The Drunken Botanist

The Plants That Create the World's Great Drinks

By: Amy Stewart

Narrated by: Coleen Marlo

Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Every great drink starts with a plant. Sake began with a grain of rice. Scotch emerged from barley. Gin was born from a conifer shrub when medieval physicians boiled juniper berries with wine to treat stomach pain. The Drunken Botanist uncovers the surprising botanical history and fascinating science and chemistry of over 150 plants, flowers, trees, and fruits (and even a few fungi).

Some of the most extraordinary and obscure plants have been fermented and distilled, and they each represent a unique cultural contribution to global drinking traditions and our history. Molasses was an essential ingredient of American independence when outrage over a mandate to buy British rather than French molasses for New World rum-making helped kindle the American Revolution. Captain James Cook harvested the young, green tips of spruce trees to make a vitamin C-rich beer that cured his crew of scurvy - a recipe that Jane Austen enjoyed so much that she used it as a plot point in Emma.

With over 50 drink recipes, growing tips for gardeners, and advice that carries Stewart's trademark wit, this is the perfect listen for gardeners and cocktail aficionados alike.

©2013 Amy Stewart. Recorded by arrangement with Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, a division of Workman Publishing Company, Inc. (P)2013 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"A rich compendium of botanical lore for cocktail lovers." ( Kirkus)

Best read in companion with the physical book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, specifically if they are interested in plants, history and alcohol.

Any additional comments?

There are quite a few recipes throughout the book and the general layout was such that think I would've enjoyed it more if I had a physical copy of the book. It's a book that can be dipped in and out of as there isn't really a narrative story to be followed; it's more encyclopedic.

super interesting factoids about adult beverages

Interesting listen. Perfect listening for puttering around the kitchen. Rather dry as a primary listen. I plan to buy a hard copy to use as a reference / recipe book. Fingers crossed for a spiral bound addition.

Informative and Entertaining

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Anyone interested in "how its made" when it comes to the wonderful spirits we imbibe should give this a listen. It makes a wonderful road trip book.

What did you like best about this story?

Very thorough, if she missed any spirit, it would be one I never heard of. The breakdown of flavor profiles is a wonderful touch.

Have you listened to any of Coleen Marlo’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I shall!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No

Any additional comments?

The performance is delightful. Listening to the reader pronounce Latin, is a wonder in and of itself.

So many ideas!

A great read with interesting history behind so many common drinks, and of course, a great many new ideas to try!

bought the book, bought the audio book

3rd x a charm listening. So much relevant info. I have a couple quarrels on her info about marijuana and some other plants, but overall wonderful.

I've got to get a physical copy of this book!

there are so many recipes and so much information! This is truly an appreciable resource.

Cool book, but I'd buy a hardcopy.

Cool book with lots of facts, but I'm going to have to purchase the hardcopy so I can remember and refer back to lots of parts, most specifically the cocktail recipes.

Fun and informitive

What made the experience of listening to The Drunken Botanist the most enjoyable?

Amy Stewarts writing style of mixing history, chemistry and trivia makes this book a rare gem that both entertains and educates.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Drunken Botanist?

The history of angastora bitters.

What about Coleen Marlo’s performance did you like?

She has a silky voice that is a pleasure to listen to as well as her tongue twisting annunciations of the the plants scientific names without a stumble.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there was a few giggles to some of the light hearted trivia.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy science and history you you'll enjoy this book.

Great book, but not a great Audio Book

Would you recommend The Drunken Botanist to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend it as a physical book, which could be referenced or quickly reviewed when thinking about an ingredient or a type of drink to make or plant to grow.

Any additional comments?

This is a much better book thank my rating. The author does a great job with a very complete list of ingredients. It is well organized and full of interesting information. Audio is not the optimal format for this book.

A Dictionary of Great Stories and Histories

Very entertaining! Yes, it's a little A to Z-ish, but such a wonderful set of stories. The organization of the book from base spirit to liquor then herbs and finally garnishes makes the book feel like there is a strong overall narrative.

Beware that this book will make you so excited about plants and their liquors that you'll at some point feel compelled to visit the book's website and you will find that very sadly, the author has stopped updating and posting to her blog :(

But the book remains invaluable. With so many great how to's and recipes, I'm definitely buying a hard copy for my kitchen.

As for the narrator, her voice seemed a little too perfect to me, almost like the voice of the onboard navigation system in a starship.