‘Tis the Season for Books & Beverages

Fa la la LA LA! This is my most wonderful post of the year. 

My favorite gifts to give and receive are books and beverages. Every year I share with you, my festive readers, the books and beverages that inspired and me cheered me this year. I have gift ideas for all the dear ones on your holiday list. Whether your recipients are naughty or nice, they will appreciate your thoughtful present, selected especially for them. Plus, books and beverages are easy to buy and give- pop them in a gift bag! Affordable, available at the last minute, yet personal and meaningful, your present will garner all the “oohs and ahhhs”!

You can see my past guides here . This year, I decided to tell you more about my favorite beverages, particularly the spirits (does that make you think of Charles Dickens?) The history of these liquors interests me, so I wanted to share that with you. Many of the distilleries produce lovely holiday bottles for giving- sure to impress and elegant to display! But don’t worry, I have plenty of non-alcoholic suggestions, too!

I have read and reviewed about 100 books this year, and I could recommend them all to you. You can find many of my reviews on the Book Promotion page here at my website and at Readers Review Room. I perused my shelves and did my best to pick lots of genres for all ages and interests. Every book is a 5 star plus read! And here they are! God Bless us Everyone!

CHEERS!

Books that pair well with whiskey or scotch!

Whiskey is a type of distilled beverage made from fermented grain mash. Yum? While fermented corn, barley, rye or wheat may not not sound appetizing, many people enjoy the beautiful amber brown color, heat and glow of a savored sip of this liquor. Distillation of perfumes was practiced in ancient times and this process was used for alcohol in Ireland and Scotland in the 15th century. (You’ve probably heard the terms moonshine and still.) After distillation, whisky is aged in wooden casks, generally oak, and then bottled. Whisky and scotch are probably the best known of Scotland’s manufactured products, and many other countries are proud of their brews. Recently, whiskey has become more popular, due to a cultural interest in the 1960’s and tv shows such as Mad Men.

 

Do I drink whiskey. Yes, I sip it neat, especially scotch. Perfect for quiet conversations and thoughtful reflection by the fireplace. I recommend Johnny Walker, Blanton’s or Crown Royal. I haven’t tried this particular Jack Daniel’s, but I like the description!

Which of my selected books would pair well with a whisky?

A Long Way Home, by Christian Warren Freed Military Memoir

Murder at Mother’s, by Maighread MacKay Paranormal Mystery

The Sheriff’s Christmas Angels, by Debra Holt Western Romance

 

The gift of vodka!

If you have stepped into a liquor store lately, and liquor is now available at my local grocer, you will find that the vodka section takes up most of the shelves. Like the old favorites rum, whiskey or brandy, vodka is usually started with the same kind of grains- rye, wheat, or corn. However, unlike those other grain liquors it can also be made from a vegetable mashes like potatoes or white beets. The difference in producing this pure and colorless liquid however, requires a few extra steps in the distillation process.

The end result is pure liquor that many people believe to be flavorless, colorless and odorless. If you are hosting a party and planning to serve vodka do not hide your creative side. Because of its light flavor it mixes well with many different things. So, once you choose the perfect vodka for your tastes play around with it and you will find some incredible new tastes for you and your friends to enjoy. Or you can take advantage of all the “flavors” of vodka, such as whipped cream, caramel apple, strawberry, cucumber, iced cake, mango and pear.Who knows, they may have a kale vodka available soon!

And yes, I drink vodka, too. I prefer Grey Goose or Tito’s unflavored with a diet tonic and a lime.

Your gift guide for books that pair well with vodka…

The Cozy Cottage Series, by Kate O’Keeffe Romantic Comedy

Love Literary Style, by Karin Gillespie Romantic Comedy

Magdalen Laundries, by Lisa Michele Odgaard Women’s Fiction

Practicing Normal, by Cara Sue Achtenberg Women’s Fiction

The Unforgettables series Jane O’Brien  Women’s Fiction

Yes, there still is Gin!

