New book: ‘That’s the Spirit!’

Drinks writer Jonathan Ray has written a new book looking at the wide and varied world of spirits that is due to be released this winter.

Out on 15 November, ‘That’s the Spirit!’ looks at 100 of Ray’s favourite spirits and liqueurs from whisky to Tequila, rum and grappa.

Each entry includes a look at leading producers, what makes certain brands so enduring, why the drinks taste the way they do and ways to drink them.

The book is packed full of anecdotes, facts and stories including the history of the Bloody Mary and why the Burnley Miners’ Social Club in Lancashire in the north of England is the world’s largest consumer of Benedictine – drinking over 1,000 bottles a year.

There is also a look at classic cocktails with tips on essential home kits and recipes worth mastering.

The book is a follow-up to Ray’s previous title, ‘Drink More Fizz!’ and is a response to the growing revival in spirits and cocktail drinking, especially among younger drinkers.

It joins a number of similar titles being released this year including Henry Jeffrey’s new title, ‘The Home Bar’, which advises on the essentials of any at-home bar tending kit and ingredients for keen cocktail lovers.