Over the last few years a new generation of mixologists has helped London’s bar scene undergo a renaissance. One of those at the forefront has been Oskar Kinberg. Having spent the last four or so years at the helm of Oskar’s Bar, which sits downstairs at Michelin-star restaurant Dabbous, he is now ready to share some of his secrets for the very first time in Cocktail Cookbook.
Published on 6th October, this exceptionally crafted book will change the way you drink.
Along with 75 easy-to-follow but brilliantly creative cocktail recipes, all invented and tested at his destination drinking den, Oskar also demonstrates how to make bar ingredients, whether it’s nettle cordial, olive oil-infused gin or kiwi and avocado purée.
Unusually each chapter focusses on a specific ingredient rather than style, which range from well-known fare such as cucumber, apple and coconut to more adventurous inclusions like sorrel leaf, pea shoots and tonka beans.
Each luxurious and indulgent concoction is beautifully illustrated and accompanied by a short description about its taste profile and background.
The cocktails come in all shapes and sizes, each one perfectly demonstrating Oskar’s innate understanding of flavour combinations. Among the many standouts are Peas & Mint, a seriously refreshing mix of gin, Cocchi Americano, fresh lemon, pea shoots & mint, shaken together and then served straight up.
Oskar has been credited with introducing London to the delights of beer cocktails, and Cocktail Cookbook also features his famous Beer Grylls – white rum, banana liqueur, fresh lime juice & honey syrup topped with wheat beer – or, as the man himself likes to describe it, “shandy on steroids”.
Also included are handy hints on everything from equipment and techniques through to glassware and garnish.
Says Oskar Kinberg, “I decided to make this book to show that with a little care and effort in the kitchen and in sourcing your ingredients, you can make your house party or Saturday night a memorable one. What these cocktails all have in common, apart from being tasty, is that they are not technically difficult to make. Each has a personal memory associated with it and hopefully the reader can attach their own to them too.”
Published by Frances Lincoln, part of the Quarto Publishing Group UK, Cocktail Cookbook will be available from all good retailers priced at £18.