Tarot & Tequila: A Tarot Guide with Cocktails by David Ross

Series: Standalone

Published by: Tiller Press on July 13, 2021

Genre: Non-Fiction, Cookbook

Pages: 272

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Would I recommend it? YES/NO

Embrace the magic of tarot and perfectly match the cards with mixed drinks in this beautifully illustrated bar book.

“Don’t take advice from tequila, that’s the tarot’s job.”

Tarot & Tequila is a positive and spiritually uplifting guide that includes both basic and humorous tequila-inspired meanings of all 78 tarot cards that both beginners and experienced tarot card readers will relate to.

Featuring 40 cocktail recipes—one for each Major Arcana card plus bonus Minor Arcana drinks, too—based on the attributes of the cards themselves, as well as a mystical pairing that explains why professional tarot card reader David Ross chose to pair each card to their respective drink, this magical mixology book can be used as both a guide and a recipe book.

Try drinks like:
-The High Priestess, an elixir of tequila, lemon juice, thyme, and seltzer
-The Chariot, a tequila version of a Moscow Mule, with lemon, beet, and apple juices
-The Four of Wands, a positive concoction of rum, homemade fennel liqueur, and more

Perfect for fans of drinking, bartending, and tarot alike, this beautifully illustrated book makes both a perfect gift and a must-have addition to any home bar.

Delightful premise, but misses execution

I really wanted to love Tarot & Tequila. The combination of tarot and drinks is interesting. Plus, the overall aesthetic of the book makes me imagine that I am telling fortunes in the corner of a saloon. The tarot illustrations are distinctive and creative, featuring plenty of cowboys and sugar skulls to fit the western theme.

Unfortunately, as much as I love the wild west vibes, I did not like it as a tarot guide or a recipe book. The card descriptions are humorous–I detect a lot of dry wit–but seem curated for a very specific reader. That is, the “tequila definitions” in Tarot & Tequila describe scenarios that best match the frat boys I saw every night during my university days. In addition, the recipes, while mostly creative, do not match the tarot meaning well. Admittedly, I have been spoiled by Witchcraft Cocktails and its amazing application of ingredient properties and associations.

Hit or miss recipes

Honestly, some recipes did not get a second glance from me. I didn’t feel like acquiring xoconostle cactus or prickly pear. Can you blame me?

Tarot & Tequila‘s The Sun and The Empress disappointed me. Along with being weirdly similar recipes calling for mango nectar and sparkling wine, they just did not taste great. However, I did enjoy The Emperor. The Emperor is a strong drink that pairs rum and tequila with tangy hibiscus and orange juice with just the right amount of habanero. I think of it as a tequila sunrise with a kick. Also great, the Seven of Swords uses one of my favorite witchy ingredients: butterfly pea flower. Sadly, the flower, which represents healing/invincibility, does not fit with the card, which frequently depicts theft. Still, this alcoholic version of a butterfly pea lemonade tastes good and changes colors.

Who should get this book?

This makes a fun coffee table book and contains great ideas for a boozy, western themed party (if you’re willing to consider some pricy/uncommon ingredients). The illustrations alone are worth a look. Although, if you’re looking to learn more about either tarot or cocktails, this is not the right book.

Psst! If you’re interested in themed cocktails, check out The Darkling, The Shadow Summoner, or The Heartmates Sangria!