Credit: Cropmark
Luxembourg and Brussels-based Creative Studio Cropmark have announced the publication of Weird Stuff Only, a book about Luxembourg cocktails and their creation at BAC (Bar à Cocktails) in Luxembourg-Pfaffenthal.
The book, written by BAC owner Raphael Betti, contains over 40 cocktail recipes and features stories and anecdotes about the bar, its patrons and the influence of the Pfaffenthal neighbourhood on its character.
Cropmark said: “Weird Stuff Only came together as a collective: a handful of people, each obsessed with their own craft, joining forces to turn it into one object they could all be proud of.”
The book features photography from Rick Tonizzo and marks the first title to be published by Cropmark, who emphasise that Weird Stuff Only highlights the small producers, distillers and independent cider growers of Luxembourg - those behind the spirits, ciders, verjus and Crémant around which BAC builds their drinks. It is a celebration of the flavours and traditions of a very small country, and the small imprint left by a neighbourhood bar that wanted to share what it loves. Made locally, printed locally as much as possible, and 99% vegan, like the bar.
The contributors noted: “None of us do this to become rich, nor to prove that we are the best bartenders in the area (we would not dare). We do it because it is a project that we all care a little too much about - an opportunity to bring our professions together, to leave a small trace and to share a way of making cocktails stubbornly, proudly Luxembourgish. At the BAC, we work almost exclusively with local spirits - spirits, ciders, verjus, Crémant, and an almost undrinkable bitter called Buff, which we love with all our heart. We clarify, we carbonate, we infuse, and sometimes we make questionable decisions. Then we serve all this with a smile.”
“You can read it for fun. Try the recipes at home or behind your own bar. Use it as inspiration to create your own weird stuff. Or like the little final push to open your own place, write your own book, or just stop by your favourite neighbourhood bar to discuss life and the meaning of cocktails. The structure may seem strange. You might look for a glossary. We're too weird for that. If something seems unreasonable, illogical or foolish to you - just look at the title. You will find all the answers there,” remarked Cropmark.
The book, published in English, costs €45 (including delivery) and is available for pre-order at https://fr.ulule.com/weird-stuff-only/. Other versions, including signed copies, are also available.
