Hello, everyone! Welcome back to another edition of Anime for Adults, a blog series where I (librarian Bryn) offer suggestions from the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library’s collection for anime, manga, and graphic novels that might appeal to an adult audience. Just because we’re grown-ups doesn’t mean we can’t indulge our inner otakus, and ho, ho, holy cow do I have a great suggestion for this month of December!
First is Bartender, Glass of God [Bluray].
This anime is great for those of you who choose to imbibe this holiday season. A large hotel is opening a speakeasy-style bar for their new expansion. The employees are desperate to find the perfect bartender who can make, as requested by the chairman, the “Glass of God”- a mysterious cocktail that will be known when it’s tasted. Enter Ryu, a bartender that has recently returned to Japan and works in a speakeasy in a shopping mall. Ryu’s skills of observation and understanding are what set him apart as a bartender- he will remember minute details and assess his customers to provide them with the perfect cocktail that they need in that moment.
The art style overall is nice, but I was very impressed with the accuracy and detail of the bottles containing various recognizable brands of alcohol. The descriptions and depictions of how the drinks are crafted are accurate (I went to bartending school; these are legit) and can give you some ideas on different drinks you might want to consider next time you have an evening out! It’s a good slice of life anime that is both comforting and, in a way, educational!
Cheers!
Cocktail Recipe Books
I wouldn’t mention that there are drinks mentioned in Bartender and leave you hanging! You can try your hand at some of these cocktails with books like:
The New Craft of the Cocktail: Everything You Need to Know to Think Like a Master Mixologist
Whiskey: A Spirited Story with 75 Classic & Original Cocktails
Pretty Simple Cocktails: Margaritas, Mocktails, Spritzes, and More for Every Mood and Occasion
Three Cheers: Cocktails Three ways: Classics, Riffs, and Zero-Proof Sips
Tiny Cocktails: The Art of Miniature Mixology
Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail
Düngeonmeister: A Drink Master’s Guide (shoutout to my other library blog, Books, Boardgames, and More with Bryn!)
Non-Alcoholic Drink Books
Fear not, my sober friends! I have recommendations for you, too!
Zero Proof Cocktails: 90 Non-Alcoholic Recipes for Mindful Drinking
Party Drinks: 62 Nonalcoholic Dirty Sodas, Punches & More to Celebrate!
Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Dummies
Happy holidays and stay safe! See you in the new year!
-Bryn
