May Nightcaps
"China Rich Girlfriend" - paired with The Elderflower Gin Spritz
The Elderflower Gin Spritz feels like the impossibly chic older sister to book one’s gin & coconut water cooler — because China Rich Girlfriend takes everything from Crazy Rich Asians and elevates it to couture-week, private-jet, old-money chaos. The crisp gin keeps the series’ signature sophistication, while the elderflower liqueur adds a floral elegance that perfectly matches Astrid, Colette, and the glamorous Paris scenes. Meanwhile, the ginger beer brings just enough spice and bite to mirror the family drama, social climbing, and emotional unraveling simmering beneath all the luxury. Like the novel itself, the drink starts delicate and polished before turning a little chaotic by the end. Sophisticated, sparkling, and slightly dramatic, this cocktail is China Rich Girlfriend in a glass.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
-
2 oz gin
1 oz elderflower liqueur
0.5oz lemon juice
top with ginger beer
"Beyond Her Shores" - paired with the Pineapple Ginger Fizz Cocktail
Bright pineapple leads the way, lifted by fresh lime and finished with a warm ginger kick that lingers in the best possible way. It’s tropical without being too sweet, refreshing but layered—like humidity in the air, secrets just beneath the surface, and stories shaped by place, history, and slow-building tension. Pair this cocktail with Beyond Her Shores by Lisi Lopez or the Strange Eden series by Gina Giordano. Both historical fiction stories with tropical ties. Together, these reads bring lush, transportive settings and atmospheric storytelling where destination becomes its own character—perfectly mirrored by a drink that feels like stepping somewhere just a little bit untamed, a little bit mysterious, and completely immersive.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
-
1.5 oz white rum (or vodka)
2 oz pineapple juice
½ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz ginger syrup (or muddled fresh ginger + honey)
Sparkling water
Ice
Instructions: Shake rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and ginger syrup with ice. Strain into a glass over fresh ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lime wheel or candied ginger.
"The Night We Met" - paired with a Strawberry Basil Spritz Mocktail
Sweet strawberries, a hint of basil, and a whole lot of spring/summer energy in one glass. It’s the kind of drink you make when you’re easing into a new book you know you’re about to get attached to. Pair with Abbey Jimenez’s latest release, The Night We Met and Laura Piper Lee’s newest, Pot Shot. This is where soft meets sharp. The strawberry brings that romantic, tender sweetness perfect for Jimenez’s latest release, while the basil adds a slightly savory twist that keeps things interesting–very Pot Shot energy. It’s flirty, a little complex, and proof that light doesn’t have to mean simple.
-
3–4 fresh strawberries, sliced
2–3 fresh basil leaves
½ oz honey or simple syrup
½ oz fresh lemon juice
Sparkling water
Ice
Instructions: Muddle strawberries, basil, and honey until juicy and fragrant. Add lemon juice and ice, then top with sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with basil or a strawberry slice.
April Nightcaps
"The Housemaid" - paired with a Blackberry Bourbon Smash
This one’s for those moodier spring evenings—windows cracked, blanket nearby, and a strong chance of plot twists incoming. Dark, slightly sharp, and unexpectedly complex, this cocktail keeps you on your toes… much like the stories it’s paired with. Pair with The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden (really any Freida McFadden, no notes), or Mary Kubica’s latest release It’s Not Her. Books & Bottles has a full review on her IG & how to make it reel. Because if there’s ever a time to lean into chaos, secrets, and “just one more chapter”… it’s with a bourbon in hand.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
-
2 oz bourbon
4–5 blackberries
½ oz simple syrup
½ oz lemon juice
Fresh mint
Ice
Instructions:
Muddle blackberries, mint, and simple syrup in a shaker. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
"Crazy Rich Asians" - paired with a Gin & Coconut Water Cooler
The Gin + Coconut Water Cooler is your official welcome into the world of Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan—and your first introduction to gin as the signature spirit of this trilogy. Think of this as the moment everything shifts: what starts off light, fresh, and easy, quickly reveals a layer of unexpected sophistication. Gin is the perfect parallel—it’s crisp and refreshing at first sip, but underneath is a complex blend of botanicals that feels intriguing, a little unfamiliar, and undeniably elevated. Paired with coconut water and bright lime, it softens into something effortlessly drinkable. This cocktail sets the tone for what’s to come: a spirit that will evolve with the story—starting here, clean and curious, before building into something far more glamorous, indulgent, and dramatic by the final book.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
-
2 oz gin
2 oz coconut water
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
0.25–0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
Add everything to a shaker with ice, shake lightly, and pour over fresh ice.
