Literature & Libations

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Lauren Groff’s 2023 novel The Vaster Wilds. Topics include wilderness and spiritual awakening, smallpox-infested boots, and bears pondering waterfalls. And of course, we spent several minutes discussing Taylor Swift’s new album. We might be okay, but we’re not FINE AT ALL. This week’s drink: Penicillin via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 2 oz blended scotch¾ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed¾ oz honey-ginger syrup*¼ oz Islay single malt scotchGarnish: candied gingerINSTRUCTIONS: Add the blended scotch, lemon juice and syrup into a shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilledStrain into a rocks glass over fresh iceTop with Islay single malt scotchGarnish with a piece of candied ginger * To make the honey-ginger syrup: Combine 1 cup honey, 1 6-inch piece of peeled and thinly sliced ginger and 1 cup water in a saucepan over high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer 5 minutes. Place in fridge to steep overnight. Strain with a cheesecloth. Subscribe to our Patreon, where we discuss “lower-case-l” literature and have a silly good time doing it! Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss The Color Purple by Alice Walker Here is the cocktail recipe for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us! Spring Fever via @gracelynnhewitt INGREDIENTS: 1 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juiceSplash of honeyLemon lime sodaINSTRUCTIONS: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the gin, lemon juice, and splash of honey. Shake until chilled.Strain into a coup glass. Add lemon lime soda, leaving a little bit of room.Top with the Empress Gin to create an ombre effect.

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss J.D. Salinger’s 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye. Topics include this being much more than a “whiny boy book”, the seedy side of New York, and our recommendations for better high school English classes. Also, Kayla reads a list of things Holden hates. This week’s drink: The Rye in the Catcher via Tequila Mockingbird INGREDIENTS: 2 oz rye whiskey1 oz pineapple juice½ oz lemon juice1 (12 oz) bottle ginger beerINSTRUCTIONS: Add whiskey, pineapple juice, and lemon juice to a glass with ice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Current reads, recommendations, and links: My Salinger Year by Joanna Rakoff (check out the movie too!)The Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard AyoadeThe Adventures of Miss Petitfour by Anne MichaelsThe Farmer’s Wife: My Life in Days by Helen RebanksWith Every Great Breath: New and Selected Essays, 1995-2023 by Rick Bass Subscribe to our Patreon, where we discuss “lower-case-l” literature and have a silly good time doing it! Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff.

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Colson Whitehead’s 2021 novel Harlem Shuffle. Topics include dorvay, aka a sexy-sounding excuse to be up and about at midnight, crooked versus bent, and the realization that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Also: we admire how good Colson Whitehead looks in his author photograph. Hey, we’re only human… This week’s drink: The Harlem via Difford’s Guide INGREDIENTS 2 oz dry gin¼ oz maraschino liqueur1 ⅓ oz pineapple juice4 drops Difford’s Margarita Bitters (or similar)INSTRUCTIONS: Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a skewered maraschino cherry. Current reads, recommendations, and links: What Moves the Dead by T. KingfisherDune by Frank Herbert (the Deluxe Edition specifically) Subscribe to our Patreon, where we discuss “lower-case-l” literature and have a silly good time doing it! Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. Here is the cocktail recipe for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us! The Rye in the Catcher via Tequila Mockingbird INGREDIENTS: 2 oz rye whiskey1 oz pineapple juice½ oz lemon juice1 (12 oz) bottle ginger beerINSTRUCTIONS: Add whiskey, pineapple juice, and lemon juice to a glass with ice. Top with ginger beer and stir.

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 1967 novel One Hundred Years of Solitude.Topics include the theme of solitude, evil banana factories, and ruminations on reading the classics. Plus: Taylor makes a startling confession. This week’s drink: Canchánchara via liquor.com INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces aguardiente or white rum1 lime, freshly squeezed1/2 ounce honey syrup1 splash club sodaGarnish: lime wedgeINSTRUCTIONS: Add the rum, juice of one lime and honey syrup into a shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilledStrain into a clay or glass mug filled with fresh iceTop with a splash of club sodaGarnish with a lime wedge Current reads, recommendations, and links: SparkNotes comes in clutch again! Legends & Lattes by Travis BaldreeWild by Cheryl Strayed Subscribe to our Patreon, where we discuss “lower-case-l” literature and have a silly good time doing it! Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead. Here is the cocktail for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us! The Harlem via Difford’s Guide

