The Unofficial Big Lebowski Cocktail Book: Over 50 Mixed Drink Recipes Inspired by the Cult Classic

by André G. Darlington

Raise a glass to the 25th anniversary of The Big Lebowski with this highly giftable unofficial cocktail book featuring 50 cocktails, brews, and other spirits inspired by the beloved movie’s characters and scenes.

The Big Lebowski —the hilariously quirky comedy-thriller about bowling, avant-garde art, nihilistic Austrians, White Russians, and a guy named…the Dude—is a cult classic. Now, with The Unofficial Big Lebowski Cocktail Book , you can relive the movie one drink at a time!

Award-winning beverage writer and best-selling author André Darlington shows you how to create these and more iconic cocktails at
 
In addition to 50 signature drinks , this beautifully designed unofficial cocktail book includes food and song pairings that align with the major characters that have become life lessons and spouted advice within popular culture. Fully illustrated , this unofficial ode to The Big Lebowski is sure to have you reliving the movie and offering up these words of wisdom to your friends.

Genres: Cookbooks

176 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[Katie Harder-schauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I still need to test out at least some of these recipes, my review is posted and available for reading on my blog. You can find it here -- https://justanothergirlandherbooks.bl...

[Ailurophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an ode to The Big Lebowski, and in fact to Los Angeles itself, told entirely through cocktail recipes that the author aptly describe as being "as lazy as possible while still remaining modern". The book is divided into 3 basic sections-- drinks that can simply be poured, those that are shaken, and those that are stirred. As a special bonus, and in true homage to the film, a fourth section deals exclusively with variations on the White Russian.

When I saw this book I was immediately interested. I used to love occasionally mixing cocktails at home and for friends, but 2 kids later I barely remember what alcohol tastes like. Seeing the cover made me remember how I used to enjoy my amateur mixology and the taste of a well made cocktail, so I decided to grab this and see if it inspired me to return to my cocktail making.

The drink recipes here are generally simple, though they do increase in complexity as you make your way through the book, and each recipe is accompanied by an absolutely gorgeous full-page illustration that makes you wish you could make the cocktail in question immediately. There are also ridiculously apt song pairings with each recipe, which adds a wonderful touch.

The drink names all tie in beautifully to the film, from the Bunny Lebowski to the Bowling With Jesus. I also appreciated that if a drink name was a bit obscure to you, the authors provided a clear and humorous explanation for how it all ties together. However, I definitely think someone interested in beginning their cocktail mixing journey would love and benefit from this book even if they had never seen the film-- the recipes and their accompanying pictures can definitely stand alone and speak for themselves.

This book has absolutely inspired me to return to mixology-- I cannot wait to try several of these with my husband and some friends over the coming weekend.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is So Good, I Shared some of the Recipes with My Brother & He Absolutely Loves Them, I Would Defiantly Want to obtain the physical Version of this Book!
(Thanks to Net Galley for the Cocktail Book).

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great idea and very entertaining book that mixes explanations of scenes in the movie and cocktails.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of the film The Big Lebowski, I was so excited to look through this cocktail book. And I was not disappointed!

There is a significant portion of the book dedicated to summarizing particular scenes, characters, or references in the movie. The first section goes in-depth into the supplies and methods that one should use to mix cocktails. Each recipe is accompanied by an entertaining illustration, full of references to the movie and an appropriate dose of midcentury charm. Following the drinks, there is also a section dedicated to movie-themed party snacks. To conclude, the author thoughtfully included party planning tips.

This book contains absolutely everything that a host/ess would need to plan a Big Lebowski themed cocktail party. Actually, I’m excited for its publication because I have a few people in mind that would love to receive this book as a gift. It would make a wonderful introduction to cocktails for anyone in their early 20s. The prerequisite, of course, is familiarity with The Big Lebowski. And if they aren’t familiar with the movie…then a BlueRay would complete the gift!

