We envision a resilient world dependent on the thoughtful cultivation of plants

The Drunken Botanist: The Plants that Create the World’s Best Drinks

Articles: The Drunken Botanist: The Plants that Create the World’s Best Drinks

Drunken-Botanist-high-resCuriosity killed the cat—possibly “Old Tom” himself, a gin palace, vending-machine-like dispenser of old British style sweetened gin that in 1875, British journalist James Greenwood described as having a “… fiery nature and the sharp and lasting effects of its teeth and claws on all who dared to venture on a bout with it …”. But lucky for the rest of us, (and possibly less lethal), bestselling author Amy Stewart’s latest book, The Drunken Botanist, the Plants that Create the World’s Great Drinks, satisfies in every way.

After examining a beginner’s first garden, earthworms, imported flowers, and toxic plants and bugs (her previous books in order of release) Stewart’s publishing path could be called as circuitous as a drunken bumblebee in high summer. A curious dirt gardener and master storyteller with a keen intellect and a passion for research, in Drunken, she takes her reader on a delicious romp through agriculture (agave to wheat), and the laboratory (fermentation and distillation), with regular wanderings down the garden path.

Stewart is at once a nerdy botanist and witty conversationalist—just the sort I dream of encountering at dreadful cocktail parties where more than likely I’m left to weigh in on politics, technology, or *shudder* sports. This is no happy hour big gulp or drunken frat house punch, but like a well-crafted cocktail—measured, balanced, and responsible—an entertaining look at cocktail culture laced with historical references and botanical etymology. Recipes included: cocktails, syrups, infusions, and garnishes.

The Drunken Botanist is a perfect read for a lazy day in the shade of a tree or patio awning, sipping something concocted and cool from page 348, “Garden Cocktails: a template for experimentation.”  Cheers!

Lorene Edwards Forkner, editor

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Responses

Social Media

Garden Futurist Podcast

Most Popular

Videos

Topics

Related Posts

Healing Gardens

Spring 2022 Emily Murphy believes gardens hold the key to saving our health, our communities, and our planet. In her new book Grow Now Murphy

A Botanical Force

Inside one of the many greenhouses at Log House Plants, which offers more than 2,500 varieties of annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs each year, including

Powered By MemberPress WooCommerce Plus Integration

Your free newsletter starts here!

Don’t want to see this pop-up? Members, log-in here.

Why do we ask for your zip code?

We do our best to make our educational content relevant for where you garden.

Why do we ask for your zip code?

We do our best to make our educational content relevant for where you garden.

The information you provide to Pacific Horticulture is NEVER sold, shared, or rented to others.

Pacific Horticulture generally sends only two newsletters per Month.