There’s nothing like a good book in the fall and watching the leaves drop
Here are my picks this fall to cozy up to.
The Spirit of Cognac: Three Centuries of Rémy Martin
The Spirit of Cognac: Three Centuries of Rémy Martin, written by Thomas Laurenceau and photographs by Harry Gruyaert, is a celebration of the brand’s tercentenary that invites readers to step inside the historic wineries to explore the vineyards of the Cognac region and dive into the fascinating story of Rémy Martin.
Previously unpublished archival documents are combined with a contemporary perspective provided through newly commissioned images by Magnum photographer Harry Gruyaert. The beautifully produced volume, which includes five color printing throughout, is completed by a cognac pairing guide and cocktail recipes. This work offers an exceptional occasion to discover the history, savoir-faire, and traditions of one of the greatest spirit brands in the world.
Liquid Dessert: Cocktail Confections from Around the World
Liquid Dessert: Cocktail Confections from Around the World on your radar. In Liquid Dessert, professional bartender and mixologist Bryan Paiement invites you to join him on a trip around the world to discover cocktails inspired by the best desserts on the planet.
From cocktails-inspired favorites like Bananas Foster or Cannoli, whether you’re a fan of rich, decadent chocolate or you have more of a citrusy-tart palette, the simple-to-follow recipes in Liquid Dessert have you covered, no matter your craving.
Bryan Paiement lives in Fort Collins, Colorado and is the author of two previous books, Sports Bar: Cocktails and Sports Trivia and The Little Book of Whiskey Cocktails. He teaches cocktail classes and is a bartender at The Cache restaurant at Ginger and Baker.
A Booze & Vinyl Christmas
Summer is just getting started, but it’s never too early to think about everyone’s favorite time of the year – Christmas! The bestselling The Booze & Vinyl series (nearly 200,000 copies in print) finds its holiday cheer in an irresistible new volume mixing beloved Christmas albums with merry drink pairings. A Booze & Vinyl Christmas (Running Press; October 2023), by award-winning food and drinks writer André Darlington, features 40 curated Christmas albums, from the 1940s to the present, complete with two inspired cocktails for the A side and B side. From The Nutcracker and A Charlie Brown Christmas to Bing Crosby and Kelly Clarkson, this book is the perfect companion for this year’s ugly sweater and tree trimming gatherings.
This book combines people’s passion for holiday music, love of Christmastime, and the fun of cocktails and entertaining—an intoxicating combination of much‑loved subjects. Please let me know if you would like to schedule an interview with André Darlington; have him put together the ultimate holiday party with music, cocktails, and nibbles; put together a top ten list of Christmas tunes with cocktail pairings; or give you some fun and fascinating trivia behind your Christmas favorites.
The Vegetarian Reset
The Vegetarian Reset celebrates a lifestyle where a foodie sensibility intersects with healthy eating. It solves the never-ending dilemma that all plant-based eaters face: Is life fun when you eat salad every day, or is it worth it to let your health take a backseat to enjoy a big bowl of rice or pasta without enough protein?
In her debut cookbook, Vasudha Viswanath takes readers on a little trip around the world, drawing inspiration from an array of traditional and global cuisines that are rich in whole foods like vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats. Seasonal vibrant recipes are moderately low-carb and put vegetables front and center, while also being gluten-free! Learn to bake healthy bread from scratch, make paella out of cauliflower rice, transform paneer into gnocchi, and sweeten brownies with dates! Whether you already follow a low-carb lifestyle or simply want to add more healthy dishes into your rotation, The Vegetarian Reset will delight and inspire vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike to eat well, fully nourish, and reset your body.
Steve the Bartender’s Cocktail Guide: Tools, Techniques, Recipes (DK Publishers, 2023).
Steven Roennfeldt is a seasoned cocktail enthusiast known to millions of fans as Steve the Bartender. Since 2017, he has been captivating cocktail enthusiasts worldwide with his engaging YouTube videos, sharing simple and delightful cocktail recipes that are a breeze to follow. With an impressive repertoire of over 600 videos and over 720k followers, Steve has cultivated a passionate community of over a million cocktail lovers across all social channels.
