Book & Cocktail Pairings
Book Lovers
By Emily Henry
One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming.... Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby.
Paired with: The Sunshine Falls Cocktail
Serve this cocktail in a rocks glass to emphasize its grounded yet complex nature. The combination of bourbon and sweet vermouth, enhanced with orange bitters, creates a drink that is warm, inviting, and slightly unexpected, much like the journey in "Book Lovers.
Ingredients:
2 oz Bourbon (a nod to the Southern charm of North Carolina)
1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth (adding a layer of complexity)
2 dashes of Orange Bitters (representing the zest and unexpected turns in the story)
A splash of Soda Water (to lighten and balance the drink)
Orange Peel (for garnish, symbolizing the warmth and brightness of the setting)
Starter Villain
By John Scalzi
Inheriting your uncle's supervillain business is more complicated than you might think. Particularly when you discover who's running the place. Charlie's life is going nowhere fast. A divorced substitute teacher living with his cat in a house his siblings want to sell, all he wants is to open a pub downtown, if only the bank will approve his loan. Then his long-lost uncle Jake dies and leaves his supervillain business (complete with island volcano lair) to Charlie.
Paired with: The Supervillains Lair Cocktail
Luxurious and mysterious blend, reflecting the novel's theme of hidden worlds and high-stakes intrigue.
Ingredients:
2 oz Dark Rum (representing the complexity and depth of the novel's plot)
1 oz Coconut Cream (to bring in the tropical vibe of the Caribbean island volcano lair)
1/2 oz Grenadine (for a hint of intrigue and color, symbolizing the plot's twists)
Pineapple Juice (to add a Caribbean flair, evoking Saint Genevieve's setting)
Crushed Ice (to mimic the icy situations the protagonist finds himself in)
Edible Gold Flakes (representing the wealth and opulence of the supervillain lifestyle)
Happy Place
By Emily Henry
Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t. They broke up six months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends. Which is how they find themselves sharing the largest bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blue week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.
Paired with: The Maine Mirage Cocktail
The “Maine Mirage” mirrors the novel “Happy Place” with its serene, deceptive simplicity, much like the protagonists’ pretend relationship set against a tranquil Maine backdrop. It blends strength and sweetness, symbolizing the complex emotions and entwined lives within the story.
Ingredients:
2 oz Gin: Reflects the deep and multifaceted relationship of Harriet and Wyn.
1 oz Elderflower Liqueur: Symbolizes the delicate, unspoken emotions between them.
1 oz Lemon Juice: Represents the hidden pain and effort in their pretense.
1/2 oz Simple Syrup: Balances the complexities of Harriet's life, like her overworked nature.
Soda Water: Echoes the refreshing nature of their annual Maine getaway.
Garnish - Lemon Twist and Rosemary: The twist hints at the novel’s ongoing pretense, while rosemary symbolizes the strength of their friendship and the annual retreat.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
By Taylor Jenkins Reid
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Paired with: The Evelyn Elixir Cocktail
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating novel that spans decades in the life of a fictional Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo. The story is rich with themes of glamour, love, secrets, and the quest for authenticity. Here’s a cocktail that captures the essence of this best-selling novel
Ingredients:
2 oz Champagne (to represent the glamour and luxury of Hollywood)
1 oz White Rum (a nod to Evelyn's Cuban heritage)
1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice (for a touch of sharpness, reflecting the complexities of Evelyn's character)
1/2 oz Honey Syrup (symbolizing the sweetness and allure of fame)
Edible Gold Flakes (for a touch of opulence and to reflect the glitz of Evelyn's life)
A Splash of Grenadine (representing the passion and drama in Evelyn's multiple relationships)
Part of Your World
By Abby Jimenez
After a wild bet, gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come—the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.
Paired with: Worldly Romance Cocktail
"Part of Your World" by Abby Jimenez. This cocktail, like their story, is a blend of strength, sweetness, and the vibrancy of life's unexpected journeys.
Ingredients:
1 oz Bourbon (Daniel): Symbolizing Daniel's robust and grounded nature, bourbon brings warmth and depth to the cocktail.
1 oz Amaretto (Alexis): Representing Alexis' sophistication and sweetness, amaretto adds a smooth, nutty flavor.
1 oz Cranberry Juice: Echoing the novel's bittersweet moments and adding a vibrant color.
1/2 oz Simple Syrup: Balancing the tartness, much like the equilibrium found in their relationship.
Ginger Beer (to top): Adding a spicy, effervescent twist, symbolizing the lively and unexpected turns in their story.
Ice.
None of This Is True
By Lisa Jewell
Celebrating her forty-fifth birthday at her local pub, popular podcaster Alix Summer crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie, it turns out, is also celebrating her forty-fifth birthday. They are, in fact, birthday twins. A few days later, Alix and Josie bump into each other again, this time outside Alix’s children’s school. Josie has been listening to Alix’s podcasts and thinks she might be an interesting subject for her series. She is, she tells Alix, on the cusp of great changes in her life.
Paired with: The Sinister Shadow Cocktail
"None of This Is True" By Lisa Jewell. "The Sinister Shadow" is a cocktail that mirrors the dark narrative and complex emotions of "None of This is True," blending the deep, bittersweet essence of Cynar with the subtle sweetness of blackberry, creating a drink that's as enigmatic and compelling as the twists of the story it's inspired by.
Ingredients:
2 oz Cynar: providing a complex and bittersweet base, reflecting the novel's and Joise's dark and intricate layers
0.75 oz Aperol: to add a lighter, citrusy bitterness, balancing the Cynar's intensity
0.5 oz Blackberry Liqueur: for a touch of sweetness and a visually dark appeal
0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice: to cut through the richness with brightness