9 Photos

Must Read: Sips & Apps

Thanks to shows like Mad Men, it's clear that the ritual of the cocktail hour — a time in the late afternoon where potent drinks are sipped and savory snacks are nibbled — is poised to make a comeback. A recent book, Sips & Apps ($19.95) by Kathy Casey, further promotes the idea by providing happy homemakers with a plethora of modern and classic cocktails, and a handful of incredibly tasty-sounding bar snacks. To learn more about this bartending guide [break]keep reading.[/break] Pros: This is a small and attractive hardback book that will look sophisticated sitting near a home bar.There are two handy ribbon bookmarks, one for sips and another for apps, that make it easy to find recipes quickly.An explanatory section provides excellent basic tips, like what type of spirits are necessary for a home bar and how to properly cut citrus and use herbs.