The Little Book of Whiskey Cocktails sets out to share the stories of the whiskey-making world and recipes suitable for whiskey enthusiasts of all expertise levels. Bryan Paiement takes a practical approach to exploring the various ways in which the spirit can be mixed and enjoyed. Paiement is a professional bartender at the Dunraven restaurant in Estes Park, Colorado. He is the author of Sports Bar: Cocktails and Sports Trivia.
Beginning with a brief history of whiskey, Paiement answers many questions that even aficionados can’t help but stumble over: What is the difference between “whiskey” and “whisky?” Does bourbon have to come from Kentucky? How many times does Irish whiskey need to be distilled?
Forty classic whiskey cocktail recipes and ten original recipes follow in this pocket-sized gift book. Each carefully curated recipe is introduced with details on the cocktail’s origins and concludes with bartenders’ tips for mixing the perfect concoction. Paiement includes recipes from award-winners like the Paper Plane, time-tested classics like the Old Fashioned and the Rusty Nail, and handcrafted originals like the Scotch Smash.
Adorned with a key of whiskey ware and bar tools and an extensive repertoire of jokes, Paiement brings whiskey’s terminology and mixology to any home bar.
Here’s a recipe excerpted from The Little Book of Whiskey Cocktails:
Sunday’s Best
Ingredients:
1½ oz. bourbon
1 oz. apricot brandy
¾ oz. Solerno blood orange liqueur
¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
¼ oz. simple syrup
Blood orange wheel (garnish)
Directions:
In a mixing glass with ice, combine ingredients and shake well. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a blood orange wheel.
Recipe excerpted from The Little Book of Whiskey Cocktails by Brian Paiement.
