250 replies to this topic

[KatieLoeb]

Wow! I didn't know that! And I just talked to my editor for a hour and a half this morning.

Yes - the Aquavit recipe is included in the section on infusions, along with my limoncello recipe, and some of the oyster shooters I developed when I was still at Oyster House, as well as a couple of ideas for using those in cocktails...

Thanks for letting me know! I have to check that out right now!

[KD1191]

I got a copy of Stan Jones' Complete Bar Guide from Powell's a few weeks ago and am working through it slowly (mostly because it's too large to reasonably travel with and I'm in Houston 5 days a week lately). It appears to be quite a comprehensive study, but at the same time it's also very clearly a period piece (late 70's). There is a nice amount of detail on the history of distilling and the industries in various countries, along with a fair share of risible claims, like how Canadian Whisky has a leg up on the competition when it comes to flavor due to a lack of regulation on the types of grain that must be used. It also introduced me to the concept of "Light Whiskey" which was something of a fad around the time the book was published and is thankfully all but non-existent today. From what I've seen so far I'd recommended it highly to the committed hobbyist or professional looking for a fun read that might not teach you a lot, but will definitely give you a few laughs and an interesting look at one of the less examined periods in American drinking. The recipe section is also quite voluminous.

Edited by KD1191, 09 February 2012 - 02:37 PM.

[Steamtrain]

I noticed today that Katie's book is up for pre-order on Amazon - Congrats Katie.
Is your aquavit recipe included?

Link to book, please?

[Keith Orr]

Katie Loeb's book

[KatieLoeb]

Wow. Thanks for the support y'all. Much appreciated. I looked at the link. The cover will have minor tweaks, but will be more or less as it was pictured. I think the cover shot is different and nicer than the one pictured on Amazon. Subtitle is changing slightly to reflect that we aren't making infused liquors. Didn't want to imply I was giving distilling instructions, but more so infusing instructions. My editor was unaware that had gone up so soon either. Apparently Amazon works at a varied pace, so they never know exactly when the advance sales materials they've sent along will appear online. Book will indeed be released on July 1.

Thanks again in advance for the votes of confidence!

[Kerry Beal]

Wow. Thanks for the support y'all. Much appreciated. I looked at the link. The cover will have minor tweaks, but will be more or less as it was pictured. I think the cover shot is different and nicer than the one pictured on Amazon. Subtitle is changing slightly to reflect that we aren't making infused liquors. Didn't want to imply I was giving distilling instructions, but more so infusing instructions. My editor was unaware that had gone up so soon either. Apparently Amazon works at a varied pace, so they never know exactly when the advance sales materials they've sent along will appear online. Book will indeed be released on July 1.

Thanks again in advance for the votes of confidence!

Ah the decisions - shall i buy an advance copy or wait until the heartland gathering and buy a signed copy from you directly?

[KatieLoeb]

Kerry - I would be delighted to sign a copy for you in person! I am so very much looking forward to meeting so many folks I feel like I already know at the Heartland Gathering. It's going to be REALLY fun!

[KatieLoeb]

Shake, Stir, Pour - Homegrown Cocktails

Here is the book with the new (final) cover shot and inclusion about the foreword. I still have to talk to them about implying there are distilling instructions. That's just wrong. But this is the final look of the book. I can hardly wait to actually hold one in my hands! That is going to be a bit mind boggling.

[Kerry Beal]

Shake, Stir, Pour - Homegrown Cocktails

Here is the book with the new (final) cover shot and inclusion about the foreword. I still have to talk to them about implying there are distilling instructions. That's just wrong. But this is the final look of the book. I can hardly wait to actually hold one in my hands! That is going to be a bit mind boggling.

That is just so exciting! Can't wait to get my hands on it.

[KatieLoeb]

Now we're getting somewhere. HERE is a link that has some better sample pages to look at. If you go to the far right of the page and click on "show all 8 illustrations", you can click on each of the sample pages and it will enlarge so you can get a better look at the layout and some of the photos in the book. Love the photos so much. I owe my life to my friend, photographer Steve Legato, for making it all look so stunning.

