From My Bookshelf: Boozy Books

This edition of From My Bookshelf features my two most recently purchased books. One of my local independent bookstores was offering a selection of “Boozy Books for Election Day,” and these ones in particular caught my eye.

Cabernet Sauvignon
Chris Losh

• Ryland Peters, & Small Inc., 2004

Distilling and the history of my favorite alcoholic drinks—in this case, cabernet sauvignon—interests me greatly, and this book is a neat documentation of cab sav’s existence throughout the world. Even though it’s smaller than what I think of when I think of “coffee table book,” I would still consider this to be one. The table of contents also includes pairing, storage, and other tips for getting the most out of this type of wine, which makes me like the book even more.

Field Guide to Hendrick’s Gin
Hendrick’s Gin

• William Grant, & Sons Ltd, 2005

This book is packed with cocktail recipes created by the people at Hendrick’s Gin, information on glassware, a gin glossary, and even “Odd Poetry” that reads like whimsical old-timey ads that are entertaining and meant to get stuck in your head. The whole tone of this Field Guide is a little tongue-in-cheek, definitely odd, self-involved (it is quite literally about Hendrick’s Gin after all), and delightful. Oh, and the illustrations are marvelous!

I did make one of the cocktails over the weekend, and it was citrusy and refreshing. The recipes are wonderfully categorized by season, and luckily I was able to scrounge up the ingredients for an Autumn cocktail. I’m assuming that, since Hendrick’s is a Scottish gin, the ingredients in all of the recipes are more easily accessible than they are to me (in the U.S.), so it may be a little while until I’m able to make one of the other cocktails. No matter, I am still so glad to have this book on my shelves.

Do you collect or look for practical-novelty books? Share your favorites and/or recommendations below!