Linda Kissam's Reviews > Latin Twist: Traditional and Modern Cocktails

Wish you knew exactly how to shake, blend and entertain your way to beautiful exotic cocktails – all with a distinct Latin Twist? I’ve got the book for you. Latin Twist: Traditional & Modern Cocktails ($22.50) by Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack and Vianney Rodriguez is a hip book of traditional and modern cocktails bridging 18 Latin countries with 97 cocktails, all splashed across 224 glossy pages of pure international indulgence. It is the first book to celebrate signature cocktails of 18 Latin American countries and Spain in one complete tome.

Less a mixology or bartenders book, Latin Twist is meant for those who appreciate a well done cocktail with a story chaser. Each recipe is easy to make. The ingredients are available at your local supermarket or farmers market. There are even recipes that can be made ahead of time in bulk so the host/ess can put down the cocktail shaker and enjoy the guests. Like fine wine, these cocktails speak for themselves with a minimal amount of fussing. Think Argentina to Venezula sipping perfection.

The book starts with the basics of stocking a good bar. Think top 15 things needed to set up a bar – and not the fancy stuff either. These are practical suggestions, many of which you will likely already have on hand like measuring spoons and cups, blenders and wire whisk. How about the definitive instructions to the three mixers you will need the most to maximize your Latin drink creations? One of those is homemade coconut milk. The other two are on page 10. The color-coded map on pages 4-5 illustrates the countries whose cocktails are featured in the book. It comes complete with each country’s national cocktail, liquor, and wine or beer if applicable. Who knew El Salvador was most famous for Vodka, Nance liqueur and Coco Loco. Bottoms up!

Beautiful photography, bite-sized history lessons and simple recipe instructions keep the reader engaged and inspired. On page 146 learn the history and recipe for a smooth, cool cocktail recipe from Brazil called Caju Amgio. On page 170 a Bolivian cocktail inspired by Afro-Bolivians can be whipped up with three ingredients and a shake. This book is an easy peasy road map to yum.

Behind each cocktail comes years and years of development. The history of spirits is rather muddy as distillation occurred in several parts of the world about the same time. However, spirits such as Tequila, Pisco, Rum and Cachaca are deeply ingrained in the history and culture of the Latin American nations of the Caribbean, Central and South America. Latin Twist takes that evolution and snaps it right into the 21st Century. Whether you’re looking recipes for a theme party, simple versions of some of your favorite Latin cocktails, or a killer coffee table book or hostess gift, this book would be the one to explore.