For those of you that are planning on attending Tales of the Cocktail in July, I am hoping to have a book signing event there some tine during the conference. I'm working out the details now and will report back as plans start to solidify.

This is all becoming a bit more real every day. Quite exciting!

[tanstaafl2]

Now we're getting somewhere. HERE is a link that has some better sample pages to look at. If you go to the far right of the page and click on "show all 8 illustrations", you can click on each of the sample pages and it will enlarge so you can get a better look at the layout and some of the photos in the book. Love the photos so much. I owe my life to my friend, photographer Steve Legato, for making it all look so stunning.

For those of you that are planning on attending Tales of the Cocktail in July, I am hoping to have a book signing event there some tine during the conference. I'm working out the details now and will report back as plans start to solidify.

This is all becoming a bit more real every day. Quite exciting!

It does sound exciting. Wish I could go this year. Instead I am being forced to go on a cruise in the Arctic to search for walrus, polar bears and the like and I can only do one of them. Can't imagine why anyone would choose that instead of "Nawlins" in the middle of the summer.

After all, who doesn't like 100 degree heat, 100% humidity and the smell of fresh vomit on Bourbon Street...

But I will get there one year!

[janeer]

I have pre-ordered, Katie.

[KatieLoeb]

Thanks to all of you for your support. I don't think I could have done this at all, had I not known I had a receptive and supportive audience. Otherwise, I'd just be babbling to myself about cocktails and would inevitably end up in a padded room with a very constricting outer garment. Every single day that I keep the guys with the butterfly nets away is a win in my book.

[FrogPrincesse]

Not exactly a book, but Sam Ross from Milk & Honey just came up with an iphone/ipad app, Bartender's Choice. It allows to search for cocktails by base alcohol, "sensation", and style. It includes several of Sam Ross' creations and also a few by Anthony Schmidt, San Diego Noble Experiment's head bartender. Of course I had to get it, and I will be playing with it in the very near future.

[KatieLoeb]

For any of you that may have pre-ordered my book from Amazon, first my sincere thanks, and second the shipping date has been moved UP, so they'll be shipping on June 8, rather than July 1. That came as quite a surprise!! Interestingly, they are offering a "bundled" deal of my book along with the PDT Cocktail book for about $35 right now. I'm flattered to be in such good company.

[janeer]

I got an email from Amazon today saying my order had shipped! I am looking forward to it.

[janeer]

I received my copy of Katie's book on Saturday, and have gone through it in my usual methodical fashion. Congratulations, Katie! The book is a hardcover, spiral-bound notebook (lays flat), nice trim size, good paper, well-designed and photographed, and an index that needs work (I used to work in book production, so...). Katie's book is well-written, no-nonsense (that's a compliment), clear, well-organized, and attractive, with a sense of humor. The book is at once efficient and accessible and creative: it gives a sense of possibility and invitation and high standards without being intimidating or pretentious. This is someone who knows the measure of what she does, and makes neither more nor less of it than it deserves.The emphasis is on hand-wrought flavor and freshness, and how easy and worthwhile it is to do this--both the classic (grenadine, two methods provided) and the surprising (celery syrup). What are the chances that I would have on hand both lemongrass and ruby grapefruit (local), the basis for her Ruby Red Grapefruit-Lemongrass Cordial? That will be the first thing I try. Next will be (since I also have a pineapple) the Smoked Pineapple Syrup. And there is a recipe for bitters. Tempting, no?

[KatieLoeb]

Jane:

Thanks so much for the kind words! It's funny, I've been called "no nonsense" in several different contexts and at this point I most definitely take it as a compliment. I speak from my gut, for whatever that is worth. I guess the visceral approach works for me.

The two methods for the grenadine are meant to be combined. Sort of a "best of both worlds" batch when you're done. Fresh fruitiness of the cold and the viscosity and depth of flavor from the cooked half.

Let me know how your grapefruit cordial turns out. It occurred to me after the fact that it might make an interesting addition to a Paloma variation. But the straight up gimlet variation has proven popular wherever I've served it too. I'd love to hear your thoughts when your batch is completed and you've played around with it a bit.

