Drink Recipe Playing Cards

Drink Recipe Playing Cards from Esplanda are a deck of playing cards that doubles as a cocktail reference. The idea is that a deck you'd leave on a bar cart or tuck into a gift bag can also help you pick what to pour. This is merchandise, not a beverage, so there are no tasting notes. The listing doesn't give the card count, the stock, the finish or the recipes printed on them, so check the packaging for those. As a gift, the deck suits anyone who keeps a home bar. It also works as a small add-on to a bottle of spirits, liqueur or bitters, since the recipes give the recipient something to make with it. At the table, a card game and a round of drinks can run side by side. Draw a card, then mix the drink on it with the glassware and spirits you already own. Recipe cards of this kind usually name the glass, so set out coupes, rocks glasses or highballs to match before you start. Because the cards are paper, keep them away from wet jiggers and spills at the bar. Store the deck in its box between uses.