I admit that I checked out this book mostly for the pictures. I do like cocktail recipe books, especially ones like these with nice photos. This volume does have some nice photography. However, like similar books, this is a book to look at, not one to really try to replicate the recipes. Unless you have a generous budget and you live near good farmers' markets (or better yet, have a Whole Foods nearby), you may not be able to make many of the recipes featured. This is because the recipes constantly asked for pricey high end liquors, infusions in said liquor often made with rare items, and fruit that in some locales may be unheard of. I am not saying that may be a bad thing. After all, this book is a collection of recipes from a group of high end New York City bars. But outside such a locale, it may not be as practical a book. While I do agree with the maxim that one should aim to have the best ingredients possible to make a good cocktail, I also believe you should not have to break the bank. So, overall, a pretty book to look at, but if you are looking for an actual practical book to make a casual cocktail at home, without breaking the bank, there are other choices. ( )

Love the small plates that I've made (which is really why I got it from the library after raiding my father-in-law's copy on a recent visit) . . . especially the pea pesto.

Currently, I'm making a shopping list to try at least one of the adult beverages - likely culprit will be a ginger and tonic. Because it's summer and all. ( )

I’m not much of a drinker, but when we had neighbors in the other day, I thought it would be fun to make some kind of drink that everyone could enjoy. We pulled out Mix Shake Stir, a beautiful book full of cocktail recipes with a few appetizer recipes thrown in for fun. This book contains recipes from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group which includes some of New York’s most well known restaurants. With 130 recipes and beautiful illustrations, this book is sure to have something for everyone.

The recipes are grouped by type – favorite classics, new classics, inspired flavors, elegant sips, casual libations, and bar fare (appetizers). There’s a section in the front that includes tips on ice, garnishes, bar tools and glassware and a reference section in the back that covers simple syrups, salt and sugar rims, etc.

Since it was the last weekend of the summer, we decided we’d have Summer Sangria and Carl found the recipe easy to follow. This drink was a big hit with everyone who came! ( )