Quench: Handcrafted Beverages To Satisfy Every Taste and Occasion

English's (Handmade Gatherings) latest is a gorgeous and thirst-inducing book. In Altman's atmospheric photographs, mugs and mason jars spill over with handcrafted drinks that run from sparkling and refreshing to warm, fragrant, and boozy. English is the author of several books celebrating the handcrafted and the homemade, and in this work she's similarly passionate about the simplicity and pleasure of creating drinks at home. As consumers become more wary of the additives and processed sugars in commercial soft drinks, these natural options are both a delicious and timely alternative. Even the most jittery soda addicts won't feel deprived by her ginger brew, root beer, or even natural cola—a pale yellow color without the artificial caramel dye. For colder weather, there's an array of coffees, teas, and chocolate drinks (among several different versions of the latter are two labeled "Decadent" and "Unapologetic"—no half measures here!). In the second, alcoholic-beverage half of the book, the homemade, hands-on approach continues, with herb and fruit infusions, such as basil vodka and orange and clove whiskey that would make great holiday gifts. For the even more adventurous home bartender, there are recipes for nut and flower-fermented wines and hard cider.