Summer Reading Sorted © Rosie de Belgeonne

It’s about this time of year that I suddenly to realize I’m spending way too much money in bars: a post-work G&T here, a brunch Bloody Mary there, a rooftop Aperol Spritz on a Sunday afternoon…the list goes on. And while summer-time drinking is delightful in every way, if one’s not careful all these artisanal cocktails can also be a fast track route to financial ruin before the season’s even half way through.

Which is why it’s awesome timing for the launch of a new book titled The 12 Bottle Bar (Workman Publishing, $14.95). Unlike your usual schmancy home cocktail guide with glossy photos and a million ingredients you’ll never end up buying (or will buy but never end up using again), this is a practical paperback manual to the bare essentials you’ll need for a kick-ass home bar.

Written by the husband and wife team behind 12bottlebar.com, the book guides you through the basics (ice, glasses, how to make a great cocktails using just one bottle) and continues with a comprehensive tour through all 12 bottles: Brandy, Dry Gin, Genever, Amber Rum, White Rum,Rye Whiskey, Vodka, Orange Liqueur, Dry Vermouth, Sweet Vermouth, Aromatic Bitters, and Orange Bitters.

It’s an easy, enjoyable read and, along with concise, no-nonsense recipes it actually helps demystify the cocktail making process so you can adapt and perfect your own signature tipple du jour whist picking up some mixologist wisdoms along the way.

Authors David Solmonson and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson will be signing copies of The 12 Bottle Bar at Word Bookstore this Wednesday 23rd July at 7pm where they will also be talking about the book,  giving a cocktail demo, and handing around samples.  Sounds like the perfect opportunity to pick up your next summer read!

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