As the days get lighter and the temperatures grow warmer, mugs of hot chocolate and tea are replaced with icy cold drinks. Serve up cocktails and mocktails at your next backyard gathering, make cooling drinks with herbs from the garden, and stay hydrated with infused water. We’ve rounded up five books to help you feel refreshed and make the most of sunny days.
New from the Artisanal Kitchen Series: Summer Cocktails: Refreshing Margaritas, Mimosas, and Daiquiris– and the World’s Best Gin and Tonic by Nick Mautone. This small book is filled with delicious drink recipes just in time for summer. Chapters are organized by spirit– gin, tequila, rum, vodka, and wine–with a section for nonalcoholic beverages as well. The book begins with a few pages on tools and techniques, then moves into recipes with plenty of full-page, full-color photos of prepared drinks. Personalize your cocktails with more than just mixing– learn to make your own maraschino cherries and simple syrup. Enjoy all the classics like margaritas, daiquiris, and mojitos and mix up lesser known drinks like the Floridita, Lava Flow, and Barbecue Cocktail. There are plenty of frozen options for the hottest days. Best variety.
$12.95, Hardcover
112 pages, 5 1/2 x 7
Artisan
ISBN: 9781579659820
If you like smoothies with a kick try Frozen Cocktails: Over 100 Drinks for Relaxed and Refreshing Entertaining. Incorporating ice in every recipe, learn to whip up frozen treats with or without alcohol. Cocktails are organized by spirit: rum, tequila, vodka, gin, whiskey, “off the beaten path,” and mocktails. Many of the recipes include refreshing fruit juice. Try a Humid Wind made with pineapple and grapefruit, Cat’s Cradle with cranberry and orange, or a Desert Lily with aloe vera, lime, and lavender water. Every recipe is accompanied by a full-page, full-cover photo of beverages blended to delicious smoothness. Entice your guests with bright colors and sweet tastes. Best for frozen drinks.
$18.95, Paperback
256 pages, 6 3/4 x 8 ¼
Cider Mill Press
ISBN: 9781604338553
For those wanting to incorporate backyard herbs and fresh ingredients choose Garden to Glass: 80 Botanical Beverages Made from the Finest Fruits, Cordials, and Infusions by David Hurst. With a helpful introduction including tips on tools to use, glassware, and ingredients, learn specifics like the difference between stir and shake and muddle. Chapters are organized by herbs, spices, citrus, tropical, berries, beans (cocoa and coffee), and pitchers. The main recipes are alcohol free, but many include an “add a twist” section for suggested alcohol additions. Try a Brush with Basil, Ginger Zinger, Spring Restorative, Tangerine Dream, or Mar-Tea-Ni. Recipes include syrups, juices, and herbs. Best for beverages made with fresh ingredients.
$22.50, Hardcover
176 pages, 6 1/4 x 8 ½
Universe
ISBN: 9780789336545
For a flavorful way to get in your daily 8-10 glasses of water, choose Infused: 70 Thirst-Quenching Healthy Drinks by Angèle Ferreux-Maeght. This book is organized into two sections: detox waters and detox infusions. Learn to infuse water with fruit slices, herbs, and other fresh ingredients for beverages that are both beautiful and replenishing. Most recipes make about six cups for all-day sipping and sharing. Find full-page full-color photos opposite every recipe. Try Looking Good with turmeric, carrot, and mandarin, Pink Koala with hibiscus, pomegranate, and eucalyptus, or Purple Rain with lavender, blackberry, and blueberry. Each drink details its different indications with standouts like anti-fatigue, de-stress, and appetite suppressant. The infusion section is filled with herb-packed teas like chai and vitality. Best for flavored water and tea.
$19.95, Hardcover
160 pages, 7 1/4 x 9 ¾
Smith Street Books
ISBN: 9781925811650
For a comprehensive guide to nonalcoholic beverages choose Zero Proof: 90 Non-Alcoholic Recipes for Mindful Drinking by Elva Ramirez with photography by Robert Bredvad. The first 50 pages of this book outline a spirited history of non-alcoholic beverages from temperance to the emergence of mocktails, and predictions about what’s to come. You’ll also find plenty of recipes and full-color photos for delicious drinks in categories like bright and refreshing, fruity and floral, vegetal and savory, tangy and tropical, rich and decadent. Try a Jasmin Cooler, Ginger and Mint Swizzle, or Grapefruit Julep. You’ll find easily sourced ingredients like apple cider vinegar and agave, and some harder to find items like Bellocq No.48 Pic du Midi Tea. Each recipe includes tips for where to find ingredients and where to sample the drink in person. For those wanting to wow party guests with their knowledge of prohibition and willing to go the extra mile to source ingredients, this guide has all you need to mix your way to swizzles, teas, milkshakes, coffees, and sodas. Best for non-alcoholic beverages with creative ingredients.
$22.00, Hardcover
256 pages, 7 x 9
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 9780358211914