Scott Beattie (1)

This is a gorgeous book, full of photographs of the drinks (though I'd have preferred more in focus shots rather than soft focus ones). There are lots of good tips on how to find and prepare ingredients for the cocktails. I'm currently in the process of making the Waverly Place Echo and it's typical of the recipes: there are three sub recipes that you have to make before you assemble the drink. There's also a huge focus on Californian ingredients, though I was able to find Hangar One flavoured vodka at the specialty store, and the Meyer lemons and other citrus were prominent at Whole Foods. The seasonal aspect of the recipes helps, since I was making a Winter cocktail in the winter. There are two or three simple recipes, but for most of them, you'll have to plan ahead - it's more of a coffee table book and a special occasion recipe book than an everyday mixing guide.… (mere)