Is it in your nature to Entertain? Would you like to make fresh Home Made Cocktails and more?
Then Katie M. Loeb, a sommelier (wine waiter), will show you how it is all done in her new book Shake, Stir, Pour (Quarry Books, July 2012).
In Chapter 1 you will learn all about Spirits (the alcohol type) such as Bourbon, Cognac, Gin, Mescal, Rum, Scotch Whisky, Tequila and Vodka; where they originated from, how they are made and as cocktail mixes.
All bar implements (tools) you will require is covered in this chapter as well as which kitchen tools you’ll need. Page 21 will give you an insight on which glassware to use for champagne, cocktails, cognac and martinis.
Sugar and other sweeteners used for creating syrups are listed on page 27. I’m so glad Stevia and Agave Nectar is mentioned as I’m not one for processed white or brown sugar.
Chapter 2 is all about making Syrups; starting with simple syrups to herbal, spice and fruit/vegetable syrups.
Bar Basics in Chapter 3 will show you how to make cocktail starters/syrups, ginger beer, fresh citrus cordials, cocktail garnishes such as cocktail cherries/cocktail onions and grenadine (sweet syrup made from pomegranates).
Infusions in Chapter 4 touch on the procedure of steeping fruit, herbs and spices in alcohol to bring out their flavor. Find out on page 132 about Vodka/Gin infusions and regarding Bitters on page 145.
If patience is not one of your virtues, you may find the preparation of steeping botanicals (plants) in liquid for drink/extract infusions a little challenging. Of course, there may be a slight chance you’ll surprise yourself.
There is a great Resource Guide, in the back of Katie’s book, which will direct you to the appropriate websites for equipment and ingredients etc.
Why Make Your Own Cocktails?
You are in control of what you put in your drinks. With home grown fresh organic ingredients or organic produce from Farmers Markets, you steer clear of the store bought ingredients which may contain artificial flavorings/colorings as well as chemicals and high-fructose corn syrup.
Where to Order a Copy of “Shake, Stir Pour”
You can order a spiral bound copy of Shake, Stir, Pour by Katie M. Loeb at one of the following online stores:
- Amazon (U.S.): Worldwide shipping available.
- Amazon (U.K.): Available in two formats: Spiral and Kindle Edition (digital download).
- Barnes & Noble (U.S.): By ordering with Barnes and Noble, all orders amounting to $25 or more qualify for Free Standard Shipping within the U.S. This book was released on July 1, 2012. Please check their terms and conditions for what qualifies as free standard shipping. International shipping available.
About the Author
Katie M. Loeb. Photo Courtesy of Steve Legato Photography.
Katie M. Loeb is a sommelier (wine waiter), maker of craft cocktails and author of many articles and cocktail recipes which have been printed in Bon Appetit, Imbibe, Inside, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Magazine and Food & Wine Magazine cocktail books.
Steve Legato’s love for photography has captured the cocktail World through Katie M. Loeb’s eyes. His photography has been seen in 11 cookbooks and food reference books. If you would like to know more about Steve then please view his portfolio at his website: Steve Legato Photography.
Additional Quarry Books Featured at Erin’s Eco List
- “Real Food Fermentation” by Alex Lewin
- “Going Raw” by Judita Wignall
- “Hand Spun” by Lexi Boeger
- “Green Guide for Artists” by Karen Michel
- “The Home Orchard Handbook” by Cem Akin and Leah Rottke.
Did You Know?
In 1917, Tom Bullock was the first African-American to pen a cocktail book called “The Ideal Bartender”. It has now been reprinted under the title “173 Pre-Prohibition Cocktails” by Co-Author D.J. Frienz.
In Addition
Wikipedia: “Cocktail” 1988 movie with Tom Cruise and Bryan Brown.
