Customer Reviews

Spice & Ice

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Quite an excellent reference for cocktails that are a little different. Well conceived.

Kara organizes these drink recipes by season (of the year) with the aim of showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients. The "Wasabi-Tini" ushers in spring (a caveat: wasabi-ize with the utmost care). Summer's "Watermelon Hot" combines freshly pulsed watermelon with green Thai chilies to allay (or perhaps obliterate) the worst of those dog days. Autumn's "Mule Kick" is a variant of the "Moscow Mule," using jalapeño-infused Vodka. Winter's "Mexican Hot Chocolate" is a multi-step recipe but evidently worth the trouble: hot chocolate with Kahluá plus a half teaspoon of a "Mexican Spice Mix" composed of chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.

A good solid third of the book involves preparation and method, how to handle spices, spicy cocktail food pairings, and an especially eye-opening (if not eye-watering) section on how to make spice-infused liquors and syrups.

Extremely valuable.

Have only tried autumn and winter recipes so far, but they've been home runs. Big hits at our last two parties. Simple, clear directions. The spiced simple syrups are much esier to make then I had feared.

If you're an amateur bartender (or even a professional one looking to expand your range) this is a great book to show off your barmaking prowess. It has a good range of recipes from ones that are simple (but creative) to ones that are on the fancier side. All of the recipes are rare, so when you serve up your drinks you have a great conversation starter since nobody will have had your drinks before.

Also, the book is printed on thicker paper that will hold up well under the occasional spill, so you can keep it in your kitchen or bar for years without worrying about it breaking down.

A great book for home entertainers and bartenders looking for a "hook" alike!