Summer Drinking, uh I mean READING

If there is one book you need this summer, this is it:


It may not be on any best seller list, and it may not be being turned into a movie, but by god it is a good read.

I recieved my copy six years ago as a Christmas gift from my friend Sarah. It contains the recipe for just about any drink you would ever want to make, and a few that you probably never would want to make, much less drink. (gin + tabasco + lemon = oh hell no). It's broken up into chapters with delightful titles like "Gin", "Rum" and "Bourbon". Ah, these are a few of my favorite things.

I hadn't busted out this drinker's bible in years but earlier in the week I had to write an article for Shecky's on "Old Man Drinks" in honor of Father's Day and I knew who I could turn to for advice; good ol' Mr Boston.

And he came through in the clutch. I learned all about Manhattans and Old Fashioneds and Daquiris (the way Hemingway drank them, not the way frou frous on the beach do) and Negronis and Cuba Libres (much more fun way of ordering a rum & coke with lime). It was quite eye opening, especially since my mixology skills are sadly limited. In fact, when I cocktail waitressed in college, one night the bartender had to leave and asked me to take over. That night will always be known as "The Night You Could Only Order a " ____and Tonic"". But after reading about all these fabulous other kinds of drinks, so much more than martinis and mojitos and margaritas, I felt like I have not been spreading my drinking wings as far as they can go.

So this summer will be the summer of Manhattans. The summer of Negronis. The summer of Old Fashioineds. The summer that I veer away from the martini and the G&T in search of liquid enlightenment.

So pick up a copy of this book and come with me.