book reviews
Book reviews on the history of alcohol, cocktail cookbooks, alcohol consumerism and the pleasures and dangers of drinking and drinking culture.
Seattle Nightlife Report: The Hideout
We're only grabbing one more drink on Saturday night but you know where to go. Rub your fingertips on mine before grabbing my palm, teasing me from the corner of Boren and Madison down the unsuspecting First Hill sidewalk towards a couple smokers outside an almost-hidden door. You hold it open for me and your smirking brown eyes flit towards flickering candles under the tables and the beloved bar’s world of bustling locals, gently flowing vibes, and curated art covering the walls expands to let us in. I pretend for a second I’ve never been here before because my delight always makes you smile. Yeah man, I love the Hideout.
By Joe Nasta | Seattle foodie poet4 months ago in Proof
"The American Dollar"
The Backbone of Global Economy The American dollar, often called the U.S. dollar or simply the “greenback,” is one of the most recognized and influential currencies in the world. From international trade to travel, from financial markets to everyday shopping in the United States, the dollar holds a central place. But what makes the American dollar so important? To understand this, we need to look at its history, its global role, and its impact on people’s lives today.
By aadam khan4 months ago in Proof
Praying for the Impossible: How Prophet Uebert Angel’s Transformative Book Changed My Prayer Life Forever.
When my copy of The Prophet Uebert Angel’s book, Praying For The Impossible: How to Pray And Get A Miracle At All Cost! arrived in the post two days ago, I expected to devour it in one sitting, just as I often do with other books. Normally, a captivating read barely lasts me 24 hours. But this one was different. This book made me stop, think, evaluate, and re-evaluate myself in ways no other text has ever done. Every chapter pulled me into deep spiritual reflection, compelling me to slow down and really absorb the message.
By Cathy (Christine Acheini) Ben-Ameh.5 months ago in Proof
Behind Every Bar Is a Story — And We Want to Hear Yours
There’s something sacred about the bar. Not just because of the spirits or the craft, but because of the people who stand behind it. Bartenders are more than just service providers — they’re part psychologist, part performer, part chemist, part confidant. They listen, they create, they remember your favorite drink even when you’ve forgotten it yourself.
By Sofia Mertinezz6 months ago in Proof
A Bartender’s Still Life: How Arrangement Becomes Art
In the quiet lull before the first guests arrive, a bartender arranges bottles, tools, and garnishes with deliberate care. To the untrained eye, it might look like simple prep. But to those who’ve lived behind the bar, it’s a ritual—a composition of color, texture, and symmetry that transforms a practical space into something expressive. This is the bartender’s still life: a moment of calm, control, and artistic identity nestled in the heart of hospitality.
By Aisha Patel6 months ago in Proof
"I Made a Copy of a Labubu Doll — It Was Easier Than You Think"
I’ve always loved the charm and quirkiness of designer toys, but one figure in particular had captured my heart: the Labubu doll. With its mischievous grin, oversized ears, and wild hair, Labubu looked like something straight out of a dream—or a nightmare, depending on your perspective. The problem? The real ones were either sold out or insanely expensive on resale sites. We're talking $200 and up for a six-inch toy.
By Nizam khan6 months ago in Proof
Creating a Cocktail Ritual to Start Your Day Right
Mornings can feel rushed, scattered, or even chaotic — but what if you could start the day with a ritual that grounds you, delights your senses, and sets the tone for everything to come? That’s where the morning cocktail ritual enters. Not the boozy kind (unless it's Sunday brunch), but a thoughtful, energizing, non-alcoholic drink that becomes your personal moment of pause before the day begins.
By Ethan Chen6 months ago in Proof
"The Eagle and the Tiger''
Long ago, in a time when the Earth still whispered secrets to the sky, the jungle and the mountains lived in delicate balance. The tiger ruled the land below, feared and respected by all creatures that roamed the underbrush. The eagle reigned in the skies above, its piercing cry echoing through the cliffs like thunder.
By farooq shah6 months ago in Proof
Mood Mixology: Matching Your Drink to the Energy of the Night
Some nights call for celebration, others for solitude. There are evenings that buzz with company and music, and others where the quiet hum of a record player sets the mood. The beauty of mixology lies in its emotional range — your drink can match your energy, elevate it, or even help you shift it. Welcome to mood mixology — where you don’t just make a cocktail, you choose a feeling.
By Ethan Chen6 months ago in Proof
Minimalist Birthday Cocktails: Flavor with Simplicity
Birthdays don’t always call for over-the-top drinks with flaming garnishes and twelve obscure ingredients. Sometimes, less truly is more — especially when you’re celebrating with intention, comfort, and clarity. That’s where minimalist birthday cocktails come in. These drinks strip away the unnecessary, focusing on quality ingredients, clean flavor profiles, and easy preparation.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
