Rhiannon Lee - The Unofficial Harry Potter–Inspired Book of Cocktails: Fantastic Drinks and How to Make Them

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Cover design by Daniel Brount Cover photo by Aline Shaw Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-6524-5 Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-6525-2 Printed in China This book is dedicated to anyone who still hasnt given up hope that their Hogwarts acceptance letter may be coming by owland plans on getting smashed while they wait! PROCLAMATION Educational Decree NO. 934 Those wishing to indulge in the libations herein must be of legal drinking age. Underage witches and wizards found in the possession of this book will be brought in front of the Ministry of Magic for a disciplinary hearing. The accused will undergo thorough interrogation by the High Inquisitor herself, Ms. Dolores Umbridge. Those found guilty of underage drinking could face up to five years in Azkaban prison, along with confiscation and destruction of wands and cocktail shakers.

The Ministry would also like to remind all cocktail consumers that excessive drinking may lead to side effects similar to those who have been hexed with the Jelly-Legs Jinx, Confundus Charm, and Lockhart Memory Charm. Therefore, please drink responsibly and in moderation, so to prevent emergency trips to St. Mungos Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. It is also imperative that drinkers do not operate any enchanted vehicles, brooms, or hippogriffs while under the influence of alcohol. Always stay safe. Notice from the Department of Intoxicating Substances, Ministry of Magic C ONTENTS P ART I I NTRODUCTION This is the essential guide for conjuring up the perfect cocktail, so whether youre charming guests at a Halloween party, or you simply live every day as if youre in the wizarding world, this is the perfect recipe book for you.

All the bewitching recipes in this book are based on classics but have been given a magical makeover. With the use of novel ingredients, fabulous flare, and a bit of science magic, youll soon be transforming the mundane into masterpieces of mixology. Unique ingredients such as activated charcoal, popping candy, and dry ice make these cocktails anything but ordinary. With potions and elixirs for all levels, you can easily summon something simple and tasty or put your skills to the test and conjure up a cocktail that is truly magical. Helpful bartending tips throughout give you the tools to conquer the dark arts of mixology. Pull up a bar stool at the Leaky Cauldron and enjoy a cocktail or two because every witch, wizard, squib, or muggle deserves that magical feeling of finding their perfect cocktail.

Sincerely yours, Rhiannon and Georgia B ASIC E QUIPMENT B AR S POON The classic bar spoon has a long, twisted handle, a flat end, and a tear-drop-shaped spoon used for measuring out and stirring spirits. B LENDER An electric blender is required for some recipes involving fruit and ice cubes. It doesnt need to be an expensive or powerful blender, just good enough to crush ice. C ITRUS S QUEEZER When making delicious cocktails using fresh citrus, juice is crucial. A citrus squeezer can really save time and ensure that you get every last drop. If you dont have a squeezer, simply use your hands.

Tip: To get the most juice, roll the fruit in the palm of your hands, slice it in half, and microwave for five seconds. Then, simply use a fork to squeeze the juice out. C OCKTAIL S HAKER Coming in all different shapes and sizes, the standard shaker is stainless steel with three parts: a base known as a can, a built-in strainer, and a cap (which can be used as a jigger). Its brilliantly straightforward and easy to keep clean. If you cant get your hands on a cocktail shaker, consider using a large glass jar with a lid and waterproof seal. J IGGER The jigger is the standard measuring tool for spirits and liqueurs, and a toolbox essential for any avid cocktail maker.

If you dont have a jigger, a single shot glass or even an eggcup can be a stand-in. In this book, one shot is measured as 1 oz. (30 milliliters). M UDDLER To extract maximum flavor from certain fresh garnishes such as mint or fruit, use a muddler to crush the ingredients. If short a muddler, a fork and some gentle poking is a good substitute. S TRAINER Most cocktail shakers are sold with a built-in strainer.

However, if yours doesnt have one, any fine mesh strainer works just as well. Tip: when a cocktail calls for straining, ensure that youve used ice cubes, as crushed ice tends to clog the strainer in standard shakers. H OW T O To make the perfect cocktail, you dont need to be a fully trained wizard juggling lemons and flipping bottles. The reality is much simpler and with these tricks anyone can create cocktail magic! L AYER Some drinks call for a careful layering of ingredients to create an ombr effect. Always start with the heaviest liquid (with the most sugar content). To add a second layer, place a spoon upside down inside the glass, but not touching the first layer of alcohol.

Very slowly pour the second liquid over the back of the spoon to form a distinct second layer. Repeat for subsequent layers. R IM To add an extra flourish to a drink, the rim of a cocktail glass is often decorated. To achieve this, spread a few tablespoons of the desired ingredient onto a small plate. Moisten the outer rim of the glass with water, a citrus-wedge, or syrup. Then, roll the outer rim of the glass on the plate until lightly coated.

Hold the glass upside down and tap to release any excess. S HAKE When a cocktail contains eggs, fruit juice, or cream, it is necessary to shake all the ingredients. It not only mixes the ingredients, but also chills them simultaneously. When shaking a cocktail, there is no agreement on the perfect time, but ten seconds of brisk shaking is recommended. S TIR Using a bar spoon (or wand!), stir the drink and ice gently together to chill the concoction. When condensation forms on the outside of the glass, it is ready to drink.