Anderson’s Bookshop in downtown Naperville will host Amy Stewart, a non-fiction author with an expertise in the natural world of bugs and plants, and their potential to do harm and good.
Sake began with a grain of rice. Scotch emerged from barley, tequila from agave, rum from sugarcane, bourbon from corn. In “The Drunken Botanist,” Stewart explores the dizzying array of herbs, flowers, trees, fruits, and fungi that humans have, through ingenuity, inspiration, and sheer desperation, contrived to transform into alcohol. Of all the extraordinary and obscure plants that have been fermented and distilled, a few are dangerous, some are downright bizarre and one is as ancient as dinosaurs–but each represents a unique cultural contribution to our global drinking traditions and our history. This fascinating concoction of biology, chemistry, history, etymology and mixology–with more than fifty drink recipes and growing tips for gardeners–will make you the most popular guest at any cocktail party.
With her newest book, “The Drunken Botanist,” Stewart looks at the plants behind our spirits and reveals cocktail-friendly fruits, vegetables and herbs. Beer gardens with plants that go into the making of beer. Plants with flavors perfect for homemade liqueurs and infusions. How to grow your own cocktails! These topics and more are covered in this fascinating book. The award-winning author visits on Tuesday, April 9 at 7PM at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville. A priority number to join the signing line comes with the purchase of “The Drunken Botanist” at Anderson’s. Details are available by calling Anderson’s Bookshop at (630) 355-2665 or visiting online, www.andersonsbookshop.com.
In addition to Stewart, Heather Price from “The Growing Place,” a popular Naperville gardening center, will be on hand to share some local expertise. A representative of KOVAL Distillery, Chicago, will also be a special guest.
Anderson’s booksigning event with Amy Stewart is part of Anderson’s Bookshops’ calendar of special author appearances. To participate, call or visit Anderson’s. A purchase of “The Drunken Botanist” at Anderson’s includes a priority number for the signing line. Anderson’s Bookshops specialize in book sales, author events, booksignings, and building a sense of community, learning and fun. The store has been helping Naperville readers for six generations.
