engages more of the brain than does any other human behavior. He clearly illustrates the scientific underpinnings of this process, along the way enhancing our enjoyment of wine. Neuroenology is the first book on wine tasting by a neuroscientist. It begins with the movements of wine through the mouth and then consults recent research to explain the function of retronasal smell and its extraordinary power in creating wine taste. Shepherd comprehensively explains how the specific sensory pathways in the cerebral cortex create the memory of wine and how language is used to identify and imprint wine characteristics. Intended for a broad audience of readers-from amateur wine drinkers to sommeliers, from casual foodies to seasoned chefs-Neuroenology shows how the emotion of pleasure is the final judge of the wine experience. It includes practical tips for a scientifically informed wine tasting and closes with a delightful account of Shepherd's experience tasting classic Bordeaux vintages with French winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet of the Chateau Petrus and Dominus Estate.

Following on the success of her books on Brunello di Montalcino, renowned author and wine critic Kerin O'Keefe takes readers on a historic and in-depth journey to discover Barolo and Barbaresco, two of Italy's most fascinating and storied wines. In this groundbreaking new book, O'Keefe gives a comprehensive overview of the stunning side-by-side growing areas of these two world-class wines that are separated only by the city of Alba and profiles a number of the fiercely individualistic winemakers who create structured yet elegant and complex wines of remarkable depth from Italy's most noble grape, Nebbiolo. A masterful narrator of the aristocratic origins of winemaking in this region, O'Keefe gives readers a clear picture of why Barolo is called both the King of Wines and the Wine of Kings. Profiles of key Barolo and Barbaresco villages include fascinating stories of the families, wine producers, and idiosyncratic personalities that have shaped the area and its wines and helped ignite the Quality Wine Revolution that eventually swept through all of Italy. The book also considers practical factors impacting winemaking in this region, including climate change, destructive use of harsh chemicals in the vineyards versus the gentler treatments used for centuries, the various schools of thought regarding vinification and aging, and expansion and zoning of vineyard areas. Readers will also appreciate a helpful vintage guide to Barolo and Barbaresco and a glossary of useful Italian wine terms.

In Praise of Beer is a helpful guide for beer lovers looking to learn more about what they should look for with each sip of beer. In his latest book, Charles Bamforth brings new light to the topic of beer in ways perfect for any beer fan, lover, or connoisseur. The book answers popular questions from consumers, including what consumers should be expecting from their beer; what styles are available; what they should be thinking about when purchasing beer, either in a bar or a beer shop; how to look after beer; how to present beer; which beer for which occasion, including dining; and if they can drink beer (in moderation) with a clear conscience. In Praise of Beer is written in an authoritative but easy-to-read style and is full of anecdotes, inside knowledge and valuable information.

This book not only delivers a thorough history of this national spirit, but provides a snapshot of the industry today. With an emphasis on new expressions of whiskey and rising stars in the game, this expanded edition brings more exposure to the whiskey world than ever. Thomas highlights the major players and whiskey hubs across the U.S., from industry giants to smaller craft distilleries that bring quality to your glass. Chapters are dedicated by region, covering the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and the West. With a special focus on the recent emergence of the third whiskey state, Texas, this is an opportunity to dive deeper into the industry today. Inside you'll find: - Detailed tasting notes for over 300 expressions of whiskey - More than 100 updated profiles of notable distillers - Interviews with master distillers - The history of whiskey across the United States - Original photography of behind the scenes at these distilleries Follow the production of this spirit from grain to glass and get a broader understanding of the whiskey landscape across the country with American Whiskey (Second Edition).

The Craft Gin Guide is the only guide to Britain and Ireland's craft gin distilleries and gin bars. This second edition of The Craft Gin Guide is an updated, revamped guide to all the best craft gins, gin bars and distilleries to visit across Britain and Ireland. It features returning distilleries and many new additions. This is a practical guide to sourcing and buying some superb gins with supplier's addresses and websites. With more than 300 small batch distillers and dedicated gin bars in the UK and Ireland, here's the perfect guide to help you discover them all. Many small gin distillers are not just producers but interesting places to visit for buying, for tasting and for learning about gin. This guide is filled with carefully researched information on those most worth seeking out. They are often run by enterprising, independent-minded people who are fun to meet: * Discover the best bars- all the UK's cities have gin bars, with London and Edinburgh having the most; * Seek out the best distillers - distillers, although concentrated in the cities, can also be found deep in the heart of the countryside. This guide has one or two page entries on who we feel are the most interesting and worth discovering; * Know your craft gin - discover the range of brands and tastes available; * All the essential information - opening times of bars and distilleries, web addresses, plenty of photographs plus interesting things to do and see nearby, making gin a fun day out. Written by the internationally renowned gin expert, David T. Smith, here is an invaluable guide to the finest gins being produced in Britain and Ireland. This is an ideal gift for the gin lover in your life as well as being a handy personal reference.

Explore the Northeast through the most notable wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the region! Drink the Northeast is your guide to the wineries, breweries, and distilleries that call the Northeast home. Explore the region and celebrate its rich history while discovering your new favorite drink. This guide is perfect for anyone who appreciates enjoying a carefully crafted drink in the rolling hills or bustling cities of the Northeast.

For centuries a bastion of tradition and the jewel in the crown of French viticulture, Bordeaux has in recent years become dogged by controversy, particularly regarding the 2012 classification of the wines of St.-Emilion, the most prestigious appellation of Bordeaux's right bank. St.-Emilion is an area increasingly dominated by big international investors, especially from China, who are keen to speculate on the area's wines and land, some of whose value has increased tenfold in the last decade alone. In the controversial 2012 classification, certain chateaux were promoted to a more prestigious class because of insider deals that altered the scoring system for the classification of wines into premier crus and grand crus. This system now takes into account the facilities of each chateau's tasting room, the size of its warehouse, and even the extent of its parking lot. The quality of the wine counts for just 30% of the total score for the wines of the top ranking, those deemed premier grand cru classe A. In Vino Business, Saporta shows how back-room deals with wine distributors, multinational investors like the luxury company LVMH, and even wine critics, have fundamentally changed this ancient business. Saporta also investigates issues of wine labelling and the use of pesticides, and draws comparisons to Champagne, Burgundy and the rest of the wine world. Based on two years of research and reporting, Vino Business draws back the curtain on the secret world of Bordeaux, a land ever more in thrall to the grapes of wealth.

Book description: This book is the definitive guide to the 250 best beers in the world today, selected by a panel of eight renowned international beer writers and influencers. Following a lengthy process of discussion and debate, each of our eight writers has arrived at their own final list of their favourite beers in the world. Illustrated in full colour throughout, this high-quality book is a must-have for all self-respecting beer lovers.

Whisky enthusiasts all over the world look forward to the Malt Whisky Yearbook every autumn. This 11th edition is again fully revised and packed with new and up-to-date information on more than 300 whisky distilleries from all over the world. Distinguished whisky experts contribute with new features written exclusively for this new edition along with details of hundreds of whisky shops, whisky sites and new bottlings. Whisky profiles from around the world explain how whisky in enjoyed in their respective countries. The Independent Bottlers chapter gives you all the details about the world's most successful blenders and bottlers complete with tasting notes. A comprehensive summary of the whisky year that was and all the latest statistics is also included. Malt Whisky Yearbook 2016 includes more than 250 tasting notes describing the flavour of single malts from all working distilleries in Scotland and Japan. Finally, with more than 500 colour photographs, Malt Whisky Yearbook 2016 is as much an essential reference guide as a book to read for pleasure.