Literary Inspired Drinks

Hot summer days are the best time to settle down with a good book in one hand and a drink in the other. We’ve put together a list of our favorite literary inspired drinks for you to enjoy with a paired novel.

Champagne Cocktail – The Great Gatsby (1925). F. Scott Fitzgerald spun glamorous scenes of parties and dancing and of course, alcohol, in one of the most critically acclaimed movies of all time. A drink as fun and festive as the Champagne Cocktail encompasses the spirit of the novel. Simply soak a sugar cube in Angostura bitters, drop into your flute, top with your choice of Champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist. This drink is simple enough that you can play around with it and create a unique version to serve at your own Gatsby- style affairs.

White Angel – Breakfast at Tiffany’s  (1958). Five pages in to this classic, beloved novel, a drink is mixed: “half gin and half vodka, no vermouth,” called a White Angel. This strong drink, garnished with an olive, is perfect for your next book club meeting. Simply shake the gin and vodka of your choice over ice for about ten seconds, strain into a martini glass, and garnish!

Bloody Carrie – Carrie (1974). If thrillers are more your speed, you’re bound to love this twist on a Bloody Mary. Inspired by Stephen King’s horror novel, the Bloody Carrie is the perfect drink to accompany any suspense story. A traditional but slightly complicated concoction, stir tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, and salt and pepper together, add the ice and pour between to two glasses to ensure a thorough mixture. Garnish with celery and lemon and enjoy with your next peruse of Carrie.

Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster – Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979). Described as the “best drink in existence,” the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster is an alcoholic beverage created in Douglas Adams’ fictional novel. This potent drink mixes gin, rum, vodka, tequila, crème de menthe liqueur, and Galliano. Mix the liquors together with one cup of ice cubes, blend until slushy, and top with a lemon slice. Serve this up at any get together for fans of Adams’ cult classic novel.

Butterbeer – Harry Potter Series (1997). A favorite of the students at Hogwarts, this drink is perfect for settling in with all seven books. This simple mixture can be made in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic variants. One ounce each of butterscotch schnapps and vanilla vodka, six ounces of cream soda, with a heavy cream topping to finish it off, this magical drink will bring all of your wizarding dreams to life!

Are there any book-based drinks you would add to this list? Let us know!