Early Summer Cocktail Book Reading List

I'm impressed by how my summer reading list is shaping up and it seems to be the ladies who are coming out with the newest releases. Right now I have 4 books to review, two of which are bartending guides and the other two epic examinations into particular spirits. Currently I'm diving into 99 Drams and so far it's very entertaining and informative. I have scanned both Charming's and Scott's guides and am enjoying their colorful insights as well as both publishers' use of color. The Smirnov biography I have yet to sit down with, but must say I'm intrigued to learn all about the "King of Vodka"'s life - it looks like it has a lot to tell.

Here is a quick rundown of these books that you may want to check out for yourself. I'll have full reviews of each soon.

• Knack Bartending Basics: More than 400 Classic and Contemporary Cocktails for Any Occasion
  -Cheryl Charming (blog - Charming Cocktials)
  Charming is in full color in her latest bar guide and it pairs perfectly with her characteristic style. A quick browse through the recipes tells me that she had a bit of fun and got a little adventurous - Lucky Charms-tini, anyone? Not all of the drinks are that off the wall, but they are very unique and that makes this a book filled with cocktails you probably don't have in your library.
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• 99 Drams of Whiskey: The Accidental Hedonist's Quest for the Perfect Shot and the History of the Drink
  -Kate Hopkins (blog- The Accidental Hedonist)
  Have you ever dreamed of touring a bunch of whiskey distilleries all over the world? Well, the Accidental Hedonist, Kate Hopkins, has done just that. She starts with Irish and Scotch whiskies, then hops the pond for Canadian and American on a adventure in tasting and history. Hopkins brings her travels to life in a comedic fashion that pulls from her stand-up and even makes dates and times, laws and the maze of distillery mergers captivating.
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• Zero-Proof Cocktails: Alcohol-Free Beverages for Every Occasion
  -Liz Scott
  Non-alcohol cocktails are hot right now because sometimes you want the cocktail experience without the spirit. This spring "sober community" advocate and speaker, Liz Scott, released a new virgin drink book that is filled with excellent recipes that everyone can appreciate for their flavor and style.
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• The King of Vodka:The Story of Pyotr Smirnov and the Upheaval of an Empire
  -Linda Himelstein (website - LindaHimelstein.com)
  Pyotr Smirnov was the man behind the rise of vodka's popularity throughout the 1900's. Through aggressive business strategies and an ingenious marketing strategy which included the creation of many of our favorite vodka cocktails. Himelstein brings this history to life and from what I've gathered in a quick skim, this would be a great read for business strategists as well as those interested in cocktail history.
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