I’ve been so looking forward to this book from friend and fabulous mixologist David Alan.

It’s so much more than just a book full of drink recipes; it’s a great guide to making a kickass bar that starts from fresh, whole or homemade ingredients. He starts with a great primer on tools and techniques to master and continues throughout the book to develop our lexicon and capabilities in the mixology department.

He spotlights a handful of Texas distillers—from Tito’s Handmade Vodka to Garrison Brothers Distilling—and covers the range of Texas spirits one can find locally in the Lone Star State.

One of the things I like most about the book is that David focuses on homemade basics like lime cordial, orgeat, grenadine, and gastriques, all things that can be applied to the recipes in the book or used in other drinks (and all great food swap item prospects!).

Using unique, Texas-native ingredients are a real plus, too! He notes how to make a fig daiquiri and illustrates how to deconstruct a persimmon; he also covers how to feel confident in using ingredients like raw eggs. I think this book is a fine addition to your kitchen library and I’m thrilled to offer it up to a lucky winner!

Please leave a comment on this post by Thursday July 11 at midnight CST telling us about something you’re toasting in the coming weeks. Winner will be selected at random on Friday July 12. US and Canadian entrants only please, per the publisher’s request. Don’t forget to include your email address in the little box that asks for it on the comment form so I can contact you to let you know you won.

Disclosures: Andrews McMeel Publishing provided me with a complimentary copy of this book and will be mailing the winner’s copy directly. If you buy the book from Amazon using the link above I may earn a small commission.