Let me introduce you to the latest cocktail bible you need now: The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique by Jeffrey Morgenthaler & Martha Holmberg.
Jeffrey Morgenthaler is an award winning bartender to tends the bar at Clyde Common in Portland, Oregon. I know him from his blog, JeffreyMorgenthaler.com, an excellent resource for recipes, technique tips, and and tricks of the trade that has lead to to better imbibing here at Gastronomista HQ. And now, he's written a book! It's not just any book, dear readers, this book will teach you the techniques required to run a world class bar (or have a world class bar in your home). The book is also supplemented with his favorite recipes that highlight each technique. Cynar Flip? Yes please!
The Bar Book is the first of its kind - and has already been getting great reviews. The book is organized into 12 chapters, each chapter dedicated to how Mr. Morgenthaler builds his cocktails. There is no discussion of spirits, instead he goes through the different ways to make and prepare everything else that goes into a cocktail.
He starts with Citrus Juice, Other Juices, Sodas & Mixers, Simple Syrups, Compound Syrups, Infusions & Bitters, Dairy & Eggs, Ice, Measuring, Stirring & Shaking, Other Mixing Methods, and ends with a chapter dedicated to Garnishing. Brandied Cherries, Citrus Twists, and Flamed Orange Peels, Oh My!
One lesson I have already gleaned from the book is on Juicing. For instance, how to properly use a hand press juicer. I wish I would have read this book prior to a slightly embarrassing event where I was in a class being taught by cocktail guru Kirk Estopinal. I, (booze blogger who is supposed to know what I'm doing), tried to juice a lime cut side up in a hand press and it squirted everywhere. He got a good laugh out of it, but I sure felt like an ass. Lesson learned. Citrus side down in the hand press, people, citrus side down.
Another great section of the book is dedicated to ice. Ice rings for punch bowls, clear ice, ice picks, how to crush ice, and how to carve your own ice ball. A great tip for the home hostess: ice will absorb orders in your freezer, so try to make fresh ice once a week.
Luckily for you, dear readers, I've got a giveaway for you!!! A signed copy of Mr. Morgenthaler's new book! For you! For Free Dollars!!! All you have to do is leave a comment at the bottom of this post, and let a randomization widget do the rest!!
: : : THE GIVEAWAY : : :
The Bar Book
Elements of Cocktail Technique
by Jeffrey Morgenthaler
with Martha Holmberg
with Martha Holmberg
: : : HOW TO ENTER : : :
1. Leave a comment on the post answering: your best technique cocktail tip.
2. *Extra entry* Tweet #TheBarBookGiveaway @xxGastronomista
3. *Extra entry* follow @xxGastronomista on Twitter and/or follow us on Instagram.
The contest closes in one week (6 pm EST). Winner will be selected on Wednesday, June 25th, and will be emailed that day.
Good luck, and many thanks to The Bar Book author Jeffrey Morgenthaler and the team at Tanqueray for sponsoring this giveaway!
AND - extra bonus - here are a few of Mr. Morgenthaler's recipes, courtesy of Tanqueray!!
Bittersweet Symphony
1 oz Tanqueray No. TEN Gin
1/2 oz. Italian Aperitif
1/2 oz. Vermouth
Rocks, lemon twist.
Bittersweet Symphony by Jeffrey Morgenthaler |
1-1/4 oz. Tanqueray No. TEN Gin
1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 oz. Elderflower Liqueur
1/2 oz. Gewurztraminer Reduction
1/2 oz. Egg White
Shake, strain, up, lemon twist, then discard.
East of Eden by Jeffrey Morgenthaler |