“Pouring out liquor is like burning books.” ―William Faulkner
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Episode 71. Cherry Spookliato
This is a fun twist on the classic (say it in the Emma D’Arcy voice) negroni…sbagliato…except instead of prosecco, we’re using sparkling red wine. We recommend Lambrusco. Add in Campari, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and a couple dashes of cherry bitters, and you have a delicious drink that even Victor would stop wallowing in his misery for. We got this recipe from @kristiwithatwist on Insatgram.
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Episode 70. Bloody Mary
There was really only one option for this week's cocktail. This savory drink, with a base of tomato juice and vodka, isn't just for hangovers and opulent brunch Instagram photos. Our version pairs well with raw steak and feminine rage.
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Episode 69. Between the Sheets
The revolution will not take place in the streets, but in the sheets! If Julia had her way, that is. We chose a lighthearted cocktail this week to counteract the utter bleakness that is 1984. This combination of cognac, light rum, triple sec, and lemon juice is definitely better than that Victory Gin everyone has to drink.
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Episode 68. Frozen Bourbon Cherry Coke
With this drink, we are paying homage to our favorite frozen redhead (she lives in Toronto, has red hair...you get it) and young divorcee Maggie. All you need is bourbon, cherry juice, and coke. Oh, and ice. Lots of ice. Blend and drink up! Just try not to let all your emotional turmoil build up until it all comes crashing down around you, okay?
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Episode 67. Red Russian Moscow Mule
This week, our resident cocktail expert (Russian) Taylor combined two Russia-inspired drinks to make a beverage that Behemoth, Koroviev, and even Woland himself would enjoy (preferably by the light of a burning restaurant). All you need is vodka - of course - cherry liqueur, ginger beer, and lime juice. Mix and toast to the Motherland.
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Episode 66. Mystical Succulent
ChatGPT for cocktails…who knew?? This week for cocktail inspiration we bowed to our AI overlords and got this desert-inspired drink, which we renamed for the giant cactus that plays a central role in this week’s read. Combining cactus juice (or your closest available equivalent), lime juice, and tequila, this cocktail is a refreshing balm for those hot desert days.
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Episode 65. Alcestis
We got a fun Taylor-made cocktail for this week! Named after the mysterious painting done by the main character, and the Greek tragedy that inspired it. We used kitron, an authentic Greek citrus liqueur, cucumber, mint, tonic water, and a few dashes of Peychaud’s to create this delicious drink.
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Episode 64. Gin Eyre
Once again, we turn to pod favorite resource Tequila Mockingbird to bring you this week’s drink - yes, it’s gin. We can’t get enough of it! Much like how our gal Jane can’t get enough of Mr. Rochester (wink wink). Pour yourself a glass and wander a creepy mansion. Just watch out for mad women in the attic.
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Episode 63. The Last Laugh
Gin, maraschino liqueur, Green Chartreuse (if you can get it), lime juice, and sparkling wine come together to create this delicious cocktail worthy of our favorite (fictional) artist Anita de Monte. We recommend pairing this one with sweet revenge.
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Episode 62. Spring Fever
Celie didn’t have an easy life, but she did have some moments of happiness and beauty. This delicious drink celebrates the beauty of spring, and, of course, the color purple. Empress Indigo Gin, lemon juice, honey, and lemon lime soda combine to create a sweet and springy cocktail. Enjoy it with your sister.
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Episode 61. Penicillin
Oh, if only our lead character had some penicillin on hand when she ran away into the wilderness! Us readers will just have to make do with this cocktail version. Combining scotch, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup, this delicious drink does a great job of numbing the pain.
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Episode 60. The Rye in the Catcher
We would be utter phonies if we didn’t have a rye-based cocktail this week. Here’s a drink that even Holden Caulfield would love, from the delightful book Tequila Mockingbird: rye whiskey, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and ginger beer. Just don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.
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Episode 59. The Harlem
We love a gin-based drink here at L&L, and this week’s cocktail is no exception. Dating back to Prohibition Era Harlem, this delicious cocktail combines gin, pineapple juice, Maraschino liqueur, and bitters to bring you a cool, refreshing beverage you can enjoy during those hot city nights.