March Nightcaps
"An Offer From a Gentleman" - paired with a Grapefruit Sea Salt Paloma Royale
Dearest readers, one simply cannot step into a new social season without the proper refreshment in hand. This most charming concoction is delightfully citrus-forward, crowned with a sparkling finish — refreshing enough to revive the spirits, yet dramatic enough to invite a whisper or two behind the fan. Naturally, one out to pair it with An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn. Sip carefully, dear reader — one never knows when scandal may strike... or when the orchestra might begin playing a most unexpected pop refrain.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
-
2 oz blanco tequila
2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
½ oz lime juice
½ oz simple syrup (optional, to taste)
Tiny pinch of sea salt
Top with prosecco or champagne
"Morning Star" - paired with a Sons of Ares Boulevardier
By the time we reach Morning Star by Pierce Brown, the third in the Red Rising Saga, the rebellion is out in the open, the war is real, and the emotional states are heavier than ever. The Boulevardier is richer, darker, and more intense — reflecting a finale of brutal losses, hard-earned victories, and a future that's still complicated, but free. We're keeping the bourbon base, because Darrow's core never changes. The Campari is blood-red, bitter, and unapologetic. With every sip, you're reminded that the rebellion may be righteour, but it isn't easy. And the sweet vermouth mirrors the remnants of Gold society — it softens the drink slightly but never enough to hide the bitterness underneath.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
-
1.5 oz bourbon
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Stir with ice 20–25 seconds
Strain into a chilled coupe or over a large ice cube
Garnish: orange peel
February Nightcaps
"The Invisible String” - paired with Vanilla Bourbon Milk Punch
At first glance, a children’s book and a cocktail might feel like an unexpected match — but The Invisible String is all about the kind of love that lasts, and so is this drink. Think of this cocktail as all the cozy comfort of a glass of milk, but for grown-ups. The Vanilla Bourbon Milk Punch adds warmth, nostalgia, and a silky smoothness, softening the bourbon’s edges the same way the story gently explains big feelings to little hearts. Sip it to help make storytime a little extra special.
How to make (1 serving):
• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz whole milk (or cream for extra indulgence)
• ½ oz vanilla simple syrup*
• Ice cubes
Optional: sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a shaker with ice. Add bourbon, milk, and vanilla simple syrup. Shake gently to combine and chill. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon if desired. *Vanilla simple syrup: ½ cup sugar + ½ cup water + 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, heated until sugar dissolves and cooled.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
"People We Meet on Vacation" - paired with a Pink Grapefruit Vanilla Fizz (non-alcoholic)
Bright, bubbly, and just a little flirty, this is the perfect sip for diving into People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. Tart grapefruit juice meets sweet vanilla, sparkling water adds lift, and together they echo the book’s playful, slow-burn romance. It’s a drink that sparks energy without overpowering the cozy, swoony vibe of the story — ideal for rereading favorite lines or streaming the new Netflix adaptation.
How to make (1 serving):
• 3 oz fresh pink grapefruit juice (about half a medium grapefruit)
• ½ oz vanilla simple syrup*
• 3–4 oz sparkling water (club soda works too)
• Ice cubes
Optional garnish: grapefruit slice or a sprig of rosemary
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice and pour in the grapefruit juice and vanilla syrup. Top with sparkling water and gently stir. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or rosemary spring for an extra touch of romance. *To make vanilla simple syrup: combine ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water, and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, cool before using.
"Golden Son" - paired with a Gold Mask Manhattan
In Red Rising, we built the rebellion on bourbon and raw sugar. Now, we're keeping the bourbon base because Darrow is still Darrow and the rebellion hasn't disappeared. But instead of sugar, we've intentionally swapped it for Sweet Vermouth — a little more layered, complex, and polished. The bourbon represents Darrow's core: strong, buring, and unbreakable. The Sweet Vermouth is Gold society — silk, strategy, politics, and manipulation. The bitters and orange peel — present, because Gold is still on-top and the bitter cost never goes away. Ultimately, this drink is smoother and more refined but just as dangerous (maybe more so). Golden Son is war in ballrooms and battlefields. Same fire. New mask.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
January Nightcaps
"Great Big Beautiful Life" - paired with a Bee's Knees Mocktail Spritz
Light, bright, and absolutely Dry January-appropriate. Mix 2oz alcohol-free gin (or botanical spirit) with 1oz fresh lemon juice and ice, top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon peel and sugared rosemary sprig. Ritual Zero Proof Gin is an N&N favorite! We've paired this with Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry — a read about reinvention and stepping into your next chapter.
