May We Take a Moment to Applaud

My mentor, friend, source of endless inspiration and learned guide.

As I pour over this book, yes literally, the excitement builds. Having learned so much of the advanced art of cocktail creation, from Warren Bobrow's previous two books.  I am beside myself with delight.

So here we go.

Warren's most recent book "Bitters and Shrub Syrup Cocktails: Restorative Vintage Cocktails, Mocktails, and Elixirs" could not have come at a more perfect time. For reasons I will elucidate, so stay with me.

Here I am, in my new kitchen, in my new home, our home that is, as life would not be what it is with my wife and partner, Diana. 

It is here in our new home in Garrison, NY, in the majestically, magically creative Hudson Valley, where the very content of Warren's book had great significance centuries ago.  Here, as the beginnings of a new world formed, early settlers, revolutionaries, merchants and revelers of every kind, did enjoy the Shrubs and Elixirs here in.

Of course Warren's rendition is of a very modern and contemporary sort, resulting in a cocktail I sip at this very moment. Easing the stress of work and excessive adventure.

You should notice in the earlier photo I have already engaged in the time honored and intensive process of creating a proper shrub, it can take weeks. Luckily for me, Warren offers quick solutions as well, as you will learn when you give this book the time it deserves.   

So using the recipes that Warren publishes here, I have a cocktail now, and an even better cocktail later. Borrowing wisdom from Yoda “You will find only what you bring in.”  I suggest you read this book and make some drinks!

I hope you will, as I will, use this books to please all, me, you, my dear friend fighting cancer who will deeply appreciate a great Mocktail. My wife who is off to the local CVS to get me some medicine for an allergic reaction I had to something in the woods. I can't possibly tell her, a cocktail has already acted as a cure, but I can make her a glittering drink which she will love.

Thank you Warren. You are a true friend.