Holiday Treats & Book Pairings

If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I love a theme. Perhaps it’s because I majored in Theatre in college and all our parties had themes or because my mom is the queen of coordinating decor for the seasons, but I can’t resist a theme.

This is especially true at Christmas. I am the number offended of the “But it’s festive!” argument at the grocery store (sorry Nick!). And let’s be real, is there anything better than curling up with a book by the light of the Christmas tree and enjoying a special treat?

Here are some treats and cocktails that I think pair perfectly with these holiday stories!

Yule Mule—A Princess for Christmas—It’s classic, but a little spicy and tart.

2 ounces vodka 1_2 ounce St. Germain (elderflower liquor) 1_3 cup fresh squeezed clementine or blood orange juice ginger beer, for topping pomegranate arils, for topping 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint (12).png

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Loaf—The White Christmas Inn—Cozy, best enjoyed warm and right out of the oven, with a cozy blanket and twinkle lights.

2 ounces vodka 1_2 ounce St. Germain (elderflower liquor) 1_3 cup fresh squeezed clementine or blood orange juice ginger beer, for topping pomegranate arils, for topping 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint (11).png

Eggnog—In a Holidaze—Classic with a twist and can make unexpected things happen, just like in this reimagined story following the Groundhog Day model.

2 ounces vodka 1_2 ounce St. Germain (elderflower liquor) 1_3 cup fresh squeezed clementine or blood orange juice ginger beer, for topping pomegranate arils, for topping 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint (9).png

Classic Hot Cocoa—All I Want For Christmas—This story is as sweet as it gets and feels you up with all the warm holiday fuzzies. You can’t go wrong with a classic!

2 ounces vodka 1_2 ounce St. Germain (elderflower liquor) 1_3 cup fresh squeezed clementine or blood orange juice ginger beer, for topping pomegranate arils, for topping 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint (8).png

Sparkling Apple Bourbon—It’s a Whole Spiel—This short story collection pairs perfectly with this sparkling twist on a classic festive drink!

2 ounces vodka 1_2 ounce St. Germain (elderflower liquor) 1_3 cup fresh squeezed clementine or blood orange juice ginger beer, for topping pomegranate arils, for topping 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint (7).png

Gingerbread Martini—Jingle Wars—This story get steamy and spicy, paired best with this sweet and spicy cocktail.

2 ounces vodka 1_2 ounce St. Germain (elderflower liquor) 1_3 cup fresh squeezed clementine or blood orange juice ginger beer, for topping pomegranate arils, for topping 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint (6).png

Mexican Wedding Cakes (cookies)—My True Love Gave To Me—A collection of short stories paired with a nostalgic holiday cookie! My mom makes this every year and they taste like Christmas to me!

2 ounces vodka 1_2 ounce St. Germain (elderflower liquor) 1_3 cup fresh squeezed clementine or blood orange juice ginger beer, for topping pomegranate arils, for topping 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint (5).png

Poinsettias—Winter Street—My friend Claire has the BEST holiday cocktail recipes on her site! These are the perfect sparkly, tart cocktail to pair with this family drama.

2 ounces vodka 1_2 ounce St. Germain (elderflower liquor) 1_3 cup fresh squeezed clementine or blood orange juice ginger beer, for topping pomegranate arils, for topping 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint (4).png

Holly Jolly Citrus— The Afterlife of Holly Chase—I read this book last year and loved the twist on a favorite story. It’s sweet and sour, just like Holly.

2 ounces vodka 1_2 ounce St. Germain (elderflower liquor) 1_3 cup fresh squeezed clementine or blood orange juice ginger beer, for topping pomegranate arils, for topping 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint (1).png

The Grinch—Faking Under the Mistletoe—This cocktail is aptly named for a main character that hates the holiday season. A sexy, fun holiday romance pairs nicely with this cocktail full of nontraditional holiday spice and just the right amount of sweetness.

2 ounces vodka 1_2 ounce St. Germain (elderflower liquor) 1_3 cup fresh squeezed clementine or blood orange juice ginger beer, for topping pomegranate arils, for topping 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint (2).png

Let me know if you try any of these! What’s your favorite treat to pair with you reading?

Photos of the cocktails belong to the original creator. I do not claim to own them or claim them as my own.

LifestylePhoebe Wrightholiday, cocktails, cookies, treatsComment