ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is great for fans of bourbon, and is interested in learning to make some new cocktails. There are many recipes to try from classic to more modern takes.

I am a huge fan of bourbon and this book gave me a few cocktails that sounded appealing and I will be trying out later.

Mmmm, bourbon. I love bourbon whiskey just by itself (or sometimes on the rocks if it’s hot out…) but reading all the recipes in this book makes me want to try all of them. Not at once, obviously, I don’t want to die of alcohol poisoning, but, you know, over a reasonable period of time. You’ve got your classic recipes in here, like the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned, along with some lesser known recipes like the Blinker (made with grapefruit bitters!), delicious, dessert-y like drinkies like a Snow on the Still, frosty drinks like a Cantor Cooler and so, so, very much more! Part of me wishes I had an extra liver just so I can try all of them.

The Big Book of Bourbon Cocktails is a tutorial mixology guide and recipe collection by Amy Zavatto. Released 24th Dec 2019 by Callisto on their Rockridge Press imprint, it's 170 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

I really liked the format and layout of this book. A well written and interesting background bio from the author is followed by a no-nonsense intro with an emphasis on the history, story, mechanics, and a solid coverage of the necessary tools involved in bourbon mixology. The second part of the book contains the recipes. I really liked the way the cocktail recipes were arranged: savory, tart, fruity, decadent, hot, frosty, and punches. Each of the recipes has a description, yields, ingredients in a bullet list (with US standard measurements only), and step by step directions. Alternative ingredients and twists are provided in sidebars and footers.

There are very few pictures included in the collection, but the ones which are included are clear and well done. This would definitely be a good choice for folks who enjoy cocktails and the hospitality and history of bourbon.

Five stars.

They’re not kidding with the phrase “tempting recipes”. I already have a list of ingredients and types of bourbon to go get before tonight’s party. Definitely enjoyed the simple explanation about equipment in the beginning since I’m not a bartender. Overall, I enjoyed this easy to understand and follow cocktail book but just wish there were some more pictures sprinkled throughout.