The Perfect Tonic

Name: The Perfect Tonic
Brand: Arotahi Agency
SKU: 9780008394608
Price: 27.99 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits and Cocktails

By Camper English

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Summary

The Perfect Tonic by Camper English delves into the fascinating history and science of the beloved gin and tonic. This engaging book explores the origins of tonic water, its evolution over time, and how it has become a staple in the world of cocktails. It provides readers with insights into different tonic water varieties and offers innovative recipes for both drinks and culinary dishes.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have an interest in the art and science of mixology, especially focusing on the intriguing world of tonic water. It delves into its history, production, and its pairing with various spirits, offering a unique exploration for those passionate about crafting the perfect drink.

Shortlisted for the André Simon Food & Drink Book Award

An intoxicating interconnected history of booze and medicine, from one of the world’s foremost cocktail writers.

Description

Shortlisted for the André Simon Food & Drink Book Award

An intoxicating interconnected history of booze and medicine, from one of the world’s foremost cocktail writers.

Consider the Negroni. The bittersweet cocktail dating to the early 1900s is made of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari. Gin takes its name and flavour from the juniper tree, which medieval doctors burned to ward off bubonic plague and other miasmas. ‘Vermouth’ comes from the German word for wormwood, a herb famous for its ability to rid the body of intestinal parasites. Campari is a brand of liqueur dating to 1860 with a secret recipe probably containing gentian (effective against indigestion) and rhubarb root (used as a laxative). The perfect cocktail of curative ingredients is now self-prescribed as an aperitif.

The intertwined stories of medicine and alcohol stretch back to the ancient world, and involve alchemy, madness and monks, not to mention microbiology, biochemistry and germ theory. Now, in The Perfect Tonic, Camper English reveals how and why the contents of our medicine and liquor cabinets were, until surprisingly recently, one and the same.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews of The Perfect Tonic praise Camper English's comprehensive exploration of the medicinal origins of alcoholic beverages, detailing how they've been used throughout history from ancient times to modern days. The writing's engaging and witty style makes the book both entertaining and educational, appealing to cocktail enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Readers and critics commend its wealth of historical details and the lively narrative that brings the quirky history of booze as medicine to life.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008394608

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 July 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: William Collins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 368

Collections

Camper English Cook Books & Recipes Cooking & Food Education & Reference History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction Science & Nature Wine, Cocktails, Tea, Coffee and more

About the Author

Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer and speaker who has covered the craft cocktail renaissance for over 15 years, contributing to more than 50 publications around the world including Popular Science, Saveur, Details, Whisky Advocate, and Drinks International. With a focus on the nerdy side of mixology, he has studied everything from the history of carbonation to the science of clear ice cubes. He has been awarded International Cognac Writer of the Year by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac and Best Cocktail Writer at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, and he has been voted as one of the 100 most influential people in the global drinks industry for several years running.

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