'James Crowden is Britain's best cider writer ... Cider Country is the book we've all been waiting for.' Oz Clarke Join James Crowden as he embarks on a journey to distil the ancient origins of cider, uncovering a rich culture and philosophy that has united farmer, maker and drinker for millennia. LONGLISTED FOR THE 2021 ANDRE SIMON FOOD AND DRINK AWARD Cidermaking has been at the heart of country life for hundreds of years. But the fascinating story of how this drink came into existence and why it became so deeply rooted in the nation's psyche has never been told. In order to answer these questions, James Crowden traces an elusive history stretching back to the ancient, myth-infused civilisations of the Mediterranean and the wild apple forests of Kazakhstan. Meeting cider experts, farmers and historians, he unearths the surprising story of an apple that travelled from east to west and proved irresistible to everyone who tasted it. Upon its arrival in Britain, monks, pirates and politicians formed a pioneering and evangelical fan base, all seeking the company of a drink that might guide them through uncertain times. But the nation's love-affair with cider didn't fully blossom until after the reformation, when the thirst for knowledge about the drink was at its peak. This infatuation with experimentation would lead to remarkable innovations and the creation of a 'sparkling cider', a technique that pre-dated Dom Perignon's champagne by forty years. Turning to the present day, Crowden meets the next generation of cider makers and unearths a unique philosophy that has been shared through the ages. In the face of real challenges, these enterprising cider makers are still finding new ways to produce this golden drink that is enjoyed by so many. Spanning centuries and continents, Cider Country tells the story of our country through the culture, craft and consumption of our most iconic rural drink.

This book is an introduction to the history of alcoholic drink in England from the end of the Middle Ages to the present day. Treating the subject thematically, it covers who drank, what they drank, how much, who produced and sold drink, the places where it was enjoyed and the meanings which drinking had for people. It also looks at the varied opposition to drinking and the ways in which it has been regulated and policed. As a social and cultural history, it examines the place of drink in society and how social developments have affected its history and what it meant to individuals and groups as a cultural practice. Covering an extended period in time, this book takes in the important changes brought about by the Reformation and the processes of industrialization and urbanization. This volume also focuses on drink in relation to class and gender and the importance of global developments, along with the significance of regional and local difference. Whilst a work of history, it draws upon the insights of a range of other disciplines which have together advanced our understanding of alcohol. The focus is England, but it acknowledges the importance of comparison with the experience of other countries in furthering our understanding of England's particular experience. This book argues for the centrality of drink in English society throughout the period under consideration, whilst emphasizing the ways in which its use, abuse and how they have been experienced and perceived have changed at different historical moments. It is the first scholarly work which covers the history of drink in England in all its aspects over such an extended period of time. Written in a lively and approachable style, this book is suitable for those who study social and cultural history, as well as those with an interest in the history of drink in England.

A Perfect Gift for the Cocktail Lover Inspiring, practical, and designed for entertaining, this beautifully designed deluxe box set includes two cocktail books and matching coasters-- The Negroni Book: More than 30 recipes, including both the classic that achieved cocktail perfection in Florence, Italy, and dozens of variations, deviations, and delicious reinterpretations. The Martini Book: A celebration of the timeless, sophisticated, and iconic cocktail of choice among generations of writers, actors, politicians, bon vivants--and of course, 007--and more than 30 recipes. 8 Coasters: Serve your perfect drinks in style. Eight cocktail-bar quality coasters are included in the set, four Negroni and four Martini, each featuring a striking image over a strong cork base.

