Project Foodie - Good Spirits

Good Spirits

Whether you're planning a cocktail party, looking for some new tasty mixed drinks or simply looking for something to use up an odd assortment of items in your home bar, Good Spirits by A. J. Rathbun can help. Unlike many drink focused books, Good Spirits is organized by topics rather than primary liquor. This interesting organization lets you easily find the right drink for your current needs. For example, if you're planning a party you'll want to check out the 'Pacifying a Crowd' chapter. But if you want to find drinks by primary liquor you can also do that with the extensive index by liquor. And if you want to find a drink to use up that last remaining bit of cranberry juice you'll also find those recipes in the index! How much better could it get? Good Spirits presents 450 recipes including ones such as the Chocolate Martini, see below, which is great for a romantic holiday. In addition to the recipes, you'll find interesting stories and witty writing that will both entertain and educate you while you enjoy the great drinks.

Chocolate Martini

Searching for a way to add something extra to the next Valentines' Day dinner you're stirring up for your main squeeze? Looking for a way to sweeten the evening spent with your pleasant paramour? Seeking a way to deliciously raise your profile during a romantic interlude? Let me introduce you to the Chocolate Martini. Your investigations are over.

Ice cubes
1 ½ ounces chocolate-flavored vodka
½ ounce chocolate liquor, such as Godiva
½ ounce crème de cacao
½ ounce heavy cream
chocolate syrup for garnish

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full with ice cubes. Add the vodka, chocolate liquor, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Shake well, but charmingly.

2. Strain into a cocktail glass. Swirl a light pattern (a heart if you don't think it's too cheesy and if you have the swirling skills) on top of the drink with the chocolate syrup.

A Note: the chocolate syrup isn't for everyone. Other garnishing options include a chocolate kiss placed in the bottom of the glass, or a chocolate-dipped strawberry set on the edge of the glass (you'll need to make a small slice in the strawberry for balancing purposes).

About Good Spirits

Cocktail enthusiast A.J. Rathbun has collected 450 classic and contemporary drink recipes featuring an incredible variety of spirits, mixers, and garnishes. Accompanied by stunning, full-color photographs and written in a fresh, lively tone, Good Spirits is the definitive guide for anyone who appreciates the art of the cocktail. With chapters organized by themes including Cool it Down, Gold Standards, and Pacifying a Crowd, it's easy to find the perfect drink for every mood and occasion. With entertaining and informative sidebars such as Top Five Movie Star Mixes and Four Drinks Not to Serve the In-laws, it's easy to see Rathbun's extensive knowledge and his passion for a great drink. And for anyone who wants to go beyond mixing a few new cocktails and become a home bartender, a thorough introduction provides information on all the different varieties of liquors and mixers, glassware, and essential equipment. Good Spirits is like the perfect party: the drinks go down easy and everyone will have a great time.