For a clear spirit, gin has a murky past. As the world’s first “flavored vodka”— a neutral grain spirit redistilled with juniper berries—it traces its origins back to the Netherlands. It was developed in the 16th century as a medicine. Within the next century, gin swept through England leading to the notorious 18th century British Gin Craze. It was during this time that the spirit became known as “mother’s ruin” for its adverse effects on the British family structure. Oops.

Thankfully, the Brits eventually learned to respect their thirst for gin, and these days, England continues its proud tradition of gin production. Floral, fruity, herbaceous, even spicy—there are so many profiles and flavors that gin can take on. Shake or stir your favorite martini or cocktail or just sip it on ice with a citrus wedge. I’ve been known to wave around a martini, make mine with Bombay Sapphire, please. 

Pair a beautiful bottle of gin with these good reads…

Daughter of the Empire by Pamela Hicks (Love The Crown? This is a must-read)

Sam: A Shaggy Dog Story, by Sally Cronin A dog’s memoir

Time for one of my favorites- Grand Marnier!

Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge is an orange-flavored liqueur created in 1880 by the French Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. It is made from a blend of Cognac brandy, distilled essence of bitter orange, and sugar. Many people enjoy Grand Marnie as an after-dinner drink served in a brandy snifter. Classy, warm, with a remarkable flavor- perfect for the holidays!

I suggest pairing this divine nectar with a heartwarming story about a noble French dog.

Someone to Look up To by Jean Gill  Fiction, Dog story

I have to recommend a bottle of wine and a Christmas Ale!

I am partial to a bold cabernet sauvignon, and my favorite of that grape varietal is produced in the Napa Valley area of California by Cakebread Cellars. When you inhale the aroma and then slowly swallow that first sip, the fruity flavors grown and expand. This wine pairs well with any meat dish or an appetizer cheese tray.

The book I suggest you gift with the Cakebread is also ready to burst with bold characters and an exciting plot. Although in the book, tequila is a frequent thirst quencher, I have decided that a Cakebread would also pair well with this story that takes place in California.

The Hook, by Katherine Doler Crime Fiction

A Christmas Ale is always a welcome present or party beverage; refresh yourself with one after an arduous tree decorating or gift wrapping escapade. Feel free to sample all the choices on the market, and pair them with any book or event. My personal selection is from my neck of the woods, Cleveland. Here’s the story of Great Lakes Brewing Company and its iconic Christmas Ale.

Two Irish brothers with limited brewing experience. A city that shuttered its last production brewery in the early 80s. A neighborhood in serious need of a facelift. In 1986 when Patrick and Daniel Conway opened their fledgling operation in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, the odds were stacked against them. Fortunately, they surrounded themselves with a staff of passionate, knowledgeable people, and from the start committed themselves to bringing a sophisticated, diverse selection of craft beer to their home state. Two decades, multiple awards, and a whole lot of stories later, Pat and Dan Conway celebrate over two decades of brewing exceptional beer for their adventurous and discerning customers.

Do I only drink liquor, wine and beer?

Believe it or not, no! Most of the time I drink water, with a daily coffee or tea. And once in a while, a milkshake! I prefer Evian or sparkling water. My next selection of special books to gift are for children or young adults, or Christian readers. Wouldn’t your favorite young one be thrilled to receive a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or eatery?

The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck Bethany Turner Christian Fiction

Breath of Life, by Karen Ferguson  Christian inspiration

Joyful Trouble by Patricia Furstenberg  Children’s chapter book

Lily: By Any other Name Julie C. Gardner YA Fiction

Dog Bone Soup by Bette A. Stevens Historical Fiction

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! The most important part of this festive season to me is the chance to focus on the beauty of the Christ Child’s birth and to share our love and joy with our family and friends. Books are a wonderful gift to connect us with others. The beverages are just for fun. 

If you are an author and you would like me to review your book, please contact me at jena.c.henry@gmail.com. I also highly recommend to you the best site for book lovers with outstanding reviews and promotions, ReadersReviewRoom.com