Combining Mixology, Magic and Harry Potter

By Gerry  Barker

​If  you're a fan of Harry Potter, and enjoy conjuring up a good cocktail, you'll want to check out "The Unofficial Hogwarts Cocktail Book," by Bertha Barmann ($19.95) from Ulysses Press.

Using familiar people and places from the beloved books and movies, you can work your mixology magic with other 50 recipes, including Mad-Eye Martini, Sanctimonia Vincer Semper Martini, Butterscoth Beer and Forbidden Forest Fizz. There's also a selection of mocktails for  younger wizards. Each recipe is accompanied by a beautiful photo. Hopefully your end result will match.

For us, we bookmarked the Fairy Light French 75, the Exploding Lemon Gin Fizz and the Spring Holiday Gimlet. Get the shaker ready!

If you're a newcomer to the world of bartending, the book includes a helpful section called "The Magical Bartender," with all the basics you need to get ready to tackle any recipe in the book.

The author hails from Soda Springs, Idaho, a town of less than 5,000 known for its hundreds of   carbonated water natural springs, including the Soda Springs Geyser. Ms. Barmann took time for this interview:

Q. Tell us about yourself and what inspired you about Harry Potter and his world to write this book.
A. I grew up reading the books and always thought the potions element lent itself well to cocktails and mocktails.

Q. Talk about how long it was to go from the idea for doing the book to having it published.
A. It was a pretty quick process as the Ulysses Press editors wanted to publish a book like this and just needed someone to write it. All told it probably took a little less than a year. 

Q. Did you sample all the drinks yourself, or have tastings with your friends, and what are your favorite drinks from the book?
A. My favorite drink is the golden poptails because popsicles are one of my favorite sweet treats. 

Q. The book is also a good introduction to bartending. Have you ever worked as a bartender or mixologist?
A. Nope, I'm self-taught and an at-home hobbyist. 

Q. Any plans for future books?
A. I think the editors at Ulysses Press might be looking into publishing a book on other witchy or magical cocktails, but we'll have to see! 

May we say if you want to use your magic wand to send a few our  way, we are glad to be testers!

Barmann's book is available on Amazon here.

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