Review of Latin Twist: Traditional & Modern Cocktails by Vianney Rodriguez & Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack

Award-winning food bloggers, Vianney Rodriguez of www.mysweetlifebake.com and Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack of www.muybuenocookbook.com have teamed up for Latin Twist: Traditional & Modern Cocktails. Yvette and Vianney are both known for their Mexican and Latin-fusion recipes and use of ingredients readily available in local stores and farmers’ markets. Latin Twist takes you on a cocktail tour of 18 Latin American countries and Spain. The recipes dive into the historical aspects of each country’s special ingredients along with Vianney and Yvette’s personal twist for their special creations.

Melissa’s culinary team prepared the “mocktails” below with the utmost care and expertise.

In the Cuba chapter, Berry Mojito is my favorite Cuban cocktail. This one is made with mint, blackberries, raspberries, strawberry, lime juice, sugar, ice, white rum, and club soda. The reddish purple hue is beautiful. The sweet and tangy flavor from the berries and lime pair deliciously with the rum for a smooth and fun drink. Rating: 5/5

Pineapple Daiquiri is also in the Cuba chapter. Like they say in the book, “Daiquiris are available in virtually any flavor these days,” and they are right. This one is made with pineapple, sugar, lime juice, maraschino liqueur, ice, and rum. Pineapple is a great flavor for a drink with its sun-ripened sweetness and tropical feel. But it can also get a bit fibrous when mixing the whole fruit into a drink. Using very ripe pineapples is the best choice for this drink as the fibers will break down better in a high-powered blender or NutriBullet. Rating: 4/5

In the Brazil chapter, Passion Fruit Caipirinha is one of my favorite Brazilian drinks. This one is made with limes, sugar, passion fruit, pineapple juice, and cachaça. The flavor is very tropical. Growing up with Hawaiian taste buds, there is nothing quite like passion fruit (lilikoi) in a drink or even a dessert. Even though this drink is Brazilian, it always reminds me of home. Rating: 5/5

In the Chile chapter, Ponche a la Romana is a festive Chilean drink to usher in the New Year. This one is made with pineapple, pineapple juice, and champagne (or sparkling wine). This is a pineapple forward drink with sweetness and tropical feel. I can definitely see serving this at a party in a large punch bowl. I would also float some pineapple sorbet for a creamy touch. Rating 4.5/5

If you enjoy sipping, shaking, mixing, and entertaining, Latin Twist is a must for the home bar.

For more information:

Latin Twist: Traditional & Modern Cocktails

Available on Amazon.com

On the search for an ingredient that you can’t find in the store, check out Melissa’s Produce’s website or call +1.800.588.0151.