Petaluma Writer Crafts Signature Cocktail for Every U.S. State Ahead of America 250

Kim Laidlaw, a talented baker from the Bay Area who now calls Petaluma home, recently took on a unique project to celebrate the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States. Her mission? To create a cocktail cookbook that features one classic cocktail and one modern signature cocktail for each of the 50 states.

The result is “Spirits of ’76: Celebrating 250 Years With Cocktails From Every State” by Kim Laidlaw, with stunning photos by Ken Carlson. This delightful cookbook takes readers on a journey across the U.S., exploring the diverse and delicious flavors that define each state’s iconic drinks.

From the Alaskan Duck Fart shot to Florida’s Key Lime Daiquiri, Laidlaw carefully tested each recipe in her book to ensure they are both delicious and easy to make. Recently, she shared her experience creating this boozy adventure with us.

In her own words, Laidlaw explains that she has been in the cookbook publishing world for over 25 years. She started in a different area of publishing before going to culinary school and becoming a baker. Her career has taken her to various roles, from executive editor to recipe developer, showcasing her versatility in the industry.

When asked about the inspiration behind the cocktail cookbook, Laidlaw revealed that the publisher approached her with the idea. Although her passion lies in baking, she saw this book as a fun challenge. The concept was to feature classic and contemporary cocktails from each state, requiring extensive research to find the perfect drinks that represent the essence of each region.

Laidlaw explained that the research process was conducted online, scouring forums, bar menus, and publications to uncover the history and background of each cocktail. For less-known states, extra digging was required to capture the true spirit of the region in a classic drink.

Overall, “Spirits of ’76” is a celebration of American drinks, offering readers a taste of the diverse and unique flavors found across the U.S. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just looking to try something new, this cookbook is sure to inspire your next drink-making adventure. Cheers!