Book Review: The Craft Cocktail Party

The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks for Every Occasion by Julie Reiner

with Kaitlyn Goalen

Published by Grand Central Life & Style

 

I think it's safe to say that we are all of an age where we can legally partake, correct? Well, if not, you should probably wait to read this post until you are of drinking age. Just a little disclaimer before we get started!

 

Now, I'm no lush, but when it comes to cocktails, wine, and beverages of the adult variety, I enjoy a fine glass of ________, (fill in the blank) every once in a while. So, when Grand Central Life & Style published Julie Reiner's book: The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks for Every Occasion, I was all over it!

 

Julie, the co-owner of The Clover Club in Brooklyn, and the swanky Flatiron Lounge in New York City has written a book, and provided us with recipes that will make all of our guests feel like we've been getting a secret degree in mixology!

 

The recipes in the book are amazing! And, best of all, they're organized around seasonality and occasion, with different themes appropriate to the specific time of year or particular events. Tips, tricks, techniques - such as infusing, and easy substitutions with things you probably already have in your home bar, are just part of the well-rounded information Julie expertly provides.

 

Putting this review together was fun! Because I got to try several of the drinks in the book to give you a sampling of my favorites. With over 200 pages of recipes however, I haven't tried them all! So, look forward to more of my favorite recipes from The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks for Every Occasion as time goes on. For now though, take a look:

 



Sloe & Low: Photo credit: Daniel Krieger

 

If you mask it, I can enjoy gin. Pour me a gin martini, however, and you'll get a polite nod, and a full drink back at the end of the night. That's why I loved this take a on the English sloe gin (fizz). The recipe:

 



 

 

If vodka is more your flavor (and don't worry if it is - because it's totally mine, too!) I would highly suggest that you give Julie's Moscow Mule recipe a shot:

 

As delicious as it is good looking, the Moscow mule has to be one of the easiest drinks to prepare for guests, and who doesn't like a reason to have to buy new bar accoutrement? Grab some copper mugs with petit brass handles, and give this recipe a go:

When I dine, which isn't incredibly frequent, but frequent enough - I like to start the evening with a vodka drink, have a red wine with dinner (most usually a Cabernet Sauvignon) and end my night with a bourbon. If I'm feeling spry, I'll order it neat. Sometimes, on the rocks, and sometimes (if I skip dessert) I'll order a Manhattan. So, naturally, I was excited to try Julie's Manhattan recipe, and I can assure you - if you like a Manhattan (or three) it won't disappoint.

 

Whether you're a first class alcohol aficionado, or just looking to be a better host - I can assure you that adding The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks for Every Occasion to your book stash will be a wonderful asset when the time comes to impress your friends, or, just switch up your Saturday routine. A great book to keep on hand for hostess gifts, as well! Just bookmark your friend's favorite drink with a patterned grosgrain ribbon, and leave the book in a basket along with all the makings for their cocktail of choice! I'm sure you'll be the first person they share their inaugural batch with! Pick up your copy via Amazon on the link below.