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Cocktails inspired by literary greats. Is there anything more novel? Probably, but we’re in a fictional, libational mood. There’s nothing like sitting down on a warm, comfy chair with a good book and a glass of your favorite poison. And while we all know what does and what doesn’t mix together in terms of liquor and tonics, what about liquor and books?

Personally, I like to pair every book with a glass of red wine. And while this is a personal favorite, I know there’s far more creative ways to pair books with cocktails. And this is where Cocktails for Book Lovers takes the spotlight for this post. I’m giving away this book, and it’s dedicated entirely to pairing books with cocktails based upon what the author or main character would drink. Whoever had the time to sift through great american novels and pair them with great american drinks has done a great american job. (I’m lookin’ at you Tessa Smith-McGovern).

Books alone are entertainment enough, but to read them while sipping a drink that was a favorite of the author’s, or perhaps a favorite of the main protagonist, well that’s taking reading to a whole new level, and a highly entertaining one at that. It makes me feel like I’m actually participating in the novel. Kind of like how we used to participate in movies and things when we were young. I literally used to participate in every movie I watched by galavanting around my living room singing, running, and hiding, pretending I was the main character. This is taking me to a very juvenile place.

Alright, alright so what books are paired with what cocktails in this book? Fun ones.

The Poetry and Short Stories of Dorothy Parker (she’s hysterical if you haven’t met her work yet), is paired with champagne + peach puree.

Wally Lamb’s I Know This Much is True gets paired with a Manhattan (that would put me to bed after the first couple of pages).

James Joyce’s Ulysses gets paired with a Ruddy Mary, which is like a Bloody Mary but with gin instead of vodka.

And yes, they do mention The Great Gatsby, and they pair it with a Gin Rickey (which sounds delightful and I’ll have to try it).

Each drink of course comes with the recipe and a little back story as to why that drink was chosen for that particular book. It’s super intriguing to read about why certain drinks were paired with certain books, because it usually has something to do with what the author was known to drink, and when you start talking about famous authors and their drinks, well, it kind of just makes you want to get drunk and write a novel. Which author was it that said, “write drunk, edit sober”? It’ll come to me. It was probably Hemingway.

At any rate my friends, I want you to have this little book that has sort of been my obsession these past few weeks. I would suggest starting with the Dorothy Parker pairing–it’s easy, and you’ll have a flipping great time with anything that woman writes. Come one, come all. Whoever wins, I expect to hear about your favorite pairing within the very hour that you receive the book. That’s the only non-official requirement.

Not really, but do tell!

So have at it and have fun! Share it with anyone who you think would also enjoy this The giveaway ends next Thursday, and I’ll announce the winner the following Friday (8/8). Read, drink, and be merry!

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Monique Muro

Monique is an exceedingly happy human from LA. She runs the blog A Novel Quest, and writes. A lot.

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