Gary Regan (1951–2019)

I don't think I have attempted a book on cocktails before. I asked for this one to review because I am a gin drinker.

I found the book too flippant and disrespectful of non-specialist readers. It is full of in-jokes and references to people, places and cocktails that fill Mr.Regan's life, not mine, and is a far cry from the thoughtful essays written by, for example, Wayne Curtis in "The Atlantic Monthly," whose writing I find interesting and informative.

If you know cocktails and read the show more cocktail literature then this book will probably excite you. Me? I wanted to smack the author for saying that, if polled, 90% of bartenders might say their fave cocktail is a Negroni. Try out that poll in Iowa and see how the stats work.

I received a review copy of "The Negroni" by Gary Regan (Ten Speed) through NetGalley.com. show less

Comprehensive guide to mixing cocktails from any kind of alcohol (and some non-alcoholic). Includes hot drinks and punches. I've learned much from this book, including how many kinds of alcohol I'm never likely to drink or own. The index is not as comprehensive as the book.

The section on specific brands of gin is heavy on the marketing speak, but I really appreciated getting the list of botanicals in all sorts of different gins (my shopping list is huge now). The copy/paste from websites never reached the annoyance level of "Romancing the Roads", that's for sure! I've made three cocktails from the recipe list (a treasure trove of classic and modern drinks) and all of them were fantastic.

Had I not stolen this book from a previous employer, I never would have gotten into bourbons as much as I have, and I wouldn't appreciate whisk(e)y as much, in general.

Through this book I was able to understand better the distillation process, and was better able to understand the differences in whisk(e)ys, including Canadian whisky, Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky. I also learned how good a Manhattan, a well executed mint julep, and a rye and ginger ale can be.

The recipes in the back are show more great, as well, and should not be overlooked. I encourage anyone who is interested in the grain based liquors to pick up a copy of this book and take a look. Cheap bourbons may scare us, but there are some really good bourbons out there that are smooth, and quality and great on a spring or summer day. show less