literary gluttony

Where we serve up the perfect drink to pair with your next book binge.

Welcome to Bookish Happy Hour, the part of the week where we combine two of my favorite indulgences: stories and sips. Whether you’re winding down after a long week or setting the vibe for a solo night in, this pairing is made for you.

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📚 This Week’s Read:

Babel by R.F. Kuang

If you haven’t picked up this brilliant, brutal, and beautifully written dark academia novel yet—let this be your sign. Set in an alternate 1800s Oxford, Babel weaves linguistic magic, revolution, and the cost of empire into one unforgettable narrative.

Expect:

• Morally gray academia
• Found family (with consequences)
• Slow-burn rage and rebellion
• A healthy dose of heartbreak

This isn’t just a story—it’s an emotional gauntlet. And yes, you’ll thank it for wrecking you.

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🍸 Paired With:

The Smoky Old Fashioned

Why it works: It’s strong, complex, and brooding—just like the book. The smoke adds a subtle drama that mirrors the story’s simmering tension and inevitable explosion.

Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon (choose something bold and oaky)
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Optional: smoked wood chips or a smoked glass for that extra flair

Sip slowly. Let the heat linger. Reflect.

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🎧 Optional Vibe Boost:

Rainy Study Ambience + Classical Instrumentals
Cue up a YouTube ambiance playlist: “Oxford Library in a Thunderstorm” is a personal fave. Add a blanket and you’re golden.

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📣 Your Turn:

What are you reading this weekend, and what’s in your glass (or mug)?
Drop your bookish happy hour pairings in the comments—I’m always looking for new flavors and new favorites.

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Cheers to a well-read weekend.