I’ve done a couple of book reviews previously, in both I mention that in general I am not a fan of books full of recipes. This one is an exception that I have enjoyed.
This book is broken down into categories of drinks:
- Digestives and Other Curatives
- Winter Warmers
- Hot-Weather Refreshers
- Restoratives
- Relaxants and Toddies
- Painkilling Libations
- Mood Enhancers
- Syrups and Infusions
Each section (except the last) is about 20 pages, with a brief (2-3 page) talk about the historical theories and reasons for using different ingredients for different issues. After that, it goes to recipes. Recipes have a brief summary, clear directions, and most have a full color photo of the drink (in some manner) on the opposite page.
Where I like this book is that nearly all the recipes are originals. Searching for the names online brings minimal results, others are old standbys such as the Hot Buttered Rum.
I got this in the spiral binding, which is great, as it lays flat on a counter if you’re referencing a recipe you haven’t used in a while. The book gives recipes for even the most basic of home made ingredients it calls for, even simple syrup. On the other hand, it does call for some exotic and potentially hard to source ingredients.
I would say this would make the book appropriate for an adventurous beginner on up. Even if you may be missing an ingredient, the recipes can give ideas, and substitution is already an important skill to learn when making cocktails. Needless to say, this is a book I recommend and enjoy.
With all of that, it seems cruel to talk up the book, and not at least share one of the recipes, which happens to be the most frequently one made in this book come winter
Cold Cure #1001 – Serves 2
- 12 parts (12 ounces) hot peppermint tea
- 5-6 parts (5-6 ounces) Benedictine
- 3-4 parts (3-4 ounces) sweet vermouth
- 10 drops/1-2 dashes Jamaican bitters
This comes from the Relaxants and Toddies (Drinks to Ease the Mind and Spirit) section. This drink starts with a pot of tea, and two mugs being warmed up. After the tea is steeped, add in the other ingredients, and give a brief stir to combine. At this point, the drink is put into the warm mugs. Simple, easy, flexible, and great for cold weather.
Laudanum and cocaine?
Cocaine is hard to source?
Not if you “know someone”.
The Chartreuse is RIGHT THERE!
It actually calls for Silphium.
All books with recipes should have either spiral or comb binding. I’m am loath to buy any cookbook (or any book with extensive instructions, such as yarn craft pattern books) without it. That detail makes a difference.
This is why the old school Klutz books are the best.
I had Juggling for the Complete Klutz once upon a time. Came with its own set of cubic beanbags, which have always been easier to juggle than balls. [::Pauses for someone to insert vulgar comment here::] I may still have the beanbags around here somewhere.
I’ve never had anything comb-bound that didn’t fall apart after not that much use.
True, spiral is superior, but comb binding will do if spiral isn’t available for that title. In a pinch, some place like FedEx Office (The Artist Formerly Known As Kinko’s) might be able to re-bind a comb-bound book whose original binding has cracked/fallen apart.
Seems like a lot of vermouth.
I’d recommend trying it as written before going with adjustments, but it’s your drink.
I was thinking that’s a lot of booze per serving. Relaxant, indeed!
It clocks in at about the same as a Manhattan, Benedictine is 40% ABV, while most whiskeys are bottled above that now.
*perks ears*
This looks interesting. I was delighted to see the huge variety of spirits at a new place I visited the other day – I’m sure they have Bénédictine too. They had crème de violette.
Benedictine is widely distributed, that you shouldn’t have an issue getting.
PS. This book looks great. Will check it out.
There are those that believe a cure is found in the same potions that seemed to have caused the problem the night before.
Stop shaving the dog for its hair.
My wife and I spent way too much time watching this woman on YouTube last night.
Getting wasted with Sandra.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3RFWnJ_iVdo&ra=m
In the morning thread it was pointed out that someone was Reviving the REO brand and selling a gas truck (of which none have been built yet).
I’m disappointed they aren’t offering a Speedwagon.
I mean, I get that they don’t want brand confusion with the band. But I’d buy a Speedwagon.
You wouldn’t prefer the Methwagon?
I have to admit I had no idea that was a vehicle brand name.
Ransom Eli Olds, he ended up finally cashing in with Oldsmobile eventually.
My REO is a Heavy Duty but I have most of the stainless trim to make it a Speedwagon.
Book looks interesting, here is a substitute for yellow and green:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NujuiYVDTQ
I have no idea if it’s any good, I’ve never had a use for chartreuse.
