Bar chef Handcrafted cocktails

Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

In this inspired collection of 100 original craft cocktail recipes, Röllich thinks about and creates cocktails like a chef. Röllich, who runs the bar program for the Lucques restaurant group in L.A., pairs fanciful flavorings from syrups, tinctures, juices, and bitters with a wide variety of spirits. Especially fine are the fiery yet nuanced mezcal concoctions that include the Pistolero, a blend of mezcal, ginger honey, and chile de arbol. Noting that mixologists often frown upon vodka for its lack of flavor, Röllich solves the problem by creating infusions. Indeed, his signature drink, the Green Goddess, is a verdant mix of green tea, vodka, and cucumber and jalapeno juices, with a hint of absinthe. Gin, rum, whiskey, and brandy are also covered in depth, and there is a challenging chapter on creating homemade vermouths, liqueurs, and bitters. Röllich, along with coauthor Carreño (Forks over Knives: Flavor!), writes with the authority and straightforward style of a working bartender ("I make my own Campari or vermouth, but if you don't feel up to it, you can absolutely use store-bought"). Additionally, there are origin stories and bottle recommendations for many types of liquor, and plenty of excellent photos. This refreshing collection is a must-have for those seeking a no-nonsense approach to making high-end drinks. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Review by Library Journal Review

At the Lucques family-owned renowned Los Angeles restaurants, it is the intention of Röllich, who runs the bar program, that the specialty cocktails reflect care and craft equal to the food delivered to the tables. He goes beyond effective pairings to consider the beverage as a dish itself. That being the case, selection and combination of ingredients is critical. Recipe by recipe, he takes readers through his process for developing a drink, suggesting when it can be made in batches or what other uses in the bar or kitchen might be found for an unusual component. Drinks such as the white bull, featuring gin and a sage and beer syrup, entice. Röllich includes recipes for home versions of various liqueurs, bitters, and tinctures. The result is a work that inspires rather than daunts, one that amateur cocktail makers will embrace. VERDICT A worthy addition to the growing canon of cocktail recipe books. Highly recommended where there is interest in spirits and beverages.-Peter Hepburn, Coll. of the Canyons Lib., Santa Clarita, CA © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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