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Louise Erdrich’s 1998 novel The Antelope Wife. Topics include complicated family trees (WE TRIED OUR BEST), the science behind male lactation, and how a delicious cake can save your life. In conclusion: we are all just beads (and boats). This week’s drink: Blueberry Moscow Mule INGREDIENTS: 2 oz Vodka1 oz blueberry syrup½ oz lime juiceLime wheelINSTRUCTIONS: Put vodka, ice, and blueberry simple syrup into shaker, shake 30 seconds. Pour into copper mug, top with ginger beer, garnish with lime wheel. Current reads, recommendations, and links: Where I Was From by Joan DidionYellowface by R.F. KuangBecause of Mr. Terupt by Rob BuyeaThe Eyes & the Impossible by Dave EggersThe Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda TaubSubscribe to our Patreon, where we discuss “lower-case-l” literature and have a silly good time doing it! Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. Here is the cocktail recipe for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us! Canchánchara via liquor.com INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces aguardiente or white rum1 lime, freshly squeezed1/2 ounce honey syrup1 splash club sodaGarnish: lime wedgeINSTRUCTIONS: Add the rum, juice of one lime and honey syrup into a shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilled.Strain into a clay or glass mug filled with fresh ice.Top with a splash of club soda.Garnish with a lime wedge.

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Toni Morrison’s 1987 novel Beloved.Topics include the atrocities and trauma of slavery, the nature of Beloved, and the genius of Toni Morrison (holy). This week’s drink: The Toni Morrison via Buzzworthy: Cocktails Inspired by Female Literary Greats INGREDIENTS: 2 shots gin¾ shot blueberry syrup½ shot heavy cream½ shot fresh lemon juice1 egg white1-2 shots club soda (soda water) to topGarnish: dehydrated citrus wheelINSTRUCTIONS: Add all ingredients except club soda to a shaker without ice and shake vigorously for 30 secondsAdd ice and shake for another 30 secondsStrain into a Collins glass (without ice), top with club soda until foam peeks over the top, and garnish Subscribe to our Patreon, where we discuss “lower-case-l” literature and have a silly good time doing it! Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss The Antelope Wife by Louise Erdrich.

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Sue Monk Kidd’s 2020 novel The Book of Longings.Topics include Jesus (yes, that Jesus) and Judas (Judah-ah-ah!), silenced voices, and the strength of women. Also: shoutout to the Library of Alexandria! (RIP) This week’s drink: Za’atar Paloma via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ oz Patrón silver tequila1 oz grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed1 oz za’atar simple syrup*Garnish: lime wheelINSTRUCTIONS: Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and za’atar simple syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilledStrain into a Collins glass over fresh iceGarnish with a lime wheel*Za’atar simple syrup: Add 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add ¼ cup za’atar while the syrup is hot. Let sit for at least 3 hours. Strain out the solids and discard. The syrup will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 1 month. Current reads, recommendations, and links: Where I Was From by Joan Didion Subscribe to our Patreon, where we discuss “lower-case-l” literature and have a silly good time doing it! Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss Beloved by Toni Morrison. Here is the cocktail recipe for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us! The Toni Morrison via Buzzworthy: Cocktails Inspired by Female Literary Greats INGREDIENTS: 2 shots gin¾ shot blueberry syrup½ shot heavy cream½ shot fresh lemon juice1 egg white1-2 shots club soda (soda water) to topGarnish: dehydrated citrus wheelINSTRUCTIONS: Add all ingredients except club soda to a shaker without ice and shake vigorously for 30 secondsAdd ice and shake for another 30 secondsStrain into a Collins glass (without ice), top with club soda until foam peeks over the top, and garnish

