Mocktails: The Complete Bartender's Guide Spiral-bound – July 1, 2012

The author is someone you want to invite over for a drink and just chat with; he's witty, intelligent, and seems willing to try seemingly odd flavor combinations just to see if he's missed something. This is the result of his ruminations. The format of the book (lay-flat hidden spiral binding) says he actually uses books in his kitchen and the tone of the author (I just went Mad in the kitchen and here's some of my favorite happy- accidents/ discoveries!) lends to seeing what Else he came up with on the next page. He does not come across as someone who is a recovering alcoholic pining for missed cocktails, but someone who likes to play with flavors and textures in delightful ways. I have been looking for these sorts of creative (NOT ALL FRUIT JUICE BASED!) mocktails for a very long time. There is enough variety in here that I will enjoy this book for years to come. Thank you for creating such a wonderful collection of drinks from how to make Turkish coffee, to Earl Grey soda, Rhubarb Lassi, Spicy Mandarin, Sangrita, and Pumpkin punch. I tagged half a dozen recipes on my first read through. WELL worth the money.

My really good friend with whom I used to get drunk got pregnant. I thought this would be a good present. She loved the present and tried a few mocktails. They tasted great! I would share the mocktails but with a bit of vodka or jin added and they are fabulous.I always thought mocktails are a boring version of cocktails but it totally changed my perspective!

A former problem drinker, my sobriety, while a blessing, left me weary of Diet Cokes, club soda, and cranberry juice. I don't particularly love health smoothies and I can't drink coffee. Most restaurants are woefully unprepared to serve up virgin drinks much beyond kid's stuff or sugary pre-mixes. As I already had all the tools of the trade, I decided to entice my tastebuds right here at home.To best enjoy this title (and really any other virgin drinks books) you should be prepared to:--Already own or be willing invest in essential bar tools (A shaker, zester, strainer, and blender are the items I reach for the most.)--Understand you may spend a tad more than you'd hoped liquor-free drinks would actually cost. Just because you don't need booze doesn't mean fresh fruit/herbs, tea, etc., are cheap.--Experiment with ingredients that may be unfamiliar and visit shops off the beaten path.--Possess a little patience for allowing refrigeration times, infusions, etc., and of course a sense of adventure with new flavors.So now that we've covered that, don't feel discouraged as there are PLENTY of recipes here that don't require more than a regular ole glass, a quick trip to any supermarket, and literally 3 minutes to create!!The book is separated into sections for fruit drinks, hot drinks for winter, dairy, etc. I particularly appreciate that the hardback edition has a spiral binding as the other alcohol-free recipe books I own* do not--and frankly that's a hassle (and potential mess) unless you have a book easel.Of the recipes I've tried, very few are clunkers and the instructions are easy to follow; I don't cook so I cannot understate how vitally I require clear, simple language. I'll whip you up a drink, but I'm very kitchen-challenged. The author hasn't given me too much over my head.There are ample full page photos but there isn't a photo for each drink--so you can use your imagination when it comes to garnish/serving. This isn't all "Martha Stewart-y" where you'll feel easily shamed at your results.I've ended up pairing ingredients I never would have dreamed up on my own. The results: delicious. There's truly something for everyone. There's a few here that I'll literally be making for a lifetime, they're that tasty. Other offerings have a more novelty appeal.There does seem to be an abundance of recipes with Indian-centric ingredients and spices; I happen to live in an area where those are readily offered and not considered exotic, but unlike my other drink books, this title does seem to really emphasize Indian flavor profiles.There are also a lot of vegetable-based drinks which aren't my particular thing but if you're health conscious, you'll be in heaven. This is NOT a "add 4 cups of sugar" title. There's guilty pleasures, yes, but the bulk of recipes are not syrupy horrors.Most of the recipes serve 2, so thankfully (for me anyway) this isn't too punch-heavy or all pitcher drinks intended for batches; fractions ain't my thing. Though just about all the recipes can be modified for 1 or for entertaining.I'd recommend this title to anyone who is bored of the same old same old and is willing to put just a little effort into exciting their taste buds. But this isn't the most ideal book for someone looking for ginger ale based punches, considers paprika to be exotic, or anyone on a super tight budget.*Last month I purchased 4 alcohol-free beverage recipe books. Along with this title I bought "Zero Proof" by Scott, "Ultimate Liquor-Free Drink Guide" by Herbst, and "Green Tea" by Heiss--all titles available here on Amazon. Each guide has something different to offer, but this offering is a great choice, second only in recipes to "Zero Proof" which I'll review separately.But this is an EXCELLENT choice for both the amateur mixologist and veteran alike. It will take me months to create all the recipes, but I'm grateful a good 70% of them are drinks just about everyone can be excited about. Plus this offers a lot of actual info on how to whip up just about any conceivable type of virgin beverage. Recipes w/o practical guidance are kinda useless for me, but straight info w/o yumminess is pointless too. This succeeds at both.

I was so excited about this book and wanted to love it but most of the recipes have simple syrup. It’s almost like a dessert book and I just can’t do that much sugar.

Every recipe has turned out great. What I love most about this book are the South Asian recipes. I love sikanjbeen (sp?) and was very surprised to find a recipe for it in a mocktail book. Excellent book.

My son plays with the flavors like a chemistry set. Tons of fun for children.

The pictures are lovely and it's a good book if you want pretty pictures of vegetable and fruit juices, milkshakes, lassis, and other dairy drinks. The book is called, "Mocktails - The Complete Bartender's Guide." As an adult, given this title, I expected this book to provide recipes for non-alcoholic mocktails that simulated the cocktail experience without the booze. Instead, I received a book that mostly contains fruity juice and dairy drinks to make for kiddos for breakfast.

Purchased as a gift for someone who is expecting. Love that she can use it both now and for future get-togethers as either an alternative to alcohol or a base for an alcoholic beverage!