Full confession: I’m allergic to cats and like dogs as a household pet.
But I do know a enjoyable e book once I see it. I particularly acknowledge a worthwhile cookbook.
That’s precisely what “Cocktails With My Cat” is – a cookbook that can put a smile in your face. I’ve already given a replica to certainly one of my cat-person mates. It was made to be a hostess reward.
But the e book is beneficial as nicely. I’d even make among the cocktails from the e book, which is subtitled “Tasty Tipples for Feline Fanatics.”
Before I say that the illustrations drawn by Rae Ritchie make the e book, I need to pause to acknowledge there may be some actually good studying right here, too, from mixologist and creator Natalie Bovis. There’s a lot of it, too. This isn’t any light-weight e book. There are historic tales, trivia and limitless enjoyable info you’ll be able to drop effortlessly into dialog.
For instance, if you wish to meet a six-toed feline, known as a polydactyl, you’ll be able to go to Ernest Hemingway’s former home in Key West, Florida, now a museum. The dozens of polydactyls in residence are mentioned to be descended from a white six-toed cat given to the creator by a ship’s captain.
Bovis herself has seven rescue pets (not counting the 13 fish), and she or he fosters kittens and sometimes donates proceeds from her lineup of culinary occasions to animal welfare organizations. Her earlier cocktail books embody “Drinking with My Dog,” which I now want to purchase. It was revealed a 12 months in the past.
Here are two recipes from the e book to attempt.
The Seven Seas and Six Toes is Bovis’ variation on the Gin and Tonic, a traditional highball that originated from British sailors mixing their gin rations with quinine-rich tonic to stave off malaria and squeezing in lime juice to stop scurvy. The Cat Gods and Goddesses is a heavenly concoction that blends hibiscus tea, rose water and anise.
Cat Gods and Goddesses
• 4 ounces hibiscus tea
• ½ ounce anise-flavored liqueur
• ¼ ounce rose water
• Garnish: lemon wedge and mint leaves
Shake all of the substances with ice and pressure right into a Martini glass. Place the lemon wedge and mint leaves on the rim of the glass.
Seven Seas and Six Toes
• 3 ounces tonic water
• 1½ ounces London Dry gin
• ½ ounce Amontillado sherry
• Garnish: lime wedge
Fill a Collins glass with ice, then pour in half the tonic water. Add the gin and sherry and stir, then add the remainder of the tonic water. Place the lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
Excerpted from “Cocktails With My Cat: Tasty Tipples for Feline Fanatics” by Natalie Bovis (Running Press 2024, $24).