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Episode 58. Canchánchara
This week’s cocktail is a refreshing Cuban classic which supposedly was invented during the time of Cuba’s fight for independence from Spain in the 19th century. We can easily imagine Colonel Aureliano Buendia knocking back a few of these between breaks in fighting his revolution. Aguardiente if you have it (white rum if not), lime juice, honey syrup, and club soda are all you need.
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Episode 57. Blueberry Mule
This week, we take your classic Moscow Mule recipe and add blueberries. Why? Because it’s delicious. And because the color blue is very important in this week’s novel: blue beads, Blue Prairie Woman...blueberries. Using homemade or store boght blueberry syrup adds a delicious sweetness to the spice of ginger beer.
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Episode 56. the Toni Morrison
We got this cocktail from pod-favorite book Buzzworthy! Gin, homemade blueberry syrup, cream, lemon juice, lime juice, and egg whites combine to create a beautiful lavender cocktail when, topped with club soda, froths and foams into a creamy concoction. Like Morrison’s novel, it is complex with a little sweetness and sourness blended in.
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Episode 55. Za'atar Paloma
We wanted to evoke the tastes of the Middle East for this week’s read, and this cocktail definitely delivers! With za’atar simple syrup, tequila, and fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, this twist on the classic Paloma will transport you to the beautiful desert landscapes of the region. Once you take a sip of this unique drink, you can’t help but praise the Lord! (Sorry.)
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Patreon Episode 01. Ron's Sacrifice
For our first Patreon episode, we wanted to pay homage to our favorite emotionally stunted ginger and wizard's chess champion, Ron Weasley. We used a Hogwarts classic, Pumpkin Juice, as a base, then added our favorite liquor to ~spice it up~ a bit. We recommend vodka, spiced rum, or bourbon. You can follow the recipe linked below for a large batch of pumpkin juice (it's also delicious without alcohol!).
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Episode 54. Salty Dog
The only thing saltier Charles Tansley’s attitude toward everything is the ocean, which inspired this refreshing cocktail. With gin, grapefruit juice, and a salted rim (of course), this is a perfect cocktail to have while trying to capture the likeness of your (probably??) forbidden object of desire.
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Episode 53. Hot Toddy
Winter is cold but this drink is hot and just like the contents of Lily King’s collection of short stories, it will melt your damn heart.
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Episode 51. Sage Advice
This week’s cocktail is a wintery twist on the classic whiskey sour (which is why it’s such a hit with your hosts!). Good bourbon, fresh lime juice, and a cinnamon sage simple syrup combine for an incredibly smooth and delicious drink, one that you’ll be sipping all winter long.
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Episode 50. Ginger & Red Wine Fizz
This week is all about the fall vibes: deep, rich hues and natural, earthy flavors. This delicious cocktail combines red wine, orange liqueur, and ginger beer to create a spicy/sweet drink that is perfect when you want to feel autumnal, but not in a pumpkin-spice way.
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Episode 49. Montana Beer
Montana is well-known for their beer. Pay homage this week to the cold landscape where our narrator lives by cracking open a beer from the Last Best Place. Kayla is drinking a KettleHouse brew from Bonner, MT. Taylor found a Cold Snack from the Bozeman area. No matter where you are, we hope a Montana beer can find its way to you. Cheers!
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Episode 48. Martini with a (Spooky) Twist
For this All Hallows Eve, we put a spooky twist on the classic martini. Whether you prefer gin or vodka, shaken or stirred, get into the…spirit…of the holiday by adding grenadine and a gummy worm, or an olive “eyeball”. For your martini, take 2 1/2 oz of gin or vodka, 1/2 oz dry vermouth (Taylor used sweet vermouth for her cocktail for a more candy-inspired version), and a few dashes of orange bitters. Stir in a glass filled with ice, or shake in a cocktail shaker with ice until very chilled. Strain into your glass.
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Episode 47. Pupkin Pie Punch
This Taylor-made cocktail contains plenty of sweetness - perfect to pacify our favorite murderous puppet. Here’s what you need:
3/4 oz bourbon or vodka
1 oz pumpkin spice liqueur
2 tsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla
cinnamon powder
pumpkin hard cider
To make, add first five ingredients in a shaker with ice. Pour into a festive glass (no need to strain), then top with hard cider. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
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Episode 46. the Other Mother
This is one drink you'll want to stay in the Other Realm for, created by Taylor. An enticing mix of vodka, dark berry liqueur, fresh blackberries, and lemon lime soda offers a scarily sweet refresher. See this episode’s show notes wherever you listen to the podcast to get the recipe. Just don’t get too distracted and let the Beldam sew buttons into your eyes….
