2011 Holiday Gift Guide - Book Review & Giveaway: See Mix Drink

I fully admit that I am no bartender.  I know very little about alcohol, with the exception of what I like and do not like.  However, there are drinks that I really enjoy and yet - I don't know how to make them!  I rely on others to make them for me.  I have discovered a book entitled "See Mix Drink", written by Brian D. Murphy, that has become the ULTIMATE drink reference for me!  I have been raving about this book to family and friends since I received for numerous reasons. 

First off, I was impressed with the quality of the book.  See Mix Drink is a hardcover book comprised of quality paper and bright colors.  The beginning of the book contains educational content regarding important "Bar Essentials", or tools of the bar (i.e., shaker, muddler, different types of glasses, strainer, etc.), as well as the different kinds of alcohol.

There are eight chapters of drink recipes:

• Brandy
• Champagne
• Gin
• Rum
• Tequila
• Vodka
• Whiskey
• Liqueurs

Each drink recipe has two full pages of information.  Included are the correct pronounciation of the drink, a "snapshot" of the drink which colorfully labels each ingredient and how much is used, a description of the drink, suggestions for the occasions when the drinks are best served, estimated preparation time, proportions and calories, and text and visual instructions.
I am a visual learner.  My favorite cookbooks are those that include photos.  I feel they are easier to follow and it helps remove the stress when I am attempting to prepare something new.  See Mix Drink is a visual reference guide that lays everything out for you and instructs you in the process.  I love the fact that so much practical information about the drink is provided, but I am absolutely thrilled with the color coded visual representation of the drink.  This makes it so much easier for me!

I have included See Mix Drink in my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide because I believe it is a great gift for those non-bartenders out there (like me)!  Many people host holiday parties at this time and wouldn't it be nice to be able to impress your family and friends with your drink-making abilities?

More about the author:
Brian D. Murphy is a cocktail enthusiast, designer, and recovering investment banker who lives in Minneapolis, where he can frequently be found mixing drinks for friends and family. His favorite cocktail is the Old Fashioned.

I am so happy to tell you that the The Hachette Book Group has offered to sponsor a giveaway of TWO copies of See Mix Drink! Please see the details of the giveaway below:

Buy It: See Mix Drink can be purchased on Amazon.

Win It: Two winners will each receive a copy of See Mix Drink.

Mandatory Entry: Please leave a comment letting me know your favorite alcoholic beverage and leave your email address so that I may be able to contact you if you win.

Bonus Entries:
1. Follow Tidbits From A Mom publicly on Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)
2. Leave a comment on any of my non-giveaway reviews on my blog and leave a comment and let me know which review you commented on. (2 entries)
3. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. (1 entry each)
4. Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry each)
5. The following may be tweeted daily: (1 entry each day)

#Win a copy of See Mix Drink!  Ends 12/11! @tidbitsfromamom #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/clqxb37

6. Grab my button and let me know where you placed it (3 entries)
7. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through RSS feed or email (3 entries for each)

This giveaway ends on December 11, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post.  I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.