Hump Day Horizons: Be a Better Bartender
This is going to be a swift edition of Hump Day Horizons, so forgive my brevity.
When I was younger, I loved playing mix master for my friends. I was famous for my rum with a dash of coke and my hair raising appletinis. Many a great night was punctuated by me and my neon green shaker or my favorite blender with the glass pitcher (which is still working like a charm). Wanting to learn more about drink making, I bought a drink book or two and poured over the pages. At the time, I was surprised how many ingredients went into some drinks, but I tried them anyway, just to see what the hype was.
These days, I am more likely to crack open a good brew with friends, and kicking back. There is nothing like an ice cold beer on a warm night. But no matter the time of year, I still enjoy a great mixed drink.
These books are dedicated to that end: bartending. I’ve selected a few that are useful both to the amateur and the professional (or at least, claim to be). Enjoy!
Miss Charming’s Guide for Hip Bartenders and Wayout Wannabes: Your Ultimate One-Stop Bar and Cocktail Resource
by Cheryl Charming - Sourcebooks, Incorporated/$14.95
This book claims to be a resource equally for those who want to bartend at home or professionally�I find it hard to believe that one book could really meet these two distinct circumstances equally and responsibly. But we can take their word for it until the book hits the shelves.
Honestly, it was the title that caught my eye. I am a sucker for a catchy title and this book sure has one.
This book is due out in October.
The Bar and Beverage Book
by Costas Katsigris - Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated/$69.75
Yes, you read the price tag correctly. $69.75. This is a revised edition of a resource book for barkeepers and owners and at more than 700 pages, word has it that it�s pretty comprehensive.
Obviously not for the amateur bartender, this book has a market with anyone who needs to know about crisis management, ordering and other nuances of the spirits world.
This book is also due out in October.
Hemingway and Bailey’s Bartending Guide to Great American Writers
by Edward Hemingway - Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill/$15.95
I saw this and read the title again and again. I just needed to know, to understand, to comprehend. So I searched and searched and searched to locate some pithy and interesting information on this uniquely titled book. Here�s what I found:
And I am not disappointed! I love anecdotal recipe collections. These authors have combined two things that really go hand and hand: alcohol and writers. Hello! Can you say “match made in heaven?”
Sounds like a good read if you ask me. This book is due out in October.
