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Tuesday, September 8, 2020

#ReadThis #BeautifulBooze by #NatalieMigliarini and #JamesStevenson @countrymanpress @wwnorton @beautifulbooze @LittleLaneMedia


We take cocktails so seriously at Whom You Know that there is a cocktail named after Peachy with Star Vodka.  Over 200 people drank The Peachy Deegan at a dozen spots ages ago -this is just who wanted to be photographed doing so- and we had planned on relaunching it this summer by now, but 2020 has had other plans. In fact the only other person we've met that has a namesake cocktail is Graydon Carter; we met him at The Plaza for the New York Landmarks Conservancy Gala years ago.  Though you can't drink Peachy now, you can create your own cocktails at home.  Beautiful Booze was published at a most convenient time for the world to make their own cocktails!

It is a beautiful book and that will strike you first.  Therefore, it makes an excellent gift of a coffee table book, and we're talking to you Santa.  The subtitle, Stylish Cocktails to Make at Home, is on target!  Eight chapters await you from Classic to Modern, Day Drinking, Stylish Sours, Take Me Somewhere Tropical (perfect for when that second wave starts!), Happy Hour, Beyond Your Bar Cart, Setting Up a Soiree (you know, for when there's a vaccine) and Nightcap Cocktails. However, we don't see a real need to differentiate time of day and appropriate cocktail these past months...!!!  You've surely addressed all the cocktails you already know how to make by now, and it's time for new ideas.  Peachy herself has a lot she's never published that she's made herself and also along with Mover and Shaker Charles Ferri.  But there's never a bad time to learn some new cocktails.

Cocktails Matter.

Especially now!  And you don't even need to go out to get one if you know what you're doing.  We're going to take a leap of faith and assume if you are reading us, you are fully stocked and have a pretty good idea of the basics.  But, if you don't, this is addressed head on in the book.  As far as serious tools go we like Vitamix's Blender and Cuisinart's Juicer.  We're not going to comment on the exact content, as what you like to drink is really going to depend from person to person.  Everyone has different genetics and therefore contrasting palates so what you like best is not what the next person is going to like best.

Naturally, we are acclimated to like variants of The Manhattan (and the current poor excuse for a mayor has certainly been a catalyst like never before in New York politics to motivate escapism) so we'd encourage you to check out page 202.  We of course adore the classic Manhattan and Peachy's grandparents used to drink it and guess who got the cherry.  We do commend both the font choices and the stunning photography.  And we hope The Peachy Deegan cocktail makes the sequel...keep us posted!

Beautiful Booze is Recommended by Whom You Know.

***

Crafting the perfect cocktail is a daunting task. The quirky names, the endless spirit brands and the unexpected additives are often baffling. But, in the hands of self-taught mixologist Natalie Migliarini and her coauthor James Stevenson, Cocktail alchemy – the sweet, sour, bitter, booze – is magic. In Beautiful Booze: Stylish Cocktails to Make at Home (Countryman Press; August 25, 2020; Hardcover; $28.00) Natalie and James venture above and beyond classic cocktails recipes and traditional pairings. They experiment with new spirits, liquors and fruits, elevating tried and true recipes with unexpected substitutions and additions. 

Beautiful Booze first guides readers through the techniques and tools essential for mixing classic cocktails. The most basic skills are often the hardest to perfect, but when foundations are mastered experimentation and innovation feel effortless. Old-made-new cocktails include Pass the Honey, Honey, a riff on the classic margarita meant to be adored year-round, and the Magnificent Martini, made unique with a splash of sparkling wine. Original creations include surprises like the Pineapple Bubble Bath, featuring a whole ring of pineapple floating in foam, and Tea-Amo, a cocktail flavored with hibiscus tea. Many of the carefully crafted cocktails were inspired by the authors’ travels around the globe. Experience the rolling Italian countryside with a sip of Siesta in the Tuscan Sun or a daring view of the Lima coastline by whipping up Paragliding in Peru.

Chapters include recipes perfect for casual day-drinking, after-work happy hour and the much needed nightcap. Natalie and James even explain how to set up a DIY cocktail bar for small soirées and family gatherings. This comprehensive title will spark the interest of home bartenders and casual enthusiasts alike. 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Natalie Migliarini is a home bartender, cocktail stylist, photographer and recipe developer. As a jack-of-all-trades she has a particular aptitude for discovering inventive and exceptional concoctions. In 2013, Natalie decided to chase her passion for cocktails full time and start the Beautiful Booze website. 

James Stevenson is an industry professional who has been working in bars for over 13 years. James worked in all aspects of the business, from bar backing to bar management, but eventually came to specialize in developing cocktails for higher-end bars. James took his expertise to the internet when he joined Beautiful Booze in 2015 as Managing Director.

TITLE: Beautiful Booze: Stylish Cocktails to Make at Home

AUTHOR: Natalie Migliarini & James Stevenson

PUBLICATION DATE: August 25, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-68268-493-1

PAGES: 288 pages | 100 color photographs




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