Reading List: Book & Drink Pairings
Looking for a new read? Why not pair it with a fitting drink? These are some recommended book and drink pairings based on the books I read last year. I have no training, licensure, or experience in the area of book and drink pairings which makes it all the more fun to do. Enjoy!
Becoming by Michelle Obama (Buy on Amazon)
Drink Pairing: Champagne
Why? Like Michelle Obama champagne exudes class and optimism.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan (Buy on Amazon)
Drink Pairing: Bourbon from St. Augustine Distillery
Why? Whiskey was General Leyers drink of choice throughout the book and part of an important scene in Chapter 20. And let’s be honest, you need something stuff when working through this equally uplifting and heartbreaking WWII story based on true events. Any whiskey will do, but I chose St. Augustine Distillery because I fell in love with the place after my visit.
To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins (Buy on Amazon)
Drink Pairing: Modelo Negra
Why? A substantial portion of Jenkins bike ride from Oregon to Patagonia takes place in Mexico and Modelo Negra is the type of easy drinking, beer that’s good after a long workout. (It’s also my fav. Mexican lager)
Be the CEO of Your Law Firm by Alexandra Lozano (Buy on Amazon)
Drink Pairing: Mushroom Coffee
Why? It’s time to get to work!
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer (Buy on Amazon)
Drink Pairing: Tequila
Why? Although you learn in the book that it’s largely a stage persona, Amy Schumer has a reputation is thought of as wild and tequila is the quintessential wild night drink!
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (Buy on Amazon)
Drink Pairing: French Wine
Why? The story is set in WWII France and wine, and frequently the absence of the small luxury, comes up multiple times.
The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Kim Barker (Buy on Amazon)
Drink Pairing: Vodka
Why? The easiest alcohol to home ferment and hide seems an apropos pairing for a book about a region where alcohol consumption is heavily restricted or banned (but attainable).
I’m Fine…and Other Lies by Whitney Cummings (Buy on Amazon)
Drink Pairing: Tea
Why? Although Cummings is a famous stand-up comedian the book is more self-help (with amusing anecdotes) and warrants a contemplative drink like tea.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan (Buy on Amazon)
Drink Pairing: Singapore Sling
Why? In a happy scene in the book, the characters enjoy Singapore Slings at the Marina Bay Sands. The internet says it “tastes like paradise” so seems like a drink worth trying (I haven’t…yet). Bonus points if you imbibe at the Marina Bay Sands or Raffles Singapore‘s Long Bar where it was invented.
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay (Buy on Amazon)
Drink Pairing: Spicy Paloma
Why? The book of essays, like a spicy paloma, is a little bit of everything all rolled into one. It hurts at points (because of the topics covered, not the writing) and is sweet at others.
City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte (Buy on Amazon)
Drink Pairing: Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino
Why? Like the Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino (haven’t actually tried it), this book was a little weird. It was also recommended by a red head and I’ve learned they self-identify as unicorns.
If you buy any of the books through the links on this page, I’ll get a small (likely pocket change small) amount from Amazon, with no impact on your order or increased charge to you.
