Interest in bourbon, America's native spirit and a beverage almost exclusively distilled in Kentucky, has never been greater. Thanks in part to the general popularity of cocktails and the marketing efforts of the bourbon industry, there are more brands of bourbon and more bourbon drinkers than ever before.

In The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book, Joy Perrine and Susan Reigler provide a reader-friendly handbook featuring more than 100 recipes including seasonal drinks, after-dinner bourbon cocktails, Derby cocktails, and even medicinal toddies. The book's introduction explains how the use of specific spirits and ingredients, glassware, and special techniques, such as muddling and infusions, accentuates the unique flavor of bourbon. Much of the book is devoted to recipes and instructions for the professional or at-home bartender, from classic drinks such as the Manhattan and the Mint Julep to drinks for special occasions, including the Candy Cane, Pumpkin Eggnog, and Kentucky Bourbon Sparkler. The authors complete the work with suggested appetizer pairings, a glossary of terms, and a bibliography of bourbon-related books.

Joy Perrine has been the bar manager at Equus Restaurant and Jack's Lounge in Louisville since 1985, was named "Best Bartender in Louisville" by Louisville Magazine, and has won numerous awards for her cocktails.

Susan Reigler is an award-winning former restaurant critic and drinks writer for the Louisville Courier-Journal. Her articles about bourbon have been published in Malt Advocate and Wine Enthusiast. She is author of the Compass American Guide to Kentucky, Adventures in Dining: Kentucky Bourbon Country, and The Complete Guide to Kentucky State Parks.

Reviews:

"A must for anyone who likes bourbon. Perrine and "Reigler have crafted a gem for cocktail lovers and bourbon lovers alike."- Albert Schmid, author of The Hospitality Manager's Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits

"I am delighted that the authors have stopped testing all those classic and creative concoctions long enough to share them with their soon-to-be appreciative audience. Cheers"- Colonel Joe Nickell, author of The Kentucky Mint Julep

"I was amazed by the wonderful memories I associate with certain recipes....Made my mouth water and my heart ache for days gone by."-(Union County, KY) Advocate

"Consider The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book an essential addition to the literature of commonwealth entertaining and to the recipe collections of well-appointed in-home bistros and cosmopolitan cafes."-Linda Elisabeth Beattie, The Courier-Journal

"This is a very good book for any bourbon lover's bar library."-Mike Veach, bourbonenthusiast.com

"Whether you want to channel your inner Don Draper or develop your own bourbon infusions, this book is a wonderful reference."-The Bloomsbury Review

"For the bourbon aficionado or just for someone wanting to spice up fancy parties with a new touch, The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book will be hard to beat."-Bowling Green Daily News

"Joy Perrine and Susan Reigler showcase the world of bourbon in a reader-friendly format, highlighting techniques, ingredients, food selection, and glassware for the professional or home bartender. . . . Everyone, from the bourbon connoisseur to the amateur enthusiast, can appreciate this how-to guide, which embraces the rich heritage and sophistication of a true Kentucky classic."-Kentucky Post

"As with food, bon appétit. At the very least, bottoms up."-John L. Hoh, Jr., bookideas.com