Customer Reviews

Left Coast Libations: The Art of West Coast Bartending: 100 Original Cocktails

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The retail price of this book is $24.95, but if you want to make more than a few of the exquisite creations it contains, be prepared to spend a whole lot more. These are not cocktails that can be whipped together with the contents of a typical home bar. More than a third of the 102 drinks require at least one homemade ingredient. These range from the fairly simple (agave nectar syrup) to the fairly complex (smoked cider air), with most somewhere in between (e.g., glazed pecan-infused bourbon). But even those drinks that do not require a homemade concoction almost always call for an unusual spirit or liqueur or two--or four or five. If you already have on hand St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, Chartreuse, Aperol, Ramazotti, and Lillet Blanc, you are off to a good start. If you've never heard of any of these things, call your credit card company to verify your spending limit: you've got some shopping to do. Notwithstanding the fact that you might need to take out a second mortgage to make every drink in this book, it could be worth it. Most of the drinks that I've tried have been excellent. Also, if you've been mixing drinks for a while, you can use the recipes as inspiration for your own creations, without necessarily purchasing (or making) every obscure ingredient. Several of the recipes have encouraged me to combine spirits and liqueurs that I wouldn't have previously considered. This then formed the base of an entirely new cocktail. Used in this way, Left Coast Libations can keep you buzzed without making you broke.

This is more than just a coffee table book. It is humorous and fun to read. Once I started reading the little blurbs on the bartenders I couldn't stop, before I knew it I had read the entire book. I also love the recipes in back for making various syrups and mixers. It is nice to have the art of making great cocktails demystified. And it is nice to see hardworking bartenders who love their crafts being recognized. They are artists. I would recommend this book highly. I have bought several more for gifts.

I just bought this book as a gift to myself. I was recently introduced to the aviation drink and have been wanting to learn more about the art of cocktails. Well, this book is the proof, mixology surely is an art. The images and recipes in this book are wonderful. Great care was obviously taken in the publication of this book and it shows in the detail of the photos and graphics. So far I've only skimmed the pages and once I read the stories of the contributors and host my upcoming soiree, then, I can update the review. However I do believe that a photo is worth a thousand words, and in this book the photos are a plenty. I am so glad I pre-ordered my book!

I live nowhere near any of these places and, if the liquor industry is counting on me to support them, well, bye bye to them. HOWEVER, this book, recommended by a friend, is SO informative and fun to read that I just went out and spent over $100 for cocktail makings. I love reading this book b/ I love to learn about things I would not ordinarily come across. The research is amazing. Who knew that the topic of "ice" contained so much information, e.g. Special kudos to the guy (Michael?) who did the drink research and to the photographer. Beautiful book. I plan to give it to friends for Christmas, maybe along with a cocktail shaker.

...this one is a keeper.

There's no product placement, no agenda and no corporate sponsorship. Just a beautiful book featuring some really great bartenders, a book made by two guys that really love cocktails.

For full disclosure though, I'm partisan - two of my drinks are in the book, but the fact is that this is a really great cocktail book. Well done, guys.

A. Friedman
Liberty, Seattle

As the proud owner of a twist peeler directly from the hand of Murray Stenson, I have to praise Ted's wonderful book. Since my daughter introduced me to Seattle's famed Zig Zag Cafe, I've been forced (with little effort) to start trying to make my own cocktails.

But where to begin? This quirky yet very informative book has made me want to learn more about the art of the cocktail and visit more of the locations where these wizards of mixology practice their arts. It's incredibly informative, tantalizing and fun to read.

This book is an honest look at the current cocktail scene in the major cities along the West Coast. The best part about it is being able to go to the wonderful bars in these cities and then come home and make the drinks yourself.

The book has two major parts: The bartenders and the drinks.

The Bartenders: the descriptions at times can seem to be trying too hard, and other times have a sense of inside jokes amongst the brethren behind the stick. Though the bartenders chosen for this book are the best out there. I have met a few of them featured in LCL and can honestly say they are people who make cocktails an art.

The Drinks: The drinks are great. I've made two so far, the Bardstown and the Filibuster. The cocktails are some of the best out there. Just start making them and working your way through the book.

Love this book and the bartenders and drinks inside.

This cleverly written guide into the art of making a good cocktail is a lighthearted and entertaining must-read for those who enjoy a great drink. This beautiful book won't disappoint!