In his new book, readers can explore the realm of timeless favorites and forgotten classics in this all-encompassing guide. Discover the simplicity and flair of crafting cocktails with ease, guided by approachable and unpretentious instructions that guarantee each drink is both straightforward and delicious.
COCKTAILS INCLUDE:
- PENICILLIN: The Penicillin, created by bartender Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York, is a modern classic cocktail featuring blended Scotch whisky, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey syrup, ginger syrup, and Islay whisky, shaken and strained over ice in an old-fashioned glass, garnished with candied ginger.
- CABLE CAR: The Cable Car 195 is a delightful shaken cocktail originating from 1996, featuring spiced rum, orange curaçao, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup, elegantly garnished with a cinnamon sugar rim in a coupe glass.
- BLACK MANHATTAN: This twist on the classic Manhattan, features rye whiskey, Averna amaro, and dashes of Angostura and orange bitters for a complex, herbal flavor profile, garnished with a maraschino cherry.
- LONDON CALLING: The London Calling, created by Chris Jepson at Milk & Honey, London, in 2002, is a sour cocktail featuring London dry gin, fino sherry, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange bitters, garnished with a grapefruit twist.
- CONQUISTADOR: The Conquistador, created by Sam Ross, is a split-base sour cocktail originating in 2008 featuring aged Dominican rum, blanco tequila, simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, orange bitters, and egg white, shaken, double-strained, and served in a chilled coupe glass.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS GUIDE:
- Guidance on setting up a home bar, complete with essential spirits, mixing equipment, and glassware.
- A curated collection of 125 drink recipes for every occasion, from a sophisticated Manhattan to a refreshing Mai Tai, all accompanied by beautiful photographs.
- Integrated QR codes for each recipe linking directly to videos of Steve demonstrating the preparation of each drink.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a complete novice, this guide will become your ultimate companion in creating the perfect libations. Cheers to the world of effortless cocktails.
Les Dames d’Escoffier New York: Stirring the Pot, featuring iconic recipes from New York’s culinary trailblazers will debut on September 18. Please consider including it in your fall/winter and holiday gift guide coverage.
After years of shaping what we eat and drink at restaurants and bars around the world, the women of Les Dames d’Escoffier (LDNY) reveal their cherished home recipes in Les Dames d’Escoffier New York Cookbook: Stirring the Pot. Proceeds from sales benefit Les Dames d’Escoffier New York’s Scholarship Fund, which enables young women pursuing culinary, hospitality and fine beverage studies to live their dreams.
Culinary experts Silvia Baldini and Sharon Franke have curated seventy-six recipes – ranging from breakfast casseroles to cocktail nibbles to elegant desserts plus wine pairings contributed by Pascaline Lepeltier, MOF.
According to Silvia Baldini, “Stirring the Pot is more than just a compilation of recipes, it’s a book about cooking with a purpose. When we cook, we don’t only nourish bellies, we also empower communities and support and advance one another’s careers and dreams. Stirring the Pot empowers women and supports the hospitality community through the LDNY Scholarship program. It combines stunning recipes with useful cooking tips and celebrates visionary women who have influenced the food and beverage industry.”
Sharon Franke shares, “Anyone who wonders what the food pros cook at home will love this book. In Stirring the Pot, some of the biggest culinary names share the treasured dishes they serve their own families and guests along with their secrets for getting perfect results.”
Look for recipes from LDNY Members Melissa Rodriguez of 3-star Michelin restaurant Al Coro, and notable culinary names like Lidia Bastianich, Carla Hall, Pascaline Lepeltier, Ellie Krieger, Surbhi Sahni, Tara Bench, Kat Craddock, Ariane Daguin, Julie Hartigan, June Hersh, Rita Jammet, Marisa May, Maria Loi, Francine Cohen, Wanda Mann and more, plus the dedication Lidia Bastianich penned to LDNY founder Carol Brock, and a foreword by Carla Hall; all set the table for a cookbook that reflects the multi-cultural melting pot that is New York, and its kitchens and bars.
Stirring the Pot which is published by The History Press, an imprint of Arcadia Publishing, debuts on September 18, 2023. Purchase/pre-order everywhere cookbooks are sold and online at Bookshop and Amazon. For more information visit StirringthePotNY.
