I find it refreshing when a cocktail book takes a different approach, and, just in time for Valentine’s Day, this release accomplishes just that. I’m still backlogged on my cocktail book purchases from 2018, so any new books need to offer something unique in order for them to advance in the queue. The latest release from Clair McLafferty, Romantic Cocktails: Craft Cocktail Recipes for Couples, Crushes, and Star-Crossed Lovers, is a great example of a fresh perspective.
I was first introduced to Clair McLafferty at Bar Institute Austin in 2016 where she was teaching a writing workshop. It was one of the sessions I was most looking forward to. Despite writing articles for The Humble Garnish for two years, I didn’t feel like much of a writer. Her session was filled with practical advice and challenged me to hone my skills. Since then, I’ve contributed articles to Liquor.com and consistently written the alcohol column in The Tulsa Voice since 2017.
The first thing to mention about Romantic Cocktails is how stunning the metallic red, pillowed hardcover binding is. It’s the perfect aesthetic for a book of passion-filled recipes. The corresponding photography is also top-notch, with unique setups for the showcased recipes.
However, what I most liked about this book is that it’s not simply about crafting the perfect romantic evening. The cocktail recipes are all notated with icons representing a range of romantic occasions: “New love and crushes,” Jealousy, sour grapes,” “Breakups and broken hearts,” Celebrations, anniversaries, parties,” and “Engagements and weddings.”
The recipes cover a broad range of drink styles, from a variety of sources. While some recipes are well-known, other riffs like the Oyster Shell Martini which calls for a DIY oyster shell-infused vodka, are the perfect aphrodisiac for the adventurous couple.
I chose to sample the Tremblement De Terre, or Earthquake. (Recipe below.) This simple mixture of cognac and absinthe with an expressed lemon twist is deemed appropriate for new love, crushes, jealousy, and breakups. Strong emotions require strong cocktails, and the Earthquake was a winner.
In addition to the cocktails which are broken down into chapters like “Love Potions,” “Drinks for Two,” and “Vintage Romance,” there are is a dedicated introductory chapter that goes over the basics of glassware and bar tools, party planning, bottles to stock, and more.
With the interest in zero-proof cocktails growing, I was not only delighted that there is an entire chapter devoted to them, but also that they are referred to as “zero-proof cocktails” rather than mocktails. (I recently wrote an article dedicated to discussing this.) I believe this verbiage is the most hospitable way to serve someone a craft cocktail experience who is choosing not to drink alcohol for any of the numerous and valid reasons.
The final chapter of the book includes some recipes for small bites, various syrups and infusions, and other miscellanies. The section on assembling a charcuterie board has some of the most practical advice in the book–“stay away from fragrant cheeses.”
There are a few paragraphs dedicated to ice and tips on making crystal clear ice. I was surprised to see the myth perpetuated that distilled or boiled water helps to create clear ice, but at least the classic “cooler method” was given a nod. That said, discussing the science of how clear ice is made may rank up there with fragrant cheeses as a romance killer
Romantic Cocktails’ emotion-based index of recipes is perfect for when you would rather pair a cocktail to a mood rather than a flavor profile or base spirit. It’s not meant to be a David Wondrich or Robert Simonson level analysis of accurate history and proportions of cocktails, but that shouldn’t keep it from the finding a home on your bookshelf. No matter which part of the romantic continuum you find yourself, there is a potion to be discovered in Romantic Cocktails.
Recipe: Tremblement De Terre (Earthquake)
Tremblement De Terre (Earthquake)
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 2½ ounces cognac
- ½ ounce absinthe
- lemon twist
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an expressed lemon twist.
Notes
From Clair McLafferty's book, Romantic Cocktails: Craft Cocktail Recipes for Couples, Crushes, and Star-Crossed Lovers
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Additional Resources:
Books by Clair McLafferty
Romantic Cocktails: Craft Cocktail Recipes for Couples, Crushes, and Star-Crossed Lovers
Connect with Clair McLafferty
I created The Humble Garnish because I’m passionate about cocktails. Occasionally, I am provided with products for review or other perks. Many product links on this site are affiliate links that give me a very small kickback, and costs the buyer nothing extra. For example, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases after a link leading to Amazon is clicked. Other links may earn me affiliate commissions as well. This helps offset the cost of creating content for the site – things like camera gear, software, alcohol, glassware. I have at times accepted and at other times declined free products. I promote what I love and use, and rarely will write about a product that I don’t appreciate or own. If I don’t like a product or service, I often simply choose not to write about it.
– Andrew
All these Books are really amazing for those people who did not know about the Cocktail and the Wine. thanks for such beautiful information about the Cocktail.