According to Paul Abercrombie, “medical experts say that organic alcohol is lower in methanol – the toxin responsible for hangovers – than the nonorganic variety”. In his book Organic, Shaken and Stirred, Abercrombie feeds the reader a number of lovely tidbits like this one. This in-depth information, yes there is more in-depth information, is reason enough to check out this beautifully designed bar tender’s guide to organic drinks. But really, it’s all about the drinks. Oh sure he quotes bartenders at some of the trendiest East Coast hot spots who serve organic drinks, and the info is fun, but at the end of the day how are his drinks? In a word, delicious!
Not being much of a bartender, I need good, precise instructions for mixing drinks. Abercrombie delivers. He not only opens the book with a complete section that goes over the basics, tools, types of alcohol, and common ingredients, but when you get to the drink recipe sections the drinks are simple to put together and come out delectable.
The absolute favorite in the book, at least for me and my friends (and no I have not tried them all), was the Sun Gold Zinger. This is the drink pictured on the front cover. This drink boasts the unusual drink combination of organic cherry tomatoes and sea salt, as well Abercrombie is a fan of using agave nectar in many of his drinks. These flavor combinations are surprisingly delicious and it amazes me that they are not more common. I suspect we’ll be seeing more of them.
The final note about this book is that the pictures are beautifully shot. You can see the hairs on a strawberry and practically taste the drinks. I keep an old copy of the Mr. Boston: Official Bartender's Guide that was published long before I was born. This is a great resource for standard favorites, and it now I feel like my recipe book collection for drinks is complete. With the holidays coming, I have to say that your holiday entertaining will be greatly enhanced with this book. I’m glad I have a copy.
For more information check out my review of Rain Organics Vodka.
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