First things first.  This is the second book by Ms. Telesco I have obtained.  The first (A Charmed Life, by the same publisher) I found extremely difficult to become interested in.  In fact, I have yet to finish it.  This book was much more readable and interesting, at least from my point of view.

This book contains a myriad of recipes for beverages ranging from non-alcoholic drinks suitable for all tastes and ages to some delightfully light wines to some in-your- face-type meads that may have you dreaming of Valkyries and Valhalla.

Each recipe includes ingredients (most of them easily obtainable), full directions, magickal associations and some basic history/lore of the beverage.  Many suggest alternatives or substitutions which increase the variety of tastes.

Before Ms. Telesco sets you on the path to brewing these delightful creations, she takes a little time to explain each type of beverage, explaining why it has survived into today’s world.

She then gives some of the legends and lore associated with each of the beverages by country and/or region.  Moving on from there she explains the medicinal basis for many of the brews.

She covers areas not normally covered by other authors, including the multiple uses of many brews (including drinking, asperging, anointing, and bathing with them).
She touches upon the intent of making various brews, as well as how their effects may be enhanced through the creative use of drinking vessels and toasts (The popular toast of one local group:  “To hell with the chalice; To hell with the glass; We’ll drink from the bottle; And fall on our ass!” is NOT an appropriate toast in most cases!)

The first section is concluded with a series of instructions regarding the actual brewing and storage the beverages, while the second section contains the actual recipes.
The appendices include associations of elements, deities, and correspondences for use in creating your brews.

Enjoy this book.  I did.