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Episode 45. Union Club
Whether you spent your day riding the rails, working in terrible conditions for unfair wages, or fighting for the rights of your fellow humans, there’s no better way to wind down than with a good drink. This simple cocktail combines the smoothness of bourbon with the bitterness of Campari - kind of like life in early 20th century America.
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Episode 44. Dark n' Stormy
What better cocktail than one that accurately describes the external weather and internal mood of Wuthering Heights and its inhabitants? Drink up, listeners, but do not leave us in this abyss, where we cannot find you!
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Episode 43.5 Pisco Sour
You may know and love the Whiskey Sour, as we do, so we’re super excited to be featuring the Pisco Sour this week. Pisco is abrandy that originates from Peru of Chile (depending on who you ask) which brings an earthy, herbal flavor to this cocktail.
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Episode 43. the Isabel Allende
We are celebrating Chilean author Isabel Allende with a version of a classic Chilean drink. Rich and heady, just like the scenes Allende conjures up in her tales, this cocktail combines port wine, whisky, egg yolk, and spice for a memorable sipping experience that will transport you to the magical worlds Allende creates.
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Episode 42. Velvet Elvis
Whether you’re down at the end of Lonely Street (at Heartbreak Hotel), or walkin’ in Memphis in your blue suede shoes, you can’t help falling in love with this cocktail. Made with Tennessee whiskey (of course), raspberry liqueur, and lime juice, there’s no better way to celebrate the King. Drink up, baby (ah-huh-huh)!
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Episode 41. the Marcellus
Named after our favorite orange octopus, this Taylor made original is a delicious beverage perfect for sipping by the ocean as you contemplate its depths and the meaning of life (or whatever). Here’s how to make it:
2 oz dark rum
1/2 oz Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur)
1 oz orange juice
ginger beer
Combine first 3 ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled. Pour over glass filled with crushed ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with an orange slice.
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Episode 40. Ward Eight
Created at the turn of the 20th century in Boston, this cocktail celebrated the (admittedly shifty) election of a popular politician in the eighth ward. But no matter the circumstances of its creation, you can’t go wrong with this riff on the whiskey sour. Using orange juice along with lemon juice, and grenadine instead of simple syrup, this cocktail is sure to make you scream…
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Episode 39. Gin Rickey
Keep it fun yet simple with this classic cocktail: all you need is gin, lime juice, and soda water. After a couple of these, you’ll be ready for a trip into town to escape the oppressive heat of a summer’s day in East Egg where all your secrets and insecurities come to light, or an all-night party at Gatsby’s in West Egg…the choice is yours!
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Episode 38. The Torrey Peters
Our first cocktail from Buzzworhy by Jennifer Croll! This fun cocktail uses Hibiscus infused rum and Ogreat syrup to create a colorful, unique beverage.
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Episode 37. Corpse Reviver No. 2
In Luli Wei’s world, metaphors are reality: stars live eternally and Hollywood is full of monsters that long ago sold their souls for the power they hold. “Corpse Reviver” may seem like a sinister cocktail for a novel about Hollywood, but we find it dead on.
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Episode 36. Montana Whiskey
This week, we are keeping it simple under the Big Sky. Whether you spent the day fishing the Blackfoot, working cattle on the ranch, or traversing mountain trails, there’s nothing like a smooth glass of Montana-made whiskey to rest your weary bones. Pour a glass, kick up your boots, and wonder how you got so lucky.
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Episode 35. The Pink Lady
The Pink Lady is a cocktail born from misogyny. Made for “the nice little girl who works in files”, it’s pink color is just too tempting to the female imbiber. Maybe if Esther hadn’t have questioned her womanly role in society, she wouldn’t have ended up so hysterical..
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Episode 34.5 Chimayó
For the second part of our book discussion, we took inspiration from another location important to the book: New Mexico! This autumnal cocktail mixes tequila, blackcurrant liqueur, apple cider, and lemon juice for a crisp drink that transports you to Rancho de Chimayó, the 19th-century hacienda-turned-restaurant where this cocktail was created.
