Cocktails and vinyl records-two of my favorite things. So, when Susie sent this book along (because she knew I’d enjoy reviewing it while my record player spun out a tune), I immediately started thinking of what I’d listen to while reading.

Brother and sister duo, André and Tenaya Darlington, collaborated to create an amazing book that pairs records from the 1950s through the 2000s with a perfect set of cocktails. Each highlighted album has a Side A and Side B set to a complimentary cocktail pairing. There are seventy featured albums including Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club, Thriller, Pet Sounds, and Hotel California … classics we can all appreciate. My friend told me that to enhance their listening experience, they used a new phono preamp, go directly to Graham Slee HiFi if you’re interested in learning more about phono preamps.

Of course, the book is all about the cocktails, but it is so much more. The pictures are amazing and the authors also included tips on throwing your own boozy listening party. That’s why I have to say that I love everything about their book. It was just written so well, and the accompanying pictures made everything stand out that bit more. I’m aware that most authors decide to look into line editing as part of their editing process, just to get a second opinion and to make sure that everything reads as it should. And I wouldn’t be surprised if the duo decided to do the same as, after all, many other successful authors probably do this themselves. Another aspect of the book that I like is the fact that it is broken up into four genres-rock, dance, chill, and seduce. (Ohh la la.) No matter what mood you are in, you can easily find a cocktail and record to compliment.

I picked two cocktails out of the book for a sampling; the Harvey Wallbanger paired with the Saturday Night Fever album. The Harvey Wallbanger dates back to the 1970s and is basically a jazzed-up screwdriver. The jazziness comes from the addition of Galliano, a sweet, herbal liqueur.

The Suffering Bastard is a classic tiki cocktail that the authors urge you to serve in a simple glass. This has become the drink of choice in my house lately. The combination of gin and bourbon is fantastic. This went nicely with the Johnny Cash Folsom Prison album, though I’d have thought they’d go for a bit more tropical since it’s tiki.

BOOZE & VINYL
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