"We Were Liars" - paired with Butter Gin & Sea Salt French 75
Rich, silky, and unexpectedly perfect for winter nights. To make butter-washed gin (Grey Whale is a go-to), melt 1/2 stick butter and combine with 10oz gin in a jar. Mix, cool, freeze overnight, then strain out the butter with a coffee filter. Shake 1.5oz butter gin, juice of 1/2 a lemon, 0.5oz simply syrup, and a pinch of sea salt with ice. Shake well, strain into a champagne flute, and top with your favorite champagne! Pair it with We Were Liars by E. Lockhart — a sharp, atmospheric story full of secrets, privilege, and consequences. This pairing gives "new year, same haunting family drama" energy in the best way.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
"Red Rising" - paired with an Old Fashioned
A true classic cocktail, and this read called for something strong. For this, you'll need 2oz bourbon (we recommend Woodford Reserve) plus a sugar cube, simple syrup, or in this case, brown sugar. Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters. Don't forget to drop 1-2 cherries at the bottom and top it with an orange peel or slice. Everything about this says Red Rising by Pierce Brown. It's strong, burning, and uncompromising. The use of brown sugar mirrors Darrow and the Reds, while the bitters are reminiscent of the pain, sacrifice, and rage. The garnishes take this pairing to a new level, reflecting the Golds at the top with the orange, and the Reds at the bottom with the cherries. "Break the chains..."
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
December Nightcaps
"Good Spirits" - paired with a Snow Globe Mimosa
The perfect sparkling companion to Good Spirits by B.K. Borison – a Snow Globe Mimosa! With crisp champagne and smooth white cranberry juice, this drink offers a bright, refreshing balance to match the story’s heartfelt moments and playful charm. Plus, a swirl (optional) of edible glitter adds a shimmer of holiday magic. Sip, savor, and let the sparkle carry you straight into the spirit of this holiday read.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
"In A Holidaze" - paired with a Holiday French 75
We knew this Holiday French 75 was the ideal match for In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren as soon as we saw it shared by Drinks with Danica. It perfectly captures the story’s energy, romantic chaos, and festive sparkle. The classic elements of gin and lemon juice bring a zesty, wake-you-up snap – perfect for a book built on second changes and do-overs. Then, the cranberry juice or syrup adds a seasonal twist. Topped, of course, with sparkling wine. This cocktail feels fizzy and hopeful, making it a delightful sip-along companion for every twist, turn, and merry mishap.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
November Nightcaps
"Reign" - paired with Sherwin Family Vineyards 2022 Cabernet
The only wine fitting for a finale this dramatic — and yes, it does have the American flag etched onto the bottle. If that flag can survive the bottling process, then we can survive the royal theatrics. The wine itself is gorgeous — rich blackberry and cassis, a little oak, and a little spice — kind of like this series: part sweetness, part scandal, part, "We cannot believe they just did that." It's patriotic, punchy, and unapologetically dramatic, the ultimate toast to the end (or beginning) of an American Royal reign.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
October Nightcaps
"Rivals" - paired with Princesses Sparkling Wine
It feels only fitting to pair American Royals: Rivals with Princesses Sparkling Wine—because if this book is anything, it’s overflowing with princess rivalries. I promise this wine is more sparkling than Jeff’s personality (low bar, but still). Its crisp citrus notes mirror the sharp betrayals and shifting alliances in the royal court, while the playful bubbles capture the chaos of Nina and Daphne’s unlikely friendship. The elegant finish evokes Louise’s Jackie Kennedy poise, reminding us that even amid the scandals, there’s still a touch of grace. Like Rivals, this wine is effervescent, dramatic, and just the right amount of messy.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
September Nightcaps
"Majesty" - paired with Bertrand Orange Gold
The dark fruit flavors echo the glittering glamour of royal life, while smoky oak and spice mirror the tension and rivalries simmering beneath the crown. Just like the wine’s name suggests, Beatrice often feels like a prisoner in her role as queen—bound by duty even when her heart wants something else. Every chapter of McGee’s drama feels as layered as the wine’s velvety tannins and lush finish. Like Beatrice balancing duty, Daphne scheming her way into power, or Sam refusing to play by the rules, this wine keeps surprising you. And the king card on the label? That’s the crown jewel—a nod to every twist in this modern monarchy.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.
August Nightcaps
"American Royals" - paired with 2022 "Corrections" Red Blend by Prisoner Wines
The dark fruit flavors echo the glittering glamour of royal life, while smoky oak and spice mirror the tension and rivalries simmering beneath the crown. Just like the wine’s name suggests, Beatrice often feels like a prisoner in her role as queen—bound by duty even when her heart wants something else. Every chapter of McGee’s drama feels as layered as the wine’s velvety tannins and lush finish. Like Beatrice balancing duty, Daphne scheming her way into power, or Sam refusing to play by the rules, this wine keeps surprising you. And the king card on the label? That’s the crown jewel—a nod to every twist in this modern monarchy.
Must be 21+ to consume. Please drink responsibly.