The Book of Vermouth by bartender Shaun Byrne and winemaker Gilles Lapalus is on ode to the aperitif, a tome that details the essentials of vermouth with over 100 cocktail recipes.
The Book of Vermouth – Photo Supplied
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small compensation without any additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links.
Bartender Shaun Byrne and winemaker Gilles Lapalus are the duo behind Maidenii vermouth. Together they have combined their expertise in a book dedicated to vermouth.
Published in 2018 and on trend with the growing popularity of aperitif drinks and low ABV cocktails, the book makes for essential reading for anyone who wishes to learn about the aperitif or expand on their existing knowledge.
The Book of Vermouth is divided into two main parts. Vermouth Essentials details the history of vermouth around the world including Australia, the grape varieties and the regulations that apply in Europe and the US. Traditional botanicals are explored along with the quintessential wormwood with a section dedicated to native Australian botanicals such as finger lime and Davidson plum.
The second part offers more practical information about How to Drink, from glassware and garnishes to various ways of serving, drinking and storing vermouth.
Cocktail recipes are divided into seasons. Vermouth in Spring is all about fresh and light flavours such as the Cherry Julep and the Corpse Reviver family of cocktails. Vermouth in Summer celebrates tropical flavours along with the likes of the Inverse Clover Club and Vermouth Mary made with tomato water. Vermouth in Autumn/Fall brings autumnal flavours in the Smoked Swizzle and Casablanca, made with gin, sweet vermouth and turmeric tisane while Vermouth in Winter is all about bold flavours such as the Radicchio Spritzo and the Perigord Cocktail with Maidenii Nocturne Vermouth, foie gras brandy, shaved black truffle served with foie gras on brioche.
Subsequent chapters with cocktail recipes are grouped under Pre-Dinner, Post-Dinner, Bitter and Punch.
The broad appeal of the 100+ cocktail recipes make The Book of Vermouth an essential tome for bartenders, cocktail enthusiasts and home bartenders.
The Book of Vermouth by Shaun Byrne & Gilles Lapalus is published by Hardie Grant Books and is available to buy through Amazon here.
“The Book of Vermouth” review is part of the ‘Looking Back’ series and is based on an article originally published on our sister website Gourmantic.
