Customer Reviews

Infused: 100+ Recipes for Infused Liqueurs and Cocktails

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked up this book on a recent trip to Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon. I've made liqueurs in the past and this book rekindled my interest in this culinary hobby. One aspect that I especially like about this book is that most all of the infustion recipes can are adaptable to making infused spirits (sans sugar syrup) or liqueurs (sweet libations). Many of the recipes have variations. For instance, the Elderflower Liqueur recipe lists variations on adapting the recipe to create Lavender, Rose, or Violet liqueuers.

The book is very nicely designed and pictures of the liqueurs and the cocktails they enhance are likely to make your mouth water. (They did mine.)

As there are only 23 recipies for creating infused liquors and sprits the rest is a regualr cocktail book which was a bit disapointing but would work if you do not own any other cocktail books

I ordered this book hoping for an in depth look at the infusion process and infusion recipes. I was disappointed. I am aware infusions are basically soak whatever you want in whatever liquor you like for 4 in weeks in a dark place... but I was hoping for a bit more discussion on the topic.

I wanted more pictures of the process! For goodness sake, there were tons of pictures in this book anyway.

This book gives 14 pages of instruction, discussion and recipes for infusions. The rest of the 148 page book are cocktail recipes. Additionally, some of the recipes for infusions are for "elderberry infusion", "truffle infusion", and "lychee infusion." I don't know many people who have everyday access to elderberries, truffles or lychees.

If I wanted a book on cocktail recipes with a nod to infusions, I could have purchased one of the million new trendy, throwaway, cocktail books out there now.

Granted, the pictures in the book are beautiful and inspirational. The cocktail recipes look great. But I feel as if the book is misrepresented as a infusion book when I feel as if it focuses on cocktails to mix with your infusions.

Easy to follow and inspiring, Infused: 100+ is a great addition to any thirsty cook's collection. Not only are there recipes for some pretty exotic liqueurs (pumpkin, lavender, and green tea infusions, for example), but the book includes cocktail recipes that use those concoctions. The Jade Blossom Martini proved a big hit at one dinner party I hosted. The Basil Martini was a refreshing surprise. Susan Elia MacNeal presents her recipes in an easy to follow manner, with clear directions and obtainable ingredients. The accompanying photographs are inspiring. Along with the little black dress, a must have for a cocktail party.

This book is lovely to look at, as others have said. I, too, was disappointed in the too-few recipes for infusions.

As well, the first one I tried (Apple Liqueur) seems to have an error in it. It calls for 10 whole apples (I used Granny Smith, as was suggested), to be cut into wedges and put into a 2-quart glass container - with 750 ml of vodka pour over top. I barely fit 5 apples into 2 quarts.

It's not a big thing, I guess, but it leaves me feeling a little leery about trying more.

I ordered this for myself and loved the recipes so much I bought 2 more for gifts. Great Book!