Book Pairings?

A note at Book Beast got me thinking about drink pairings with books. Why stop at cheese, when a fabulous cocktail can help you uncover subtleties in great books?

F.S. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby – Mint Juleps: Gatsby, Tom, Jordan, and Daisy drink these at the hotel anyway – don’t they? – but I think these sassy, classy, slightly indulgent drinks will highlight some of the main issues of the book.

David Fulmer’s Valentin St. Cyr series – Bourbon: These absorbing mysteries set in New Orleans have all the fabulous elements of the Big Easy. Sip your bourbon slowly and turn on some jazz.

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – Pim’s Cup: This favorite drink of aristocrats everywhere is a perfect complement to Jane’s great novel about life, love, and the pursuit of marriage in Regency England.

Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo – Malbec: This spicy, complex red wine holds all the passion of Dumas’ classic novel about a prison break and second chances.

Antonia Fraser’s Marie Antoinette – Chardonnay: Marie Antoinette’s life story is the ultimate tale of the highs and the lows. This multi-layered, dry white wine – with hints of sweetness – will highlight the good and the bad of the French Queen’s story.