It's a lovely book but not for me. I'm a scotch person and I do enjoy mixing it.The focus here is definitely whiskey over whisky.

I did make me think I whould hunt down a general cocktail coffee table book.

The Home Bartender: Whiskey is a collection of cocktail recipes in which whiskey is the principal ingredient. From classics such as the old-fashioned to creative takes on the classics, this book has it all.

I love the way this broke down each step and explained what everything was in terms easily followable.

As whiskey on the rocks and in cocktail formats are my main choices of adult beverage, this book didn’t disappoint. From the tools/glasses/extras recommendations ahead of time, to the specific whiskey recommendations for some of the recipes, to the clarity of steps and instructions, and the beautiful pictures, I will be highly recommending to all the whiskey aficionados out there. I, myself, recreated the Perfect Old Fashioned (perfect indeed), the Bourbon Ice Cream (a new unexpected favorite), and the Irish Rose (another success, having not really dabbled in the Irish Whiskeys).

This was one of the strangest takes on a book for whiskey lovers that I've ever seen. It names specific whiskeys in the most random assortment, and repeats the same, slightly changed recipes continuously. For example, at least six different old fashioned as well as the same number of whiskey sour recipes spread over various sections.

It reads as if the book wasn't made with intent, but with trolling the internet for as many whiskey recipes as possible to fill pages. We even get multiple identical Manhatten recipes, the only change is the brand (and therefore price point) of alcohol listed. Which is another baffling take. So many recipes specify the brand of whiskey, but not why they chose that one. What impact it has in the drink, when to select a specific type, and what to pair it with. Instead, it assumes you'll have on hand, or need to buy, dozens of bottles of various spirits in order to mix from this book.

It's an uninspired book, and like a previous similar-styled book I've read from Cider Mills Press, the book itself has no personality or theme. The imaged are not cohesive, and you can tell they paid for existing stock images of the drinks instead of having a photoshoot with a cohesive feel.

Overall, it's a lackluster book that wouldn't satisfy any new or established whiskey lover.

*****

Thank you, NetGalley and Cider Mills Press, for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This cookbook is a great find for whiskey enthusiasts! I enjoyed the thoughtful editing, particularly how the chapters are broken into themes like “Flashy Fun” for quick and exciting recipes, and “Sharing is Caring” for group-friendly options. The guidance on which whiskey pairs best with each recipe adds a nice touch, and the simple instructions make every cocktail easy to follow. I definitely recommend this book to both beginners and seasoned cocktail makers—and I’ll be trying a few of these recipes tonight!

This book is odd. The majority of the cocktails use 'rye whiskey' or 'bourbon'. Some use 'Scotch' some Irish whiskey (or is it whisky?). There is no discussion about the difference, although at one point there is an assumption that Scotch whisky is smoky, which much of it is not. There is a very short blurb at the beginning of each cocktail, which says helpful things like 'who doesn't like a mint Julep?'. Speaking of mint juleps, there are three identical recipes, made with different priced bourbons. Which brings me to the biggest flaw of this book. Sometimes it calls for the generic category of a drink, but often it calls for a specific brand. There is no list at the beginning, and I counted 23 different brands and models of whiskey mentioned, so in order to make these I would have to buy dozens of bottles of alcohol. With no information about what type of whiskey is best for what, this is not a great resource for making cocktails at home. In fact there is little information beyond the recipes themselves and the pictures are uninspired and uninspiring, as are many of the cocktails (JD and cola anyone?) this is not a great resource.

Thanks to NetGalley and Cider Press Publishing for the free e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

A good little addition to a cocktail trolley or a drinks shelf. Perfect for the whiskey lover in your life! This will have something for everyone - from the classics to a more adventurous cocktails. I liked the description of each cocktail with tidbits about the etymology or the history of them.
The book itself looks sleek and classy however, some of the internal images look a little cut and paste. This detracts from the content a little for me.

Something I really appreciated about this recipe book was that the majority of the recipes list a specific whiskey that will match the flavors the best. I can't wait to try a few of these, easy to follow instructions and simple recipes.

This whiskey cocktail cookbook was great! I loved the classics and how they added multiple versions of some classic drinks, that helped show the differences in them. I also loved the multiple new recipes I learned!
Some negative feedback: I think the ingredient list should have not included mini pictures with a whole array of different backgrounds, it was not aesthetically pleasing. showing 1 ingredient with a clear/white background, then a new ingredient with a gray or black background, followed by one with a blue background. no

For anyone who loves the smooth, smoky allure of whisky, this cookbook is an absolute gem. With over 100 creative and classic cocktail recipes, it offers something for every mood and occasion. The variety is impressive, and each recipe highlights the unique qualities of different whiskies, making it a joy for both seasoned enthusiasts and those just starting to explore the world of whisky cocktails.

This cookbook isn’t just about drinks, though; it’s about creating moments. Whether it’s gathering with friends around a fire pit on a cool autumn night or curling up indoors on a frosty winter’s evening, these cocktails enhance those cozy experiences. Each recipe encourages experimentation, so you can craft the perfect drink to match your mood or the occasion.

For anyone who enjoys whisky, this collection of cocktails will open your eyes to new flavors and combinations. It’s the perfect companion for nights when you want to sip something special, or when you’re hosting and want to impress your guests with a beautifully crafted drink. Highly recommended for whisky lovers who want to take their cocktail game to the next level!