We've not been able to get out much this year, so there's been a lot of interest in mixing drinks at home. And now, with an unusual holiday season coming up, we're entitled to spoil ourselves a little.
To help us do just that, one of Ireland's leading food and drink photographers, Monika Coghlan, is releasing her first book, Craft Cocktails, on November 23rd.
It's a self-published collection of over 50 cocktails featuring Irish spirit brands from distilleries and producers across all four provinces.
Beautifully shot and presented, it also captures many wonderful stories from the distillers, blenders, brewers and bartenders who take the liquid landscape of Ireland and bring it to life.
From gin classics that have stood the test of time to brand new creations made with whiskey, mead and poitín, there are cocktails here to excite every type of spirit lover and to be enjoyed at every kind of occasion.
An essential for any bookcase, it's also the perfect gift for Christmas for those who like to shake and mix things up a little with some distinctly Irish liquors and flavours.
Speaking about the book, Monika said, "I've been blessed to work with so many local Irish businesses who have gone on to become my friends.
"This led me to always support Irish wherever I can and in these strange times, I felt that Irish spirit makers deserved more attention. With the lockdown, I noticed more and more people mixing drinks at home and felt that the time for a cocktail book with Irish spirits had finally arrived."
Two of Ireland's most awarded cocktail bars, Cask in Cork and Bar 1661 in Dublin, have endorsed it and shared recipes for inclusion. A refreshing and tantalizing new look at Irish drinks and bars that provides a wealth of ideas for lovers of spirits, food and our unique culture.
Craft Cocktails is available now for pre-order from Monika's website and can be purchased from November 23rd at quality stores nationwide.
