Dinks and Drinks: A Pickleball Cocktail Book

Mixology-loving pickleball fans will enjoy this cheery collection of sporty recipes from Wilson (Free Spirit Cocktails). After a breezy overview of bartending 101, readers are volleyed between crushable quaffs. A honeydew melon ball garnish serves as an homage to the sport atop “The Green Paddle,” a gimlet-esque affair made with honeydew mint syrup (one of many unique and fruity syrup recipes included). Other concoctions are tied to pickleball only through their punny names: the “Dink ’n’ Stormy” adds candied ginger to the rum-based classic; the “Pickle-ada” is a brine-y take on the michelada, complete with cornichon; and the “Dillball Sparkler” sees sparkling wine, yuzu, and mint turn a pretty purple hue thanks to butterfly pea tea. Suggested serving occasions range from pre- to post-game, with the “Backspin Spritz,” for instance, proposed as an in-between-game refresher featuring elderflower, Prosecco, cucumber, and edible flowers. Instructions on scaling recipes for larger groups and a glossary of pickleball terms round things out. A lack of anecdotes or introductions for individual recipes leaves the connection between the drinks and the sport occasionally feeling tenuous, but enthusiasts will be taken with the vibrant photography featuring cocktails among pickleball gear. This is as satisfying as an overhead smash. (Sept.)