Edited by KatieLoeb, 13 June 2012 - 10:46 PM.

[janeer]

I have made the red grapefruit-lemongrass syrup and made two drinks with it: one with vodka, orange, and lemon; one in a very lime-y (gin) gimlet. I had to sub for the store-bought additional grapefruit juice as I didn't have it and was out of fresh, so used coconut water (seemed right), and jasmine water for the rose water, because I just can't find the damn stuff, which I know is hiding somewhere in the cupboard. Beautiful color, very nice, a little sweet I thought--I might cut the sugar next time. So when I made the first drink with vodka and orange/lemon, I added a few drops of bitters...but the gin drink was just right with an equal amount of cordial.

Hope you don't mind, Katie, I wrote about you/your book on my blog (link below). The more I look at your book, the more interesting it seems. You've moved it into the kitchen, and I like that.

[KatieLoeb]

Jane:

Thanks so much for the props and shout out in the blog! Your drink looks and sounds delicious! And I love that you made some substitutions. The whole idea of the book is to get folks to think creatively with the ingredients. I love that.

I've sent a link to your blog post to the folks at my publisher, so they can see what is undoubtedly the first review of my book! Thanks again! Much appreciation for the support!

[janeer]

You are welcome; well-deserved. The only cookbook I packed for my 2500 mi trip back East for the summer (no Kindle edition...).

[bsims]

I received the book a few weeks ago. I'll admit to being a cocktail-making newbie, the most ambitious being a mojito and that's mostly just because the previous owner of our home decided to plant some mint before they left which, as it wont to do has more or less taken over... But I can certainly appreciate well-made drinks with fresh ingredients and with a 9 month old impacting our ability go out, excited to try some at home (especially a Mai Tai with the orgeat - soft spot since our honeymoon in Hawaii) as the book seems to demystify much of it. My only criticism is that it doesn't seem to contain the recipe for the supremely delicious tiki drink you were serving at the Alex's Lemonade Great Chefs Event - which, of course isn't so much as a criticism as much as a thinly veiled request for the recipe. ;)

Now I just need to make more friends so I have an excuse to make more drinks!

[tikibars]

Hi everyone

Just wanted to let you all know that my new book, Destination: Cocktails, is being printed as we speak. It will make it's debut at Tales of the Cocktail later this month; I'll be signing copies from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Sunday the 29th!

More info at www.destinationcocktails.com

cheers!



Host Note: Click here for the terms under which this event is listed in the eGullet forums

Edited by heidih, 06 July 2012 - 08:48 AM.

[FrogPrincesse]

Hi everyone

Just wanted to let you all know that my new book, Destination: Cocktails, is being printed as we speak. It will make it's debut at Tales of the Cocktail later this month; I'll be signing copies from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Sunday the 29th!

More info at www.destinationcocktails.com

cheers!



Host Note: Click here for the terms under which this event is listed in the eGullet forums

Looks like an interesting book. Please tell us more!

[KatieLoeb]

I received the book a few weeks ago. I'll admit to being a cocktail-making newbie, the most ambitious being a mojito and that's mostly just because the previous owner of our home decided to plant some mint before they left which, as it wont to do has more or less taken over... But I can certainly appreciate well-made drinks with fresh ingredients and with a 9 month old impacting our ability go out, excited to try some at home (especially a Mai Tai with the orgeat - soft spot since our honeymoon in Hawaii) as the book seems to demystify much of it. My only criticism is that it doesn't seem to contain the recipe for the supremely delicious tiki drink you were serving at the Alex's Lemonade Great Chefs Event - which, of course isn't so much as a criticism as much as a thinly veiled request for the recipe. ;)

Now I just need to make more friends so I have an excuse to make more drinks!

bsims:

thanks so much for the kind words! The drinks at the Alex's Lemonade Stand event were developed after the book was long in production and were the product of working with what products were donated for the event. House Spirits of Portland, OR and Vita Coco were both sponsors, so the beverage director for Vetri restaurants and I came up with those two cocktails the weekend before the event after a brainstorming session at Alla Spina. I can't reveal the recipes yet, since tweaked up versions of those very drinks will be featured at a tiki pop up event in August at Rum Bar. Since you're obviously local to me in Philly, you shouldn't make any other plans for the evening of Thursday August 16. Details about the event can be found here. The teaser video is awesome! I thought we were going to burn the place to the ground, LOL!!

