Market-Fresh Mixology

Mixologists are always preaching about the benefits of fresh ingredients in cocktails. This is because a drink made with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, as opposed to bottled juices and mixers, is rich and has the true flavor of the ingredient, enhancing the drinking experience. On Mixologist, Bridget Albert, has taken this concept and put together Market-Fresh Mixology, a delightful little book filled with the freshest cocktails, some are simple twists on some of our favorites while others are completely unique: all, however are about savoring the flavors of each season of the year.

Fresh, fresh, fresh - and hopefully organic, locally grown - ingredients for cocktails, that is the entire point of Bridget Albert and Mary Barranco's new book, Market-Fresh Mixology. It may be small compared to the majority of bartending guides, but its 40 cocktails are a delight to explore and I have yet to see a book take on the subject of fresh drink mixing to such an extent. Simply browsing the seasonal recipes, your mouth will water for the pristine tastes and the desire for trying something new like the Spiced Beet Cocktail in the spring or the wintertime Savory Avocado Cocktail. You'll find yourself bee lining to the farmer's market after reading this book.

The seasonal aspect of Market-Fresh Mixology is convenient. Each of the four seasons of the year have their own chapter with recommendations of fruits and vegetables that are in season during that time and around 10 cocktails for each that use those ingredients. Some of the cocktails like the summer sipper Blueberry Lavender Mojito are variations of some of the classic cocktails that we have grown to love over the years and others are original like the Carrot Chic. Then there is a drink like the Apple Cocktail that uses that fresh, cored, autumn fruit as the "glass", filling it with vanilla vodka, lemoncello and apple juice with a cinnamon "stir" stick.

Market-Fresh Mixology is truly a delight and a great addition to any culinary cocktail enthusiast's library.

Cocktails from Bridget Albert not in the book:

• Air Force One
• American Dream