Chartreuse is still thick on the shelves here, and there’s been a couple of brands moving into the space to get a foothold while Chartreuse maintains their production levels (a big spike of demand caused the shortage). You can make a quick and dirty substitute with 1:1 Malort:Simple. You won’t get the complexity, but the bitterness will be there at about the right level.
Why do I not remember this happening? Surely it would have made the news
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_the_Money_and_Run_(artwork)
That “Artist” should be dragged into the street and beaten to death with nightsticks.
The Gallery people who paid him should be burned on a pile of the trash they’ve wasted money on.
I remember that.
I thought it was a perfect encapsulation of the modern art world.
It is.
Artists are assholes volume MXMLXIX
it did make the news. I remember it. Funny.
I have both Chartreuses in my cupboard and not in the recipe! Do you not read Chekhov??
No, I don’t need to fire every gun.
I mean, I put in enough cocktails in the Friday afternoon post that call for Chartreuse or absinthe.
No, I don’t need to fire every gun.
Sean has a sad….
I thought Chekhov was dead?
*Sad Psicorps hymn*
Chartreuse music!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fqLrYaqVIAg
Won’t somebody think of the poor bounty hunters?
One of the regulations the EPA wants to cut is the “Methane Super Emitter Program.” Across the U.S., oil and gas pipelines, refineries, and other energy facilities sometimes have huge leaks of methane. But methane is invisible and difficult, not to mention expensive, to detect. The super emitter program is supposed to take effect in January 2027. It would allow the government to delegate monitoring for big methane leaks to certified third parties, including private and nonprofit methane satellite programs.
“The easiest way to think about it is that if the government is alerted to a big leak, then if it’s reported by certified third parties, then they could use that information,” says Paasha Mahdavi, a political science professor at UC Santa Barbara who studies the oil industry.
“[The government] needs help from other people to say, ‘Hey! You’re breaking the law!’ so they’re able to prosecute,” Mahdavi adds.
If that program goes away, Mahdavi says it will be harder for the government to spot large leaks of the planet-heating gas from oil and gas facilities. “And we need that because it’s really hard to see this stuff,” he says.
Of course those non profit methane sniffers operate solely from the goodness of their hearts and concern for the welfare of their fellow man.
I suppose not having it at all is preferable to them never finding a damn thing and wasting $1 billion.
The market self solves this.
Natural gas is not free.
If you have a leak you fit it or go broke.
Well deserved rest and relaxation
The CEO of California’s high-speed rail authority resigned late Wednesday, saying he needs to focus on “important personal and family priorities,” according to a copy of the emailed resignation obtained by CalMatters.
“This has not been an easy decision, as leading the Authority has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding chapters of my professional life,” wrote Chief Executive Ian Choudri.
The guy ought to be preparing to surrender himself to the California Dept of Corrections.
BY REWARDING MEAN…..
Grifted enough to retire.
Among many LOLs
I’m sure investors were crawling over each other to get in on that deal.
Chartreuse is not that rare and dont taste that good
Cold Cure #1001 – seems way to sweet just reading the receipt
The shortage is here in the US.
cocktails save a lot of these liquors cause no one would drink them otherwise.
PieInTheSky:
People drink Malort by choice.
People drink Malort by choice. – I doubt that. I blame peer pressure myself. Alas Swiss did not bring any at the get together so I cannot say.
how long does Chartreuse last after opening.
PieInTheSky:
It’s available here in Ohio because bartenders lobbied for it. I thought there was still a bottle up there, if I had known there wasn’t, I would have brought one for you.
I’ve also seen people cringe at Fernet or Underberg though.
Edited to add: Chartreuse will generally last indefinitely after opening even at room temperature.
Male is available in the Tricities.
Next time I’m through I’m going to get some for reasons.
I thought there was still a bottle up there – maybe there was i did not think to ask at the time
Warren Bobrow looks more nerd than hipster good sign
Today I should not be drinking. But I find myself in melancholy. As such I have blinded whiskies. I need to now write the post.
Local liquor store has Chartreuse but it is damned expensive.
It is not cheap. Thankfully, it’s used sparingly.
It’s $97 a bottle here. What is it up North?
R.J.:
It’s ~$78 a bottle.
Just looked around the corner while picking up essentials (well, vodka).
79 bucks for what looks like a fifth. Yikes.
To be fair, this place is like a wine and liquor bodega. I bet it’s cheaper if I walk farther.
what looks like a fifth – would you people use civilized measurements.
rain rain rain 3 days just rain. I keep checking the leak in the attic and my improvised fix though many would not bother in my place.
It’s going to rain in North Texas tomorrow. We need some.
Another week with no rain coming here. Love it.
We got plenty from the leftovers of Eesaheeas.