Purchase Dark Spirits: 200 Classy Concoctions Starring Bourbon, Brandy, Scotch, Whiskey, Rum and More

Being no stranger to beverages of the heavier persuasion, Dark Spirits: 200 Classy Concoctions Starring Bourbon, Brandy, Scotch, Whiskey, Rum and More by A. J. Rathbun immediately caught my attention. Vodka is a splendid elixir we often enjoy, but we often travel over to the dark side to enjoy rum or whiskey concoctions. I leapt into this journey to the dark side leaving safety and my trusty vodka sidekick behind.

A. J. Rathbun clearly enjoyed writing this clever bar book. Unlike most common bar books where beverages are simply listed in alphabetic order, Dark Spirits is divided into seven themes with their beverages listed in alpha order. This makes finding beverages for a specific occasion much easier to find. Along with recipes are colorful images, silly anecdotes, and historical tidbits. The silliness can be a little cheesy at times, but adds charm and enjoyment of the book's contents.

As we browsed through the various recipes, we found our stocked bar inadequate for making many of the provided concoctions. None of the ingredients are unusual for a well stocked bar, even though eye of newt was mentioned once or twice. However if you are used to beverages like rum and coke, you may need to run to the store and pick up a few things. To address this issue, A. J. Rathbun recommends purchasing the items needed to make a few drinks at a time so your bar stock will fill in over time.

I'm a Mr. Boston's fan when it comes to a serious mixed beverage book. Ours is so well used; the binding has started falling apart. Dark Spirits is not the same type of cocktail book. The layout is much more conducive for locating drinks which fit a particular event or mood. The added content provides a book which is enjoyable to read and browse through, even when no particular cocktail is desired.

A. J. Rathbun has written a witty bar book which cookbook enthusiast, party hosts, and home bartenders seeking to impress will enjoy and find useful. If any of those describes you, purchase this book and whip up many of the numerous dark spirited potions.

PROS:
Simple to follow recipes
Full of helpful advice, historical tidbits, and sully anecdotes
Motivating and temping full page color images

CONS:
Many recipes may require purchasing ingredientsGet more detail about Dark Spirits: 200 Classy Concoctions Starring Bourbon, Brandy, Scotch, Whiskey, Rum and More.