Cocktails, A Still Life

This is exactly what it sounds like: instead of photos or illustrations, this cocktail book is fully illustrated with oil paintings. Featuring an all-star team, Cocktails, A Still Life is less of a bartending guide and more of a presentation piece attracting the eye, mind, and palate focused squarely on the art-including the dozens of luscious, hand-painted images. As they say, "We drink first with our eyes." Contemporary still-life master Todd Casey has collected 60 paintings for 60 classic drink recipes, developed by Drinkology author James Waller, that are then paired with witty and imminently readable behind-the-bar anecdotes and histories by beverage historian Christine Sismondo. Broken down into sections, inspired by times and events that call for a cocktail, the book includes art, recipes, and history. Drinks include: Part One: Daytime Drinking * Belgian Beers * Bellini * Bloody Mary * Mojito * Ramos Gin Fizz Part Two: Aperitivo Hour * Aperol Spritz * Daiquiri * Gimlet * Gin & Tonic * Sgroppino Part Three: Cocktail Party * Cosmopolitan * Long Island Iced Tea * Mai Tai * Negroni * Vieux Carr Part Four: Celebration * Egg Nog * French 75 * Margarita * Mezcal and Sangrita * Mint Julep Part Five: After Dinner/Nightcap * Boulevardier * Brandy Alexander * Grasshopper * Irish Coffee * Sake Both a sophisticated gift and a useful cocktail-making guide, Cocktails, A Still Life is not just for "cocktail nerds" but also for those who enjoy finely crafted art and finely crafted beverages.