BEER HIKING NEW YORK STATE
A guide to the best urban and rural hikes and microbreweries in New York State.
Expert knowledge of Empire State beer and more than 150 miles of hiking trails across Long Island and Upstate New York, all in one book
Helvetiq is welcoming a new edition to its global bestselling Helvetiq Beer Hiking series, which has sold more than 200,000 copies in Europe and North America. With as many as 33 carefully selected New York State hikes, Beer Hiking New York State makes expertise on Empire State beer
readily available in a rich collection that fits into the palm of
your hands.
This full-color guidebook showcases a wide variety of fun beer hikes in the Empire State. It takes you along the Hudson River, up to the grand vistas and waterfalls of the Catskills and Adirondacks, through the vibrant neighborhoods of New York City and over historic upstate railway bridges. Each trail description includes details on access, difficulty, duration, points of interest, and, at trail’s end, a recommended beer, with notes on its appearance, aroma, and taste. It further gives an inside look at the creative and passionate craftspeople behind the brewing process.
“We’ve spent the better part of the last two decades hiking, running, and exploring breweries all over New York. The diversity of trails and experiences found in our amazing state is astounding. From riverside rambles to mountain vistas, from fruity saisons to hoppy IPAs, there’s something for everyone in New York. We’re thrilled to be able to show off a
little of what makes our state so special.” – Jason Friedman & Philip Vondra
HERCULES MULLIGAN: CLOTHIER, DRINKSMITH, AMERICAN HERO.
Inspired by the man himself, Hercules Mulligan, this book pairs well with the namesake Irish whiskey brand.
Readers are transported to the vibrant and tumultuous era of the American Revolution. This enthralling narrative sheds light on the extraordinary life and untold adventures of Hercules Mulligan, a spy whose contributions played a pivotal role in securing American independence.
Set against the backdrop of colonial New York City, the story follows Hercules Mulligan, a charming and resourceful individual who navigates the complexities of pre-Revolutionary society. Known for his cunning wit and sharp intellect, Mulligan establishes himself as a prominent figure in the bustling city, mingling with key players of the time, including founding father Alexander Hamilton.
While the heart of the story lies in Mulligan’s role as a spy, the novel also delves into the multifaceted aspects of his life. It explores his personal and political relationships, revealing the depth of his loyalty and the sacrifices he makes for the cause of liberty. From his close friendship with Alexander Hamilton to his involvement in the New York Manumission Society, Mulligan’s character is richly developed, showcasing his remarkable journey from an unsung patriot to a respected figure in the new nation.
Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, “Hercules Mulligan: The Unsung Patriot” brings to life a forgotten hero of the American Revolution. Blending historical accuracy with creative imagination, the novel captivates readers with its suspenseful plot, well-rounded characters, and extraordinary courage displayed by Hercules Mulligan.
Aaron Goldfarb is a novelist, author, and journalist who has written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Esquire, and VinePair, as writer-at-large. His books include Hacking Whiskey: Smoking, Blending, Fat-Washing, And Other Whiskey Experiments and Gather Around Cocktails: Drinks To Celebrate Usual And Unusual Holidays. In 2020, he was recognized as the Tales of the Cocktail’s cocktail & spirits writer of the year. Most recently, Goldfarb co-authored Brand Mysticism: Cultivate Creativity and Intoxicate Your Audience along with booze branding maven Steven Grasse.
A Booze & Vinyl ChristmasA Booze & Vinyl Christmas reviewAMERICAN HEROAMERICAN HERO reviewBEER HIKING NEW YORK STATEBEER HIKING NEW YORK STATE reviewDRINKSMITHHercules MulliganHercules Mulligan reviewHERCULES MULLIGAN: CLOTHIERLes Dames d’Escoffier New York: Stirring the PotLes Dames d’Escoffier New York: Stirring the Pot reviewLiquid Dessert: Cocktail Confections from Around the WorldreviewSteve the Bartender's Cocktail GuideSteve the Bartender's Cocktail Guide reviewThe Spirit of Cognac: Three Centuries of Rémy MartinThe Spirit of Cognac: Three Centuries of Rémy Martin reviewThe Vegetarian ResetThe Vegetarian Reset review
what do you think?