Translated into English for the first time, the 1927 Cuban classic El Arte de Hacer un Cocktail y Algo Mas: The Art of Mixing a Cocktail & More documents the creative genius of the legendary Cuban cantineros. Within these pages you'll find 788 recipes that were shaken, stirred, thrown, and frappeed during the 1920s in the hotels, restaurants, casinos, bodegas, and bars of "the Little Paris of the Caribbean"-Havana, Cuba. A very rare book that has achieved legendary status amongst cocktail book collectors, the recipes found in El Arte have never been available in English, making this book an essential resource and a collectible on its own. Complete with its original illustrations and a foreword by Cuban rum and drinks historian Anistatia Miller, El Arte de Hacer un Cocktail y Algo Mas: The Art of Mixing a Cocktail & More is not merely a peek into Cuban cocktail history. El Arte demonstrates the Cuban passion for complex yet subtle flavours accentuated a hint of sweetness as well as the cantineros' awareness of their audience (both local and international) and of prevailing trends. That is a lesson that none of us should ever forget. Drinks and food must appeal to the people who consume them. It's a skill that Havana 's cantineros from those legendary days continue to teach us very well.

The first book to comprehensively document the proper steps to opening, stocking, and operating a bar, Harry Johnson's Bartenders' Manual is a mandatory volume for those in the bartending profession. Originally published in 1882, Johnson revised and expanded the book another two times as his own knowledge of the business increased. Contains the first published Martini recipe and the ancestor of the Dry Martini, the Marguerite.

COCKTAILS features more than 150 of our best recipes-from classic drinks to contemporary craft cocktails-all from America's most innovative bartenders. A must-have collection for the home bartender, the book includes essential tips, tools, and techniques, plus 24 menu ideas for drinks and bites. Join the editors of FOOD & WINE as they showcase the art of mixing a proper cocktail and offering hospitality with the finest in food and drink. Cheers!

Add a citrusy twist to your gatherings and parties! Frozen, neat, or on-the-rocks, Margaritas is the ultimate margarita handbook that will help you step up your cocktail game and features: - Over 101 recipes for making perfect margaritas - A guide to all types of tequila - A history of this citrusy cocktail's Mexican origins and its journey to the United States and the rest of the world - Necessary glasses and tools for every home bar - Creative garnishes provide plenty of ways to serve this party favorite - Recipes for delicious mocktails to satisfy the taste of everyone - Full-color photography enhances the experience of this book Margaritas is the perfect addition to any cocktail lover's collection.

Originally published in 1937 by the United Kingdom Bartenders Guild, Caf Royal Cocktail Book compiled by William J Tarling offers a rare glimpse into the wide array of drinks offered in London bars between the two world wars. Tarling, head bartender at the Caf Royal during had two goals. He wanted to extend this resource to consumers. He also wanted to raise funds for the United Kingdom Bartenders Guild Sickness Fund and the Caf Royal Sports Club Fund. Thus, he drew from the recipes previously compiled for Approved Cocktails, and added more of his own. He also collected many more original recipes from his contemporaries. The result was an outstanding and timely book. It did more than gather recipes, it captured a boom time in the history of cocktails, glass by glass. Sadly, there was only one printing and it became an unobtainable rarity, locking away a time capsule of drinks and knowledge. Reproduced in collaboration with the UKBG, Exposition Universelle des Vins et Spiritueux, and Mixellany Limited, this facsimile edition unlocks that knowledge for a new generation of consumers and bartenders around the world. Within these pages are some of the earliest known recipes for drinks made with tequila and vodka as well as memorable concoctions made with absinthe and other recently revived ingredients-an essential addition to every cocktail book library.

'It's hard not to love John Wright ... This book is full of wit and wisdom - a delight for the fireside armchair' BBC Countryfile What could possibly beat a cool pint of beer down the pub or a lazy glass of wine at your favourite bar? The answer is: home-brewed beer or your very own brand of wine. With this, the twelfth in the River Cottage Handbook series, the inimitable John Wright shows exactly how easy it is to get started. You don't need masses of space to make alcohol at home, and if you follow the simple instructions, you won't be faced with exploding bottles in the cellar. But don't forget, it's all about experimentation and finding out what works for you. Booze is divided up by alcohol type, from beer, cider and wine to herbal spirits and fruit liqueurs. Each section starts with an introduction to the basic techniques, methods and other useful information, before giving recipes for delicious tipples like rhubarb wine, sparkling elderflower wine, mead, cherry plum wine, orange beer, lager, real ginger beer, sweet cider, zubrovka vodka, amber spirits, rose infusions, blackberry whiskey, pomegranate rum, chestnut liqueur, mulled cider and there's even a hangover cure thrown in for good measure. With an introduction from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and full-colour photographs as well as illustrations, Booze is a home-brewer's book with a kick and features a directory at the back of the book where you can find instructions on purchasing the best home-brewing kits.

