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A review by rage_among_the_page
The Unofficial Big Lebowski Cocktail Book: Over 50 Mixed Drink Recipes Inspired by the Cult Classic by André Darlington
funny
informative
fast-paced
5.0
Truth be told, I thought this was just going to be a goof with mediocre drinks for fans of The Dude. I jumped at the chance to check it out on NetGalley and strapped in for some laughs…this is actually a brilliant, well thought out and executed cocktail book! I’m thoroughly impressed that something I expected to be a bit of gimmick turned out to be so stellar.
This book makes me want to have a party just as an excuse to try out every single recipe. A few aren’t my taste and I wouldn’t make for myself, but I’ve spent enough time behind the bar to know (just from the ingredients and methods) that they’re great cocktails and will be well loved. What’s even better is that the majority of the recipes are right up my alley.
The tips and tools are all covered for beginners and this is definitely not another “I’ll buy it to have on my bar shelf and never use”, it truly has some twists on originals I’ll be exploring. Anyone can slap a character name or reference on a drink, but Darlington actually pulls it off with the perfect mashups. I found myself nodding in a “yesss, I totally get that” way. I appreciate that thought process and love when people create from character inspiration.
The illustrations are fun, yet not distracting. Sprinkled throughout are “Dude Facts” and song pairings that really drive home the thought and passion that went into this.
Even if you’re a White Russian die hard that can’t imagine dabbling, I promise you will find something to either enhance your experience, be it an ingredient, a prep tip, etc. Hey, there’s even a snacky portion as well as menu/pairing plans.
This was a fun journey that will only continue as I restock the home bar and experiment with more recipes. Love the opportunity to check this out in advance, I’ve already hopped on and pre-ordered a physical copy.
Darlington is clearly an artist and I’m eager to checkout other publications.
This book makes me want to have a party just as an excuse to try out every single recipe. A few aren’t my taste and I wouldn’t make for myself, but I’ve spent enough time behind the bar to know (just from the ingredients and methods) that they’re great cocktails and will be well loved. What’s even better is that the majority of the recipes are right up my alley.
The tips and tools are all covered for beginners and this is definitely not another “I’ll buy it to have on my bar shelf and never use”, it truly has some twists on originals I’ll be exploring. Anyone can slap a character name or reference on a drink, but Darlington actually pulls it off with the perfect mashups. I found myself nodding in a “yesss, I totally get that” way. I appreciate that thought process and love when people create from character inspiration.
The illustrations are fun, yet not distracting. Sprinkled throughout are “Dude Facts” and song pairings that really drive home the thought and passion that went into this.
Even if you’re a White Russian die hard that can’t imagine dabbling, I promise you will find something to either enhance your experience, be it an ingredient, a prep tip, etc. Hey, there’s even a snacky portion as well as menu/pairing plans.
This was a fun journey that will only continue as I restock the home bar and experiment with more recipes. Love the opportunity to check this out in advance, I’ve already hopped on and pre-ordered a physical copy.
Darlington is clearly an artist and I’m eager to checkout other publications.