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Episode 34. Starbucks Iced Coffee Cocktail
Oh, rainy Seattle! The birthplace of Starbucks Coffee and partial setting of the Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing. We’re paying homage to both with this cocktail! This one is truly customizable; you can use whatever coffee roast, vodka flavor, and creamer you desire! Enjoy in the rain or sun.
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Episode 33. Chocolate Martini
This beverage is sure to comfort you as you read the tragic love story of Cecilia and Robbie. This recipe by the Preppy Kitchen uses Baileys and chocolate liqueur to make this decadent cocktail.
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Episode 32. City of Stars
Bartender Johnny Swet from the Skylark in NYC elevates a standard Negroni by adding Allspice Dram. The end result is stunning, and will impress any cocktail connoisseur.
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Episode 31. Tom Collins
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Episode 30.5 Ume Highball
A highball is a classic cocktail that pairs any liquor with soda water. Brought to us by Diversivore, this highball pairs whisky, umeshu (plum wine), and ginger together to create an easy-drinking whisky cocktail.
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Episode 30. Grapefruit Sake Cocktail
This recipe uses sake, gin, and lots of grapefruit to create a bright, delightful cocktail that will make you forget all of your female woes. Existential dread is no match for a pink, fizzy beverage.
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Episode 29. Honey Rose Old Fashioned
A love story between honey and roses is meant to be sweet, and thats exactly what this cocktail is. Honey rose simple syrup infuses this beverage with candied floral notes that balance with the robust bourbon. The flavors lead to easy drinking, but be careful…they may also lead to surprise matrimony.
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Episode 28. Lemonade with Vanilla, Mint and Rosemary
Janie is a woman who knows she deserves it all, she would never settle for plain lemonade, and neither should you! With vanilla bean, fresh mint, and fragrant rosemary, this lemonade is the extravagant beverage fit for Janie, and YOU!
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Episode 27. Spicy Mango Moscow Mule
Our Bandit Queens hail from the vast country of India, where mango is the national fruit! This cocktail from freshflavorful pairs mango with spicy jalapeno and ginger beer for an anything-but-ordinary flavor experience!
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Episode 26. the Manhattan
With only 3 ingredients, this cocktail is simple but strong. The Manhattan’s flavor profile may be too much for the booze novice . Just like the story of our main character, it’s not for the faint of heart.
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Episode 25: Blood Orange Champagne Mule
Champagne and blood orange class up the traditional Mule in this HBH recipe. The champs makes this cocktail an obvious go-to for NYE (or brunch, or a random Tuesday..). Raise your flute with us as we cheers to the beginning of 2023 and to more fabulous reads!
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Episode 24. Spiked Eggnog
I guess we could technically blame the Fitzwilliam’s famous spiked eggnog for the messy situation Darcy finds herself in, but would we really want to blame such a delicious beverage? No. Never. You can add whatever libation your festive little heart desires (Taylor recommends spiced rum and maple liqueur) and drink to your merry content!
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Episode 23. Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz
Just like the March sisters, the cocktail for part two is a bit more mature. This esteemed, festive cocktail pairs bourbon with all of your favorite holiday spices, AND a little bubbly. Brought to you by Half Baked Harvest, we encourage you to imbibe in some yule-tide merriment with this delicious cocktail.
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Episode 22. The Apple Pie-tini
Can you get more American than Apple pie and the Marches? The answer is no. Would the Marches imbibe with his cocktail? The answer is also no. But we definitely think you should this holiday season! This delicious cocktail was created by the Literary Vegan.
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Episode 20: Pocket Full of Green
Created by Hendrick’s Gin, this week’s cocktail is a fun little double entendre and full of fun ingredients- like aloe vera juice! Gin, cucumber, and mint make this drink lovely and refreshing, just like Delilah and Claire’s love story.
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Episode 19. Black Widow Smash
Can Ruth be described as a Black Widow? We think so. Thus, we turned to Half Baked Harvest for this moody and delicious cocktail. Made with Mezcal, a smoky Mexican tequila, blackberries, rosemary, and honey, this drink is perfect for all your post-mushroom-infested haunted house wanderings.
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Episode 18. The Nellie
This cocktail was created by Carla Davis via 1428elm. We named this cocktail the Nellie after the main character in the Haunting of Hill House. Just like Nellie, this cocktail undergoes an eerie transformation. The Nellie is the perfect spooky season cocktail, it will make you believe you’re seeing things….