[EvergreenDan]

This week I heard news of two new cocktail book efforts.

• Stew Ellington has a kickstarter going to try to publish his "901 Very Good Cocktail: A Practical Guide". It is a mix of worthy classics and cutting-edge modern drinks. I certainly think this is a worthwhile project, from the looks of it. I pitched in my financial support, but he needs lots more to make a go of it. Unless he makes his goal, you don't pay anything. http://www.kickstart...practical-guide
• Fred Yarm (Cocktail Virgin Slut) noted on his fackbook page that he's completed the writing and editing of his "Drink & Tell: A Boston Cocktail Book". It's a guide to 4-5 years of sampling craft cocktails at Boston top (famous or not) cocktail bars. I'm sure it was painful research. I'm looking forward to seeing it in print http://www.facebook....151012526313458

And speaking of books, I have some free give-away copies of "Bitter Drink", a cocktail-infused crime novel by F. G. Haghenbeck, a Mexican writer (now translated into English). http://www.kindredco...ew/bitter-drink

Edited by EvergreenDan, 16 August 2012 - 09:24 AM.

[Frederic]

• Fred Yarm (Cocktail Virgin Slut) noted on his fackbook page that he's completed the writing and editing of his "Drink & Tell: A Boston Cocktail Book". It's a guide to 4-5 years of sampling craft cocktails at Boston top (famous or not) cocktail bars. I'm sure it was painful research. I'm looking forward to seeing it in print http://www.facebook....151012526313458

That would be me. It's over 500 cocktails with most created between 2007-2012 with a few older. There are no classics other than specific Boston variations for I did not want to take up space re-creating the wheel when people like DeGroff, Hess, and Regan do it with such panache. I removed all infusions and shrubs, but kept a handful of syrups that could not be purchased (I provide the recipes at the end) -- I tried to make the collection home bartender-friendly. Attributions given to bar (always) and bartender (when known) with back story provided when it was available. The response so far has been pretty great, from the general concept to people flipping through the actual book proof. Mid-September is the target date.

[FrogPrincesse]

• Fred Yarm (Cocktail Virgin Slut) noted on his fackbook page that he's completed the writing and editing of his "Drink & Tell: A Boston Cocktail Book". It's a guide to 4-5 years of sampling craft cocktails at Boston top (famous or not) cocktail bars. I'm sure it was painful research. I'm looking forward to seeing it in print http://www.facebook....151012526313458

That would be me. It's over 500 cocktails with most created between 2007-2012 with a few older. There are no classics other than specific Boston variations for I did not want to take up space re-creating the wheel when people like DeGroff, Hess, and Regan do it with such panache. I removed all infusions and shrubs, but kept a handful of syrups that could not be purchased (I provide the recipes at the end) -- I tried to make the collection home bartender-friendly. Attributions given to bar (always) and bartender (when known) with back story provided when it was available. The response so far has been pretty great, from the general concept to people flipping through the actual book proof. Mid-September is the target date.

Sounds interesting. Is there an app version in the works as well? I find drinks apps to be very user-friendly thanks to their search features (I am also trying to limit my book acquisitions due to space). Thanks!

[Chris Amirault]

Fred, do you have anything in there from the Brick & Mortar gang? I had a couple drinks there a bit ago that were superb. Very interested to see what you've turned up.

[Frederic]

Charles: 19 from Brick & Mortar

FrogPrincesse: I haven't considered an app yet, but you are not the first person to mention it. There will be eBook versions (which is more asked about) since that is a more simple conversion from regular book file to eBook file. I know that the software I'm using (QuarkXpress) will do web pages, but I don't see anything about apps.