With 40 delicious variations on the classic Negroni cocktail, this is the go-to gift for Negroni lovers everywhere.

In a sea of cocktails, one is rocks above the rest: the Negroni. With its divine trinity of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, it’s a drink simultaneously timeless and contemporary. Easy to make but complex in taste, with endless opportunities of being reimagined.

Savour a Napoli or stir a Palmasera as this brilliantly illustrated book journeys across the ages to bring you everything there is to know about the world's most beloved cocktail.

Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a curious newcomer, cheers to the cocktail that defies convention and delights the senses.

Dolly Perkins and Jack Larkin have grown up in the notorious gin palaces of Birmingham.It's a world of happiness and friendship, but also violence and poverty. Now that Dolly runs the Daydream Gin Palace on Gin Barrel Lane she can finally control her own destiny, but sometimes fate still plays its hand. Keen to expand her empire, Dolly and Jack take on a new pub, but they are in for a shock when a foul smell in one of the bedrooms turns out to come from a body hidden in the wall. As the police hunt for their suspect, rumours abound, spread by the local urchins - happy to be used as runners for a little bit of food and a coin or two. But rumours can be dangerous, and as one of the worst winters on record covers everything in snow, Dolly and Jack have to fight for the lives they have made for themselves, and for the urchins that they have come to think of as family. Will the arrival of a new baby on Gin Barrel Lane bring the promise of new hope, or will the long-awaited thaw uncover new secrets and new tragedies... The Queen of Black Country sagas is back on Gin Barrel Lane with a rip-roaring, heart-warming, page-turning story of family, friendship and beating the odds. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Lyn Andrews. Praise for Lindsey Hutchinson: 'A great story with a great mix of characters, well written and keeps you hooked with each page turn!' Sarah Davies, NetGalley 'A wonderful read ... The author writes so well, it's a really hard novel to put down!' Grace Smith, NetGalley. 'Make sure to read this book where you won't be disturbed because once it gets going, you won't want to put it down' Andrea Ruiz, NetGalley 'A very poignant, feel-good-factor novel' Shelia Easson, NetGalley 'Excellent story!' Stephanie Collins, NetGalley 'The story will linger in your mind long after you finish it' The Avid Reader

'James Crowden is Britain's best cider writer ... Cider Country is the book we've all been waiting for.' Oz Clarke Join James Crowden as he embarks on a journey to distil the ancient origins of cider, uncovering a rich culture and philosophy that has united farmer, maker and drinker for millennia. LONGLISTED FOR THE 2021 ANDRE SIMON FOOD AND DRINK AWARD Cidermaking has been at the heart of country life for hundreds of years. But the fascinating story of how this drink came into existence and why it became so deeply rooted in the nation's psyche has never been told. In order to answer these questions, James Crowden traces an elusive history stretching back to the ancient, myth-infused civilisations of the Mediterranean and the wild apple forests of Kazakhstan. Meeting cider experts, farmers and historians, he unearths the surprising story of an apple that travelled from east to west and proved irresistible to everyone who tasted it. Upon its arrival in Britain, monks, pirates and politicians formed a pioneering and evangelical fan base, all seeking the company of a drink that might guide them through uncertain times. But the nation's love-affair with cider didn't fully blossom until after the reformation, when the thirst for knowledge about the drink was at its peak. This infatuation with experimentation would lead to remarkable innovations and the creation of a 'sparkling cider', a technique that pre-dated Dom Perignon's champagne by forty years. Turning to the present day, Crowden meets the next generation of cider makers and unearths a unique philosophy that has been shared through the ages. In the face of real challenges, these enterprising cider makers are still finding new ways to produce this golden drink that is enjoyed by so many. Spanning centuries and continents, Cider Country tells the story of our country through the culture, craft and consumption of our most iconic rural drink.