There’s nothing quite like cracking open a new novel. There’s also nothing quite like the first sip of a fantastic drink. Put the two together and you’ve got yourself quite an experience!
Enjoy these novels and themed drink selections for yourself, or host a book club and enjoy good conversation and beverages with friends!
‘A Girl of the Limberlost’ by Gene Stratton-Porter
Elnora Comstock lives with her mourning and bitter mother on the edge of the disappearing Limberlost swamp in Indiana. Desperate for an education and societal connection, Elnora uses her naturalist skills to pave a way for her schooling and entrance into society.
The young girl must navigate poverty, social isolation, forging friendships, budding romance, forgiveness, and a reckoning with nature in this coming-of-age novel. Gene Stratton-Porter’s portrayal of the natural world comes from her experience as a naturalist as she vividly brings the Indiana swamp and its inhabitants to life within the pages of Elnora’s moving story.
Elnora’s knowledge and love of the created world is incredible inspiration for getting out of doors and learning as much as one can about God’s creation. She’s everything you want in a heroine!
What to sip: A Swamp Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces green Chartreuse *
6 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice
1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Wheel or wedge of fresh lime
Instructions:
Stir together the Chartreuse, pineapple juice, and lime juice in a glass or tumbler.
Add ice and garnish with lime.
*Chartreuse can be tricky to find, as it is crafted by Carthusian monks who produce only enough bottles to provide for their order. Be on the lookout because spotting it will feel as exciting as Elnora spotting a Yellow Emperor Moth.
‘Secrets of a Charmed Life’ by Susan Meissner
1940’s England – Two sisters find refuge from a war-stricken London in a Cotswold cottage. But when ambition to follow her dreams stirs in the eldest sister, both girls find themselves back in London, separated, and in incredible danger. This risk leaves a mark of devastation on their lives.
Modern day, England – A young scholar interviews Isabel McFarland about her experience growing up in the Second World War. What she finds out will change everything. Reader beware, this novel is extremely hard to put down.
What to sip: A cup of tea
Brew Earl Grey Tea (steeped 3-5 minutes), with a spot of milk and one sugar cube.
‘My Antonia’ by Willa Cather
A deeply nostalgic and poignant novel that follows the intertwined lives of Jim, an orphaned boy from Virginia and Antonia, the eldest daughter in a family of immigrants. Set on the Nebraska prairie, Jim’s recollection of his youth explores the hardships and hopes of pioneers and immigrants, the power of a lifelong friendship, and the deep pull of the American frontier.
My Antonia is gritty and has moments of intensity and deep sadness, but is a beautiful portrayal of resilience in the face of adversity and the richness that comes from a connection to the land. It’s a great American novel.
What to sip: My Antonia lager
This novel is so iconic there’s a beer named for it! Enjoy the citrusy and refined My Antonia lager from Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales. If you have trouble finding that (or don’t prefer beer!) try The Antonia cocktail.
‘Jayber Crow’ by Wendell Berry
Set in Wendell Berry’s beloved fictional town of Port Williams, Kentucky, Jayber Crow chronicles an orphaned boy who becomes the town’s barber.
Wendell Berry’s emphasis on belonging and connection to place and people shines in this work. If it is an enjoyable read, be sure to read the other novels that follow the lives of the Port Williams membership. Hannah Coulter is another favorite!
What to sip: An old fashioned (made with bourbon, of course)
Ingredients:
2 oz. bourbon
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 sugar cube
Orange twist
Instructions:
Cover a sugar cube with bitters and a small spoon of warm water at the bottom of the glass. Muddle until the sugar dissolves and the water looks murky.
Add bourbon and stir.
Add one large piece of ice and stir until chilled, about 30 seconds.
Twist a piece of orange zest over the drink rim and drop into the glass.
‘Emma’ by Jane Austen
Emma is beautiful and clever. She is also quite wealthy which is exactly why she loves to play matchmaker but is convinced she’ll never bother to marry. Emma’s matchmaking skills (or lack thereof) lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and comedic blunders that eventually steer her and her heart in the right direction with the help of Mr. Knightley.
Austen’s comedy takes the reader on a journey with Emma as she confronts issues of class, growing in humility, and falling in love. You can’t help but root for her (even if she’s one of Austen’s more unlikeable heroines.) And yes, you may laugh out loud.
What to sip: A Strawberry mocktail
As a nod to the extravagant strawberry picking party at Donwell Abbey, whip up a strawberry puree mocktail.
Ingredients
1 oz. strawberry purée
1 oz. lime juice
4 oz. ginger beer
2 oz. club soda
Ice
Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
To make strawberry puree: Blend a 16 oz. bag frozen strawberries (no sugar added) in a food processor or blender until smooth.
Fill a glass halfway with ice.
Pour in the mocktail ingredients and stir until combined.
Add garnish and serve immediately.