Book Review, Absinthe Cocktails by Kate Simon
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Kate Simon, editor-at-large for Imbibe Magazine has collected 50 of the world's greatest absinthe cocktail recipes and the history of absinthe together in her new book, Absinthe Cocktails. Divided into sections ranging from a primer and buying guide to classic cocktails to new creations from some of the worlds best mixologists, Absinthe Cocktails covers all aspects needed for even the most novice reader to become an expert on the Green Fairy and its uses.
Primer and Buying Guide
One of the most useful sections of Absinthe Cocktails is the primer and buying guide. Chock full of absinthe history gleaned from notable absinthe historians like Gwydion Stone and the Wormwood Society, Simon tells the tale of absinthe's rise, later demise and finally its modern day resurrection in a clear, concise fashion.
The buying guide offers readers an education on the various styles of absinthe, verte, blanche and compound absinthes, describes flavor profiles and offers recommendations for each category. Simon offers recommendations for both domestic and European absinthes in each category, from Leopold Brothers in Denver to Lucid from France to the famous Kubler blanche, readers will have a solid understanding and appreciation for each new absinthe that they explore.
Classic Cocktails
Absinthe is a vital ingredient in many classic cocktails. Simon offers up several well known classics like the Sazerac, Monkey Gland, Corpse Reviver #2 and the Remember the Maine while also unearthing lesser known cocktails like the Morning Glory Fizz which features scotch, lemon juice, soda water and absinthe.
The New Guard
Fans of modern mixology will find a lot to like with Simon's selection of absinthe cocktails and mixologists. London bars the Connaught, Montgomery Place and the Lonsdale are both represented along with American standouts such as PDT, Mayahuel, Absinthe Brasserie, French 75 Bar and the Drawing Room among others. Recipes are creative, most are easy to prepare (one recipe contains a very obscure French aperitif that most professional mixologists, not to mention readers, would have great difficulty sourcing) and an interesting peek behind the curtain at top mixologists recipes. From drinks including tequila, St. Germain, Cognac, Dubonnet and Sherry, it becomes obvious just how cocktail friendly absinthe is and what it can do in the hands of a great mixologist.
In sum, Absinthe Cocktails is an essential addition to any serious cocktail aficionados bookshelf and a worthy read for anyone interested in learning more about the world of absinthe.
Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
Kate Simon, editor-at-large for Imbibe Magazine has collected 50 of the world's greatest absinthe cocktail recipes and the history of absinthe together in her new book, Absinthe Cocktails. Divided into sections ranging from a primer and buying guide to classic cocktails to new creations from some of the worlds best mixologists, Absinthe Cocktails covers all aspects needed for even the most novice reader to become an expert on the Green Fairy and its uses.
Primer and Buying Guide
One of the most useful sections of Absinthe Cocktails is the primer and buying guide. Chock full of absinthe history gleaned from notable absinthe historians like Gwydion Stone and the Wormwood Society, Simon tells the tale of absinthe's rise, later demise and finally its modern day resurrection in a clear, concise fashion.
The buying guide offers readers an education on the various styles of absinthe, verte, blanche and compound absinthes, describes flavor profiles and offers recommendations for each category. Simon offers recommendations for both domestic and European absinthes in each category, from Leopold Brothers in Denver to Lucid from France to the famous Kubler blanche, readers will have a solid understanding and appreciation for each new absinthe that they explore.
Classic Cocktails
Absinthe is a vital ingredient in many classic cocktails. Simon offers up several well known classics like the Sazerac, Monkey Gland, Corpse Reviver #2 and the Remember the Maine while also unearthing lesser known cocktails like the Morning Glory Fizz which features scotch, lemon juice, soda water and absinthe.
The New Guard
Fans of modern mixology will find a lot to like with Simon's selection of absinthe cocktails and mixologists. London bars the Connaught, Montgomery Place and the Lonsdale are both represented along with American standouts such as PDT, Mayahuel, Absinthe Brasserie, French 75 Bar and the Drawing Room among others. Recipes are creative, most are easy to prepare (one recipe contains a very obscure French aperitif that most professional mixologists, not to mention readers, would have great difficulty sourcing) and an interesting peek behind the curtain at top mixologists recipes. From drinks including tequila, St. Germain, Cognac, Dubonnet and Sherry, it becomes obvious just how cocktail friendly absinthe is and what it can do in the hands of a great mixologist.
In sum, Absinthe Cocktails is an essential addition to any serious cocktail aficionados bookshelf and a worthy read for anyone interested in learning more about the world of absinthe.
Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
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