There are some recipes that sound absolutely delicious, and I can’t wait to try them. The pumpkin spice White Russian seems to be the only recipe that doesn’t quite fit the theme—but its amusing acknowledgement that The Dude is willing to use powdered creamer and probably wouldn’t be too proud to use pumpkin spice if it was at hand makes up for the stretch.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mixing of a cocktail is quickly becoming a lost art, with all the premade drinks that are so easy to pick up and crack the top. This cocktail book brings in the movie Big Lebowski with its wit, one liners and a bit of trivia as well as the cocktails. It prepares the reader in advance the essentials for your personal bar as well as some measurements and details many might not think of as important. There are some interesting food recipes including as well like Da Jesus Salad, and Hot Nuts. The book has a solid mid-century feel the epitome of the home and office bar scene. There is an opportunity to bring this culture back to the home setting even if it is a cocktail before going out. This provides a smirk, smile and outright laugh at some of the names for sure. This book has some creative and interesting drinks that sound tasty. Now off to the bar to try them out!! Where should I start maybe the Porn Star Martini!!


Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the movie The Big Lebowski and a fan of cocktails, then this book is a jewel for you and a must-have. There are tons of cocktail recipes ranging from easy to complex, along with some tasty food recipes, and all are built from characters, scenes, or movie references from The Dude and his exploits in the movie. Not only do the recipes all sound amazing but the book is entirely illustrated in a fun, colorful, and vibrant style that captures the movie's quirkiness and vibe. I can't wait to throw a Big-Lebowski themed party using this book as my bible. I may be a bit biased since I worked on the book, but for a fan of the movie, this book is a great way to celebrate all the fun nuances of this classic cult film. I am bigger Lebowski fan now that I was before this book. And I'm proud to be.

[Sonia Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book with a different spin on cocktails as they are all linked to characters or themes in the movie the Big Lebowski. The various cocktail recipes are interspersed with film facts and character descriptions so generally entertaining, especially if you have watched this movie classic.
It is a homage to the various characters and my favourite was the Sobchak inspired by Walter Sobchak a 53 year old Vietnam veteran, converted to Judaism and the Dude's best friend. It combines fruit brandy with ginger beer and a dash of bitters-a great summer drink. I also found a cocktail for my bottle of Pisco - just waiting for the right time to try out the Treehorn. Last but not least is The Dude - a classic White Russian to sip and enjoy over ice.
A book for fans of the film and for new takes on cocktails you may know and love.

[Poppy Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sooner or later you are going to have to face the fact that you’re a moron."

I love love love that movie...one of the funniest pieces of cinema out there....(“Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your opinion, man.”)

This is a perfect book for the lover of the movie in your life or someone just looking for a different kind of drink ... how many people drink White Russians and not know the reference. (“Careful, man, there’s a beverage here.”)

Yes, those are (quotes) from the movie and If you have not seen it, well fire it up on the telly. Make some drinks from this book and sit back and enjoy the ride of great drinks and funny as heck. A very specialized book but nonetheless a great book: (The Dude abides.”)

4 stars based on its relevance to my life.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the movie The Big Lebowski, so when I saw this book, I just had to give a review. This book is amazing. I love all the references to the film, and the look of the pages. I also really enjoy the fact there are different levels for those who are less experienced making cocktails, and those who are more advanced. I am on the less advanced level, and I found the recipes to be delicious. I found the fact they told all the tools and items needed at the beginning of the book extremely helpful.

I love this book, and I cannot wait to get my hardcopy!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Kathleen Uttenweiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Epic Ink for the ARC cocktail book!

I originally requested because my husband and I both love this movie and always drink White Russians while watching, but it was so much more!

I enjoyed the addition of a song choice to play with every drink of choice, and especially enjoyed the Star Lanes cocktail.

The snacks are a fun add-on as well.

Highly recommended for fans of the movie and just trying new cocktails all together.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the e-book. My husband loves this movie so much! I was so excited to see this. There are tons of drinks and food recipes that I can't wait to try for his up and coming birthday!
I love the design of the book also. The colors and the way it was out together is really cute. Highly recommend for fans out there that love this movie.

[Melanie]

This was an interesting and eclectic mix of drinks and some small bites to accompany these drinks based on The Big Lebowski. They are all simple and straightforward. It appears to be very on theme with the film and includes some related anecdotes.

[Joni Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Lebowski is my absolutely favorite movie so this book was a no brainer for me. I loved the recipes and all the music pairings. My favorite was all the Dude facts.