Twist: Your Guide to Creating Inspired Craft Cocktails, written by Jordan Hughes, features a collection of 75 classic and modern cocktail recipes alongside gorgeous photography. A few highlights include Amaretto Sour, Oaxacan Indigo, Spiced Apple Old Fashioned, and Elderflower Tonic. I will also be sharing a recipe for the Palomar Americano following the review.
Disclosure: I received this book from Page Street Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and statements 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.
Jordan Hughes
Jordan Hughes is a photographer, recipe developer, and social media consultant for brands, bars, and restaurant groups.
He created the blog, High-Proof Preacher, in 2017 and recently launched the digital learning platform, Cocktail Camera, to assist aspiring photographers and bartenders. His work has been featured in Forbes, Liquor.com, VinePair, and more.
Jordan was born, raised, and currently lives in Portland, Oregon. This is his first book.
Twist
Jordan begins Twist with a short introduction and descriptions of a few basic bar tools, spirits, and ingredients to help get started. He even reviews the different techniques for creating cocktails.
Chapters are divided according to type of cocktail: Bar Basics: Getting Started, Shaken Cocktails, Spirit-Forward Cocktails, Effervescent Cocktails, Simple Builds, Warm & Spirited Cocktails, Tropical Cocktails, and Syrups & Infusions. The contents include a list of recipes with page number for easy reference.
I especially love the entire chapter on homemade syrups and infusions to build the flavors in the drinks. In addition to the basic simple syrups, you will find more creative options such as Red Wine Syrup and Brown Butter-Washed Vodka.
Jordan also provides the stunning photography. Every single cocktail is paired with a full-size photo of the finished drink.
Measurements are listed in ounces and milliliters. Titles are written in English or the original language. Each recipe has a headnote with background information, helpful tips, and bartender suggestions.
Palomar Americano
The recipe for the Palomar Americano was created by Ricky Gomez of the Palomar bar in Portland. He combines both the Americano cocktail and the caffeinated drink of the same name by mixing cold brew with Campari and sweet vermouth.
Simply swizzle together the ingredients with pebble or crushed ice in a highball glass, top with more ice, and serve immediately with a fresh or dried orange wheel. The result is a low-ABV cocktail with a refreshing blend of flavors.
Jordan recommends using Stumptown Cold Brew and Dolin Sweet Vermouth.
More Cocktails
I also made the Daiquiri, Empress Highball, French 75, and Piña Colada.
The classic Daiquiri recipe in the Shaken Cocktails chapter comes together with simply rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. The proportions were perfect.
I was immediately drawn to the Empress Highball since I already had Empress Gin on hand. This fun and delicious twist pairs the gin with lemon juice, simple syrup, absinthe, and grapefruit soda. I also loved the edible flower and grapefruit peel garnish.
The French 75 was another refreshing classic. Cognac (or gin) is combined with lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker, then topped off with Champagne.
While the Piña Colada is often enjoyed in a more frozen form, this one brings together rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and lime juice with only a cocktail shaker and crushed ice. The pineapple fronds and pineapple wedge as the garnish were so fun too.
Twist is a great pick for those interested in both classic and more unique craft cocktail recipes. Most of the drinks come together in 5 minutes or less and have been created for 1 serving. Some of the syrups and infusions take a little more planning.
Most of the ingredients are readily available in larger American grocery stores. A few items that may require further searching include specialty liqueurs, guava syrup, cocktail foamer, a variety of bitters, orange flower water, and butterfly pea flowers.
Palomar Americano Recipe
Excerpt from Twist
Palomar Americano
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces (45 milliliters) cold brew
- 1 ounce (30 milliliters) Campari
- 1 ounce (30 milliliters) sweet vermouth
- Orange wheel fresh or dehydrated, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the cold brew, Campari and sweet vermouth to a highball glass and add pebble or crushed ice.
- "Swizzle" by inserting a bar spoon into the drink and rubbing quickly between your palms.
- Top with more ice (if needed) and garnish by placing an orange wheel in the glass.
Bernadette
This drink looks incredible.
Tavo
A delightful find. It’s evident how every detail, from the use of ingredients to the perfectly balanced proportions, reflects a mastery of mixology.
Kathleen
oh, this sounds yummy, and this craft cocktail book sounds amazing. I definitely need to get it so I can start making all these fabulous cocktails.
Suja md
Delicious yet simple recipe. Can’t wait to make it!
dana
This sounds like such a nice summer bevvy! I can’t wait to try this over the weekend with some friends.