Jelly Shot Test Kitchen

[andiesenji]

A friend's husband has a birthday coming up in a couple of weeks and as he has done some work for me and refused any payment, I want to get him something fun, along with another gift.

He is an enthusiastic amateur bartender and likes experimenting with unusual things.

I know he has another book, published a few years ago, that includes some simple jello shots, but has nothing newer.

I thought this looked like it has some newish tricks of the trade.

I would really appreciate hearing if anyone has seen an advance copy and thinks this would be appreciated by someone who likes playing with liquor.

Edited May 8, 2011 by andiesenji (log)

[KatieLoeb]

Andie:

There's a whole thread on Jello shots where we all discussed the cocktail variation possibilities. The book you're discussing looks interesting and the shots are aesthetically beautiful, but I think the Jello shots thing is kind of a one trick pony. If your friend is really a home bar enthusiast, get him a copy of a good cocktail book like Dale DeGroff's Craft of the Cocktail or The Essential Cocktail, Gary Regan's Joy of Mixology, Imbibe by David Wondrich, Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh, or The Modern Mixologist by Tony Abou-Ganim. All of these books are a great starting point for a home bar enthusiast and will teach your friend some truly reliable skills and recipes that he'll be able to apply to his next cocktail party right away. Throw in a nice shaker and a pair of cool vintage cocktail glasses found at a thrift store or on eBay and you've got the makings of a really great gift he's sure to love.

[andiesenji]

He's got several books about regular cocktails, and a hand-written book his dad got from a friend of his who was one of the long-time bartenders at the Polo Lounge.

I want to get him something that is more of a novelty. I ordered the book anyway, I consulted with his wife and she thinks he will like it.

He's got all kinds of shakers and other bar stuff - I got a set of tiki torches for their patio because they have similar decor out there but haven't got around to getting the torches.

[KatieLoeb]

I like getting the tiki torches. The best gifts are those we wouldn't think to get for ourselves. I have no doubt your friend and all his fortunate guests will benefit from his new menu of jelly shots served in the warm glow of the tiki torches on their porch or in their yard or whatever. Sounds like fun and the makings of many great get togethers in the future.