The Cocktail Cabinet: Whiskey: The Essential Recipes Every Whiskey & Bourbon Lover Should Know, written by Kara Newman with illustrations by Giacomo Bagnara, features an exciting collection of 50 whiskey and bourbon-based drink recipes in a compact card format. A few highlights include the Blackthorn, Godfather, Morning Glory, New York Sour, and Whiskey Smash. I will also be sharing a recipe for a Hot Toddy following the review.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this deck from Smith Street Books in exchange for my honest review. All comments and opinions are my own. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Consume alcoholic beverages at your own risk and liability. This recipe is intended only for those over the age of 21 (in the United States). Please drink responsibly.
Kara Newman and Giacomo Bagnara
Kara Newman is a food, wine, and spirits writer currently based in New York City. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, Gourmet, Saveur, Wine Enthusiast, Yankee Magazine, and more. Other books include Cocktails with a Twist, Nightcap, Stir. Shake. Sip., and Spice & Ice.
Giacomo Bagnara is an illustrator and artist with a focus on a bright, bold, and buoyant style. His work has been recognized by American Illustration and the Society of Illustrators of NY. He is currently based in Verona, Italy.
The Cocktail Cabinet: Whiskey
A couple of weeks ago, I featured The Cocktail Cabinet: Gin and a recipe for a Sakura Martini. Today, I am covering the whiskey version of The Cocktail Cabinet!
Like The Cocktail Cabinet: Gin, The Cocktail Cabinet: Whiskey comes in a rectangular 4.17 x 1.65 x 5.55 inch (10.5 x 4.19 x 14 centimeter) box filled with cards. This small size makes it perfect for gift-giving or easy storage in the home bar.
The first two cards in the deck cover some helpful notes to get started with A Guide to Whiskey Styles, A Guide to Garnishes, A Guide to Glassware, and A Guide to Ice & Syrups.
The remaining 50 cards are each devoted to a specific cocktail. One side of the card has the vibrant, mid century-inspired illustration by Giacomo Bagnara. The other has the recipe with ingredients, garnish, method, a little history, and serving size (serves 1).
Recipes are arranged in alphabetical order. Measurements are listed in ounces and milliliters.
Hot Toddy
We are still seeing 70-80s˚F (21-27˚C) at almost mid-November here in Northern Virginia, but I enjoyed this Hot Toddy while dreaming of the hopefully upcoming cooler temperatures.
The drink pairs whiskey with honey and hot water for a cozy winter beverage or for when feeling under the weather. Simply measure whiskey (any favorite type) and honey into a warmed mug or footed Irish coffee glass and stir together.
Top off with hot water and serve immediately with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick to garnish.
Kara states this drink works well with a range of whiskeys, though Irish or Scotch would be the classic choices.
If desired, you can add a small squeeze of lemon to the drink before adding the lemon slice garnish.
More Cocktails
I also tried the Gold Rush, Japanese Whisky Highball, Maple Leaf, and Old Fashioned.
The Gold Rush was created in 2001 at the NYC bar, Milk & Honey, as a collaboration between TJ Siegel and Sasha Petraske. It comes together with a combination of bourbon, lemon juice, and a rich honey syrup.
The Japanese Whisky Highball is a refreshing option with a blend of Japanese whisky, ice, and soda water.
The Maple Leaf was my personal favorite. Canadian whisky, lemon juice, and maple syrup are shaken together, then served over ice in a rocks glass.
While I loved the Maple Leaf, Chad especially enjoyed the classic Old Fashioned. After muddling a sugar cube with a little water and bitters, it is stirred with bourbon or rye, then strained into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. To finish, garnish the drink with a brandied cherry and orange peel.
The Cocktail Cabinet: Whiskey is a great pick whether you are new to mixology or looking for more ways to use whiskey and bourbon. The recipes range from quick and easy stirred cocktails to others that require a little more building.
Most of the ingredients are readily available in larger American grocery stores and specialty liquor stores.
Hot Toddy Recipe
Excerpt from The Cocktail Cabinet: Whiskey
Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces (45 milliliters) whiskey any type
- 3/4 ounce (22.5 milliliters) honey
- 4-5 ounces (120-150 milliliters) hot water
- Lemon slice to garnish
- Cinnamon stick to garnish
Instructions
- Measure whiskey and honey into a warmed mug or footed Irish coffee glass, and stir.
- Top up with hot water.
- Garnish with lemon slice and cinnamon stick.
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