Hello, darlings. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I like to enjoy a cocktail while I read. So I thought, how fun would it be to find cocktails that fit the first book of each of my series? I may do the rest of the books, let’s save that for another post so I can really think about it and give them great recommendations.

I was going to call this post Cocktails and Cock Tales, but I’m pretty sure someone was going to come at me for that one. A missed punny opportunity for sure. I digress.

Now, I did my best to match up the books with a delicious drink that encompassed the book’s vibe. I’ve also included links to each drink recipe if you’d like to make them at home or read about some of their intriguing histories.

Let’s dive in with some cocktail/book pairings, shall we?

My first book, An Irresistible Shadow, is best enjoyed with something timeless, classic, and strong as hell. An Old Fashioned fits the bill perfectly. There’s something about a well-balance whiskey drink that goes down smooth…just like Gabriel’s charm. The Spruce Eats has a delightful post showcasing the history of the Old Fashioned and offers the basics of how to make this classic cocktail. Click HERE for the link.

A Lockdown Love Affair was my first contemporary rom com, and it holds a special place in my heart. I knew the perfect sipping drink for this book had to be sweet, spicy, and knock you on your ass. The pineapple jalapeno margarita nails it. It’s the perfect way to stay cool as the heat builds between Penelope and Ben. *Fans self* Click HERE for the recipe.

For His Wicked Whispers, I almost went with something absolutely filthy…like a dirty martini. But there’s a complexity to these characters that deserves redemption. Crispin and Ruby dance around their attraction throughout the book. The sweetness of sugar and the bite of lemon showcase the balance between these two perfectly. A battle of wills to leave you breathless. Click HERE for the recipe.

It would have been easy to go with the obvious here. But Nathaniel and Ginny are anything but obvious. They come from very different worlds, but their chemistry is off the charts. I chose the Sazerac as their cocktail. The spice of the rye whiskey and the bite of absinthe shows just how well two very different liquors can work together. Kinda like my moonshine runner and the river rat stowaway. Here’s the Recipe.

A New Year’s toast wouldn’t be complete without champagne, but this book is more complicated than a New Year’s celebration gone wrong. It’s a complete transformation, going from the present to 1985. Arthur and Kate would most definitely celebrate their good fortune with a French 75. You should definitely give this one a try while you’re reading how Kate falls in love with her father’s boss. Click HERE for the recipe.

A fantasy/fairy tale romance like Curse of the Huntsman’s Jewel deserves a drink that turns heads. The Corpse Reviver No. 2 bears a strange name with an interesting history. I’ve only just recently been introduced to it, but it definitely leaves a lasting impression. I imagine the cast of Huntsman’s Jewel need a few of these after their adventure. The absinthe gives it a hint of complexity and leaves you wondering if you’ll be seeing fairies later…but it’s probably just the story’s lingering after effects. Check out the recipe HERE.

Confessions of a Fangirl is a love letter to the struggles of being a fangirl. I’ve made no secret of my deep, personal connection to this book. That aside, Jen and Shaun are a classic pair, and their romance should be enjoyed with something equally classic, like the Gimlet. The best part, it’s a customizable drink. You can select your favorite gin of choice and add mint, basil, or cucumber to give it a twist. Click HERE for the classic recipe.

I hope you enjoyed my little cocktail pairing post. Let me know if you’re interested in more of these. I can come up with some great ones for the other books in my backlist. I can even do a mocktail one for those who don’t partake.

Until then, sip responsibly while you read. Enjoy! xoxo

Kirsten