Never been to Trader Joe’s with a spirit list for Trader Joe’s cocktails from their newly minted book, The I Love Trader Joe’s Cocktail Book, but I was sure game to try! This new cocktail book is the very first one I’ve heard of where I can find all – or mostly all – of the ingredients in one store!
The recipe book is divided into seasons, making it easy to go straight to the season you are in – or veer off into any direction where the ingredients sound good anytime. (Keep in mind that, at least in my experience, many Trader Joe’s products are seasonal so it may be simplest to make these cocktails during the coordinating season.)
For me I bookmarked new-to-me cocktail recipes from many seasons: Summer’s Sumo Aperol Spritz incorporates Trader Joe’s Prosecco, Aperol and Cranberry Clementine Sparkling water; the Ginger Whiskey Sour from Autumn gives the reader a recipe for ginger syrup that will be used with other ingredients including Trader Joe’s Kentucky Bourbon Straight Whiskey and lemon juice; also from the Autumn section I liked the sound of the Dirty Ginger Mocktail with some of their yummy crystalized candied ginger, Trader Joe’s Spiced Chai Black Tea Concentrate and Trader Joe’s Shade Grown Espresso Blend; then, getting into the Winter section the Violet Royale has crème de violette, Trader Joe’s Limoncello Sicilian Liquor, Trader Joe’s Classic Bitters, lemon juice and La Burgondie Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Reserve; and how about a wintery cocktail called the Tootsy Roll Shot with Trader Joe’s Cold Pressed Orange Juice and coffee liqueur for dessert; followed by one more mocktail I’d like to try: Smoky Ghosty with Trader Joe’s frozen mango chunks, Trader Joe’s 100% Mango Juice, cardamom, heavy cream, Trader Joe’s Smoked Ghost Chilies and Joe Medium Roast Ground Coffee!
Greg McBoat, both the recipe author and photographer, 52 of each, has really outdone himself. I found so many inspiring cocktails to try! There are definitions of classic cocktails like Martinis and Sours, tips on barware – with photos, the use of different garnish, syrups, and a handy drink index.
I think this book is great for both cocktail lovers and Trader Joe’s lovers! Give it a look!
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Raise a glass to your love for Trader Joe’s®! From casual gatherings to festive celebrations, Greg McBoat’s The I Love Trader Joe’s® Cocktail Book offers 52 delicious reasons to say “cheers” all year long!
Greg, a food photographer and cocktail enthusiast, has created a seasonal guide to mastering cocktails (and mocktails!) using the freshest finds from Trader Joe’s®. Each chapter showcases seasonal drink recipes, perfect for sipping through spring, summer, fall, and winter. Whether it’s a refreshing Sparkling Strawberry Ranch Water to beat the summer heat or a cozy Warming Wassail Punch to snuggle up with in winter, there’s something for every occasion.
What makes this book a must-feature? Seasonal cocktails + unique ingredients from everyone’s favorite grocery store; expert tips on mixology techniques, balancing flavors, and using fresh, global ingredients; and diverse recipes, from light and floral spring sips to bold and spicy fall concoctions—there’s even a Cookie Butter Old-Fashioned for dessert lovers!
The I Love Trader Joe’s® Cocktail Book: 52 Drink Recipes for Every Occasion Using Ingredients from the World’s Greatest Grocery Store
by Greg McBoat
Ulysses Press
Hardcover; November 12, 2024
ISBN: 978-1-64604-702-4
$18.95; 6 x 8; 144 pages
About the Author
Greg McBoat first watched Julia Child making her Queen of Sheba cake when he was six years old. He was captivated by her style of explaining the history and influence of food and drink. This began Greg’s understanding of how the stories behind food and drinks give unique insights into people and cultures. His mission is to change people’s lives through the stories he tells. While specializing in food and drink photography and writing, Greg has worked for such clients as Food & Wine, the Denver Post, Joseph Phelps Winery, and Hard Rock Cafe. Greg has collaborated on three previous cookbooks: 50 Things to Bake Before You Die, CATAN: The Official Cookbook, and Ticket to Ride: The Official Cookbook. Greg is from New Mexico and lives in Denver, Colorado, with his daughter, Eponine, and cat, Ash. Find him on Facebook (GregMcBoatPhotography), Instagram (@gregmcboat) and Twitter (@GMcBoat).
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
