Sunday, August 11, 2024

Hauntingly Good Spirits: New Orleans Cocktails to Die For by Sharon Keating and Christi Keating, Reviewed

  

Considering how anxious I was as a child every year Halloween rolled around, it’s surprising that I now celebrate it with such unbridled gusto. Perhaps that’s because I don’t have to worry about going from house to house, and be pressured to entertain in exchange for a morsel of food, no matter how sweet and delicious that morsel be.

Because I now enjoy celebrating Halloween so much (and the spooky season, in general) I get great pleasure in reading books that help me do that. This recently released volume, Hauntingly Good Spirits: New Orleans Cocktails to Die For by Sharon Keating and Christi Keating is a wonderfully macabre tribute to the drinks culture of New Orleans, and those who make it happen. Here you will find beautifully photographed, unique cocktail recipes, all of which are Gothic, spooky, and hauntingly delicious. The book is divided into five sections:

Reverence and Revelry

Tomb Time

Ghosts & Haunted Libations

Vampire Bars with Killer Cocktails

Voodoo & Witchcraft

Each is fascinating in its own right, and where you will find cocktails like Axeman’s Ball, Ghostly Embrace, Corpse Reviver, and many more. This book has struck me as being as much about exploring New Orleans, as it was about making the cocktails. It did get me quite eager to experiment before the spooky month of October arrives, not to mention lay in a good supply of ingredients. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t tried a good number of these cocktails already. I’d also be lying if I said I didn’t have a good time doing it.Anyone interested in libations, the macabre, New Orleans, or serving something special on a dark and stormy night needs this cookbook. I highly recommend!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the authors, and Wellfleet Press for providing me with a digital advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

2 comments:

Linda said...

Those cocktails look so pretty! Which was your favorite so far? What kind of entertaining did you have to do for your Halloween treats?

Donna said...

This looks hauntingly delicious! We've been to New Orleans but it was before Katrina hit...the town now, just isn't the same.
hugs
Donna