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Episode 17. Gray Matter
Once again, our master cocktail creator Taylor has put together a delicious drink. Named for the work Gifty does in her lab, this cocktail combines gin, grapefruit, and rosemary in a simple way. We add bitters for a complex flavor experience. Bitter and sweet: such is life, as only Yaa Gyasi can write. You can find this recipe on our Instagram page.
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Episode 16. Sloe Gin Fizz
Sloe gin (made from sloe berries) is technically not gin, but a gin-based liqueur. But no mater how you swing it, this classic 1950s cocktail is crisp, delicious, and perfect for these hot summer days (and illicit hotel room nights…)
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Episode 15. Lychee Margaritatini
Inspired by the name of the cocktail in the novel, our resident libations expert Taylor created this delicious drink. Half margarita, half martini, and full of LYCHEE!A delicious floral fruit that should be in every cocktail, ever. You can find similar recipes online.
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Episode 14. Bad Thoughts
Bad thoughts permeate the minds of those who attend the School For Good Mothers. Good thoughts permeate the minds of those who drink this cocktail.
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Episode 13. Sunny Side of the Street
Take a trip down Memory Lane and enjoy a Capri Sun in a whole new way! This cocktail combines a childhood favorite with rum, lemon, and maraschino to create a fun, youthful cocktail.
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Episode 12. Old Stock Ale by North Coast Brewing
Brewed with Maris Otter malt and Fuggles and East Kent Goldings hops, all imported from England, this Ale pours a dark amber color and has a bold, malty flavor. Pour this in your favorite cup, or chalice, and enjoy some smooth sippin’,
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Episode 11. Malibu Sunset
This beautiful cocktail is aptly named Malibu Sunset because its color reflects the sun setting over the Pacific. Whether you’re on a California beach, or a farm in Iowa, you’ll be hearing waves while you sip this cocktail.
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Episode 10. Oolong Old Fashioned
Have no fear, there is not rotgut in this here fine cocktail. The smooth, smoky notes from the whiskey and the nutty, toasty flavors from the oolong tea go together like Ming and his railroad spike.
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Episode 09. Hemingway Daiquiri
Hemingway preferred his daiquiris with double the rum, no sugar and ice cold. His namesake daiquiri adds maraschino liqueur and grapefruit to make a drink that can be enjoyed by all, and not just Hemingway.
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Episode 08. Folere Spritzer
Folere is a cold iced tea drink made with hibiscus and pineapple. You could find this refreshing tea being sold in outdoor markets in several African countries. Add some bubbly and you’ve got a beautiful and tasty cocktail!
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Episode 07. Two Hands Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon
In honor of the sexy beast himself, we picked this Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. Word on the street is Keanu enjoys himself an Australian red. This full bodied wine has silky tannins with jammy and earthy notes.
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Episode 06. Guaro Sour
Aguardiente is known as the national liquor of Colombia, made with star anise, this libation has a licorice flavor to it. In this cocktail, flavors of star anise and pineapple and orange mingle together to create a truly unique and enjoyable taste.
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Episode 05. the Mr. Darcy
This cocktail is a mix of lemon, Earl Grey tea, and elderflower. It drinks like an Arnold Palmer, but with a sophisticated and boozy twist. We can imagine Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy himself enjoying this cocktail on the majestic Pemberley grounds.
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Episode 04. the Bramble
The bramble is a gin cocktail created by Dick Bradsell in 1980s London. It is also the shrub in which blackberries grow. Our novel takes place in England, and there are a few references to brambles and blackberry jam, making this cocktail pairing BRILLIANT.
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Episode 03. Pina Colada
Olga may drink her rum straight up like a badass, but the L&L gals needed something a bit more fruity. Who truly made the Pina Colada, we may never know but we DO know the National drink of Puerto Rico is delicious!
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Episode 02. "Grey Wolf"
Created by Julia Momose, this take on an old fashioned combines savory, sweet, and acidic notes. This cocktail is going to put some wolf hair on our chest, because just like our main character Inti…SHE STRONG
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Episode 01. "Burning History"
Created by James Shearer, this cocktail is creamy, smoky, spicy, sweet, with just a hint of citrus. The name of the cocktail reminds us of the burning histories of the characters in the novel.