In this month's Patreon episode, we kick off our Harry Potter (re)read with THE SORCERER'S (or Philosopher's) STONE. We are thrilled to be joined by The Third Sister, Ally! Topics include extreme foreshadowing, reminiscing about Potter Puppet Pals, and a dramatic reading of the Chess Scene. This month's cocktail: Ron's Sacrifice (we used this pumpkin juice recipe as the base) INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS: Join us next month as we start our second year at Hogwarts and read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Virginia Woolf’s 1927 novel To the Lighthouse. Topics include stream-of-consciousness, men having HUGE NEEDS, Lily Briscoe being gay AF, and the beginning of the Sweatshirt Saga. We also do part of a SparkNotes quiz live on mic: Taylor Swift Lyric or Edgar Allan Poe Quote? To play along, click HERE. This week’s drink: Salty Dog via A Couple Cooks INGREDIENTS: Flaky sea salt3 tablespoons (1 ½ ounces) gin6 tablespoons (3 ounces) fresh squeezed grapefruit juice1 teaspoon (1 dash) simple syrup or maple syrupLime wedgeFor the garnish: Grapefruit wedge INSTRUCTIONS: Cut a notch in the lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt.Place the gin, grapefruit juice and syrup in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes and shake until cold.Strain the drink into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and top with a squeeze of lime. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge. Current reads, recommendations, and links: The Hours by Michael CunninghamGhosted by Rosie WalshTo the Lighthouse SparkNotes Study Guide Subscribe to our Patreon, where we discuss “lower-case-l” literature and have a silly good time doing it! Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. Here is the cocktail recipe for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us! Za’atar Paloma via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ oz Patrón silver tequila1 oz grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed1 oz za’atar simple syrup*Garnish: lime wheelINSTRUCTIONS: Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and za’atar simple syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilledStrain into a Collins glass over fresh iceGarnish with a lime wheel

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Lily King’s 2021 short story collection Five Tuesdays in Winter. Topics include coming of age, mothers and daughters, and…murder. Happy New Year, y’all! This week’s drink: Hot Toddy (Kayla used this recipe via liquor.com) INGREDIENTS: Boiling water, to fill a mug4 cloves1 lemon peel or wheel2 teaspoons demerara sugar or brown sugar1/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed2 ounces whiskey (bourbon, rye, Irish or scotch)INSTRUCTIONS: Fill a mug with boiling water and let stand for a minute or two to warm.Meanwhile, stick the cloves into the lemon peel or wheel and set aside.Empty the mug and fill about halfway with fresh boiling water.Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.Add the prepared lemon peel or wheel and stir.Add the lemon juice and whiskey, and stir again. Current reads, recommendations, and links: The World According to Joan Didion by Evelyn McDonnellEducated by Tara Westover (audiobook read by Julia Whelan)Migrations by Charlotte McConaughy Subscribe to our Patreon, where we discuss “lower-case-l” literature and have a silly good time doing it! Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. Here is the cocktail recipe for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us! Salty Dog via A Couple Cooks INGREDIENTS: Flaky sea salt3 tablespoons (1 ½ ounces) gin6 tablespoons (3 ounces) fresh squeezed grapefruit juice1 teaspoon (1 dash) simple syrup or maple syrupLime wedgeFor the garnish: Grapefruit wedgeINSTRUCTIONS: Cut a notch in the lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt.Place the gin, grapefruit juice and syrup in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes and shake until cold.Strain the drink into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and top with a squeeze of lime. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

In this week's episode, Kayla and Taylor reveal their top 5 reads of the year (pod and non-pod), other things they have enjoyed this year, and their goals for 2024. Also: Prosecco burps. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals. WE HAVE A PATREON!! For $3 a month, you can listen to us wax ridiculous about Harry Potter and Twilight…and that’s just the start! Go to our Patreon page and subscribe now! Books we talked about this episode: Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution by R.F. Kuang Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks Yellowface by R.F. Kuang The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross Greedy: Notes from a Bisexual Who Wants Too Much by Jenn Winston The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. See you in January for our first read of 2024: Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King.

