Shake Strain Done is a basic no-frills mixology book by J. M. Hirsch. Due out 3rd Nov 2020 from Little Brown & Co. on their Voracious imprint, it's 272 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a really solid bar book full of traditional recipes. The recipes are arranged thematically, by main alcoholic ingredient - brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey (and analogues) and wine. The introduction includes some background, an overview of cocktails, bar equipment, and more.
Each of the recipes includes an introductory description and yields. Ingredients are listed in American standard (oz) only (no metric measurements) and step by step instructions. Variations and alternatives are provided at the end of the recipes. Each of the recipes is also accompanied by a signature note (warm, spicy, strong, and so forth) which can help when pairing drinks with hors d'oeuvres/snacks. There are no photographs, but it does have a nice art deco vibe with colored line drawings (also showing some bar-glass shapes and garnishes) along with cool evocative chapter headings and a deco graphic layout.
Many of the ingredients should be available at any well stocked grocery/liquor store although some might need to be sourced at specialists.
Cocktails are such a civilized interlude and this book includes a solid cross section of traditional libations to build mixology skills and impress one's friends at the next gathering. (Especially given that it really looks like the sensible segments of society aren't going to be packed into night-spots anytime soon).
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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