Are you as big of a book nerd and as big of an alcohol enthusiast as we are? If so, then how about getting your hands on cocktails that are literally inspired by books? We’re pretty sure your eyes just lit up reading this. Well, we too loved this idea and decided to curate some of the best drinks you can enjoy in the comfort of your home! Here are 5 cocktails inspired by your favorite books, that you must try.
5 Cocktails Inspired By Your Favorite Books
- Smoking Bishop – A Christmas Carol, 1843
- Mint Julep – The Great Gatsby, 1925
- Jack Rose – The Sun Also Rises, 1926
- Scotch & Soda – The Catcher In The Rye, 1951
- Vesper Martini – Casino Royale, 1953
1. Smoking Bishop – A Christmas Carol, 1843
If you’ve read the book ‘A Christmas Carol’, you’ll remember how at the end of it Ebenezer Scrooge insists to discuss Bob Cratchitt’s affairs over a bowl of Smoking Bishop. This drink is very much inspired by this Charles Dickens novel and is a popular drink in Victorian England. With a blend of port, wine, fruit, and spices, a glass of Smoking Bishop is a close copy of mulled wine.
Ingredients
- Red wine (24 ounces)
- Ruby port (24 ounces)
- Vodka (21 ounces)
- Cinnamon (2 sticks)
- Cloves (10)
- Cardamom (10 pods)
- Caster sugar (100-150g, as per taste)
- Pared zest (of 2 oranges)
- Toasted almonds and raisins
How To Make Smoking Bishop
- In a pan, put the wine, port, vodka, cinnamon, sugar, cloves, orange zest, and cardamom and bring to a simmer on low heat.
- Take it off the heat and let it cool a bit.
- Serve with toasted almonds and raisins.
Also Read: 7 Best Egg White Cocktails That Taste Like A Dream
2. Mint Julep – The Great Gatsby, 1925
Inspired by the famous and liquor-steeped novel ‘The Great Gatsby’, is this cocktail called Mint Julep. This bourbon-based drink makes its special appearance during a hotel room scene between Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby. During this, with a sassy tone, Daisy says “I’ll make you a mint julep – then you’ll seem less stupid to yourself”. If you’re up for something sassy, then Mint Julep is your drink!
Ingredients
- Bourbon (2 ½ ounces)
- Simple syrup (1 ounce)
- Mint leaves (25-30 leaves)
- Water (4 ounces)
- Sugar (½ cup)
- Ice cubes
- Crushed ice
How To Make Mint Julep
- First, you need to make the mint simple syrup. For this, mix water and sugar and boil them.
- Fill a jar with mint leaves, pour the mixture into it, and keep it in the fridge for about an hour. Your mint simple syrup is ready!
- Now, in a cocktail shaker add some mint leaves, bourbon, mint simple syrup, ice cubes, and stir.
- Fill your glass halfway with ice cubes, and pour the mixture from the shaker into it.
- Top the glass with crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
Also Read: Best Mint Cocktails That’ll Refresh You This Summer
3. Jack Rose – The Sun Also Rises, 1926
If you’ve given ‘The Sun Also Rises’ a read, then you’ll remember its narrator Jack Barnes’ who, like Hemingway had a strong claim of not turning down a drink. His love to enjoy a Jack Rose at the Crillon Paris Hotel Bar, gave a whole new fanbase to this cocktail of Jack Rose. It features applejack, grenadine, and lemon juice, and is a popular drink of the 1920s.
Ingredients
- Lemon juice (¾ ounces)
- Applejack or apple brandy (1 ½ ounces)
- Grenadine (½ ounce)
- Lemon twist (to garnish)
How To Make Jack Rose
- Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake till it’s chilled.
- Now strain the mixture into a glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Also Read: Top Things To Remember When Making Cocktails
4. Scotch & Soda – The Catcher In The Rye, 1951
‘The Catcher In The Rye’ might be a book, that has a lot to complain about but its affinity to Scotch & Soda is something that definitely stands out. This one isn’t very much a cocktail, but yet a classic combination of sorts. If you’re looking for a word to describe it, “mature” would be the right one as it mainly focuses on the flavors and not the complications of a regular cocktail.
Ingredients
- Scotch (2 ounces)
- Club soda
- Lemon twist (garnish)
How To Make Scotch & Soda
- Fill a highball glass with ice and pour the scotch in it.
- Top it off with club soda and garnish with a lemon twist.
Also Read: 7 Best Scotch Cocktails You Don’t Want To Miss
5. Vesper Martini – Casino Royale, 1953
For a die-hard James Bond fan, this cocktail has to be a number one. This signature cocktail, first introduced in ‘Casino Royale’ is a concoction of gin, vodka, and Lillet (a French aperitif). This shaken (not stirred) Martini was made world-famous by James Bond and is one till date of the most classy cocktails to whip up.
Ingredients
- Vodka (1 ounce)
- Gin (3 ounces)
- Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth (½ ounce)
- Lemon peel (for garnish)
How To Make Vesper Martini
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with lemon peel and serve.
Also Read: 10 Best Martini Recipes
Summing Up
These cocktails inspired by your favorite books are a chance for you to know these characters from the books better. You won’t just get a taste of these unique flavors, but you’ll also be stepping into the shoes of these popular characters. So what are waiting for? Go on and get started with these recipes!
FAQs
What Was Hemingway’s Favorite Cocktail?
Hemingway loved daiquiris and mojitos, especially the ones served at Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio respectively.
What Did Famous Authors Drink?
Some authors had a signature choice in drinks, some of them are listed below:
- Jack Kerouac – Margarita
- Ernest Hemingway – Mojito
- Oscar Wilde – Absinthe
- Dorothy Parker – Whisky Sour
- Edgar Allan Poe – Cognac or Brandy Eggnog
- Maya Angelou – Sherry
What Alcohol Did They Have In Shakespeare Times?
Ales and beers were the staple everyday drink during Shakespeare’s times.