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Ali Smith’s 2018 novel Winter. Topics include politics?! In MY Christmas?? Sisterly love, floating heads, unwanted erections, and…Austin Powers. We’re all over the place in this one, people. This week’s drink: Sage Advice via findingtimeforcooking.com INGREDIENTS: 3 fresh sage leaves2 oz bourbon (90 proof is best for this recipe)¾ oz cinnamon sage demerara simple syrup (see below for recipe)¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice1 egg white, ideally room temperature (optional)Sage leaf for garnish (optional)INSTRUCTIONS: If using the egg white (strongly recommended!), put it in the shaker and do a 10-15 second dry shake with it first.Then add the 3 sage leaves and the sage cinnamon syrup to the cocktail shaker and use a muddler to lightly crush the sage.Add the lime juice and bourbon and shake everything for 10-15 seconds.Finally, add a bunch of ice and shake until chilled (at least 15 seconds, I recommend 20-30).Double strain (a.k.a. through the shaker and through a fine mesh sieve, to avoid tiny green bits) into a coupe glass and garnish with a sage leaf. Current reads, recommendations, and links: The rest of Ali Smith’s Season Quartet: Autumn, Spring, & Summer Greedy: Notes from a Bisexual Who Wants Too Much by Jen Winston The Woman in Me by Britney Spears Terrace Story by Hilary Leichter Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss our favorite reads (and other things) of 2023! For the last episode of the year, pop a bottle of champagne! Full size or mini, on its own or with juice, enjoy this bubbly beverage with us as we celebrate a year full of good reads. Cheers!

In this week's special bonus episode, Kayla and Taylor are joined by none other than Debra Magpie Earling, author of The Lost Journals of Sacajewea. We had such a great conversation with Debra about finding Sacajewea’s voice, the delivery of an amazing historical document in an Albertson’s shopping bag, and what a dream audiobook production of Lost Journals would be like. You can purchase copies of Debra’s books through Milkweed Editions: The Lost Journals of Sacajewea Perma Red Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss (or rather, stumble horribly but earnestly through) Debra Magpie Earling’s 2023 novel The Lost Journals of Sacajewea. Topics include the violence of men, the language of women, and finding the “real” Sacajewea. This week’s drink: Ginger + Red Wine Fizz via feastandwest.com INGREDIENTS: Ice2 ounces red wine, such as pinot noir2-3 ounces ginger beer1/2 ounce orange liqueur, such as triple sec or CointreauRosemary sprig, for garnish INSTRUCTIONS: Fill a glass with ice. Add red wine, ginger beer and triple sec. Stir to combine and garnish with rosemary sprig. Current reads, recommendations, and links: Perma Red by Debra Magpie Earling Public Library and Other Stories by Ali Smith West Heart Kill by Dann McDorman The Witching Year: A Memoir of Earnest Fumbling Through Modern Witchcraft by Diana Helmuth Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss Winter by Ali Smith Here is the beverage recipe for the upcoming episode if you want to drink along with us! Sage Advice via findingtimeforcooking.com INGREDIENTS: 3 fresh sage leaves2 oz bourbon (90 proof is best for this recipe)¾ oz cinnamon sage demerara simple syrup (see below for recipe)¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice1 egg white, ideally room temperature (optional)Sage leaf for garnish (optional)INSTRUCTIONS: If using the egg white (strongly recommended!), put it in the shaker and do a 10-15 second dry shake with it first.Then add the 3 sage leaves and the sage cinnamon syrup to the cocktail shaker and use a muddler to lightly crush the sage.Add the lime juice and bourbon and shake everything for 10-15 seconds.Finally, add a bunch of ice and shake until chilled (at least 15 seconds, I recommend 20-30).Double strain (a.k.a. through the shaker and through a fine mesh sieve, to avoid tiny green bits) into a coupe glass and garnish with a sage leaf.

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor are honored to chat with Chris La Tray, newly appointed Montana Poet Laureate. We talk about books, winter, writing, and the state of Indigenous writing and activism today. Check out Chris’s website here Sign up for his wonderful newsletter, An Irritable Métis, here Click on the following links to purchase Chris’s books from Missoula MT-favorite indie bookstore Fact & Fiction: Descended From a Travel-worn Satchel: Haiku & Haibun One-Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World at Large Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss James Welch’s 1974 novel Winter in the Blood. Topics include literal and metaphorical distance, cows stuck in the mud, and hope within despair. This week’s drink: a Montana beer, if you can get it! Kayla is drinking Cold Smoke Scotch Ale from KettleHouse Brewing Co. in Bonner