TITLE: Champagne Cocktails
SUBTITLE: 50 Cork – Popping Concoctions and Scintillating Sparklers
AUTHOR : A. J Rathbun
PUBLISHER: Harvard Common Press, 96 pages, hardcover, illustrated
COST: $ 12.95*
TYPE: Recipes
REVIEWED BY: Chris Carlsson, SpiritsReview.com

 A. J. Rathbun is an author of a number of books on mixology – some of which are reviewed here on Booze Books . His webpage is here and has more info and drink suggestions.

An excellent book for a much overlooked type or class of cocktails. Almost everyone (at least the type of people who would be reading this review) has heard of a Kir Royale or a French 75, but this book delves in to the subject further with an additional 48 more simple, easy to make, elegant and ultimately satisfying cocktails. The recipes section start with the most well known classics, onto lesser known but no less worthy older recipes in further chapters (with short but useful biographies of the drinks) and a nice mix of more recent creations. The book finishes up with a very nice chapter on champagne punches – a creation which never fails to delight a crowd at a gathering and makes the life of a bartender/mixologist/host a much easier affair.

Pointers on champagne and other bubbly goodness, tips on garnishes, ice (a much overlooked but important component in any cocktail), garnishes, liqueurs and other mixers help round out the book and ensure a successful outcome in both taste and happiness.

Nuts and Bolts: The artfully done photographs show you what the finished product should look like in many cases, so you compare your efforts. A nicely constructed book of good quality using good quality paper, robust construction, and easy to read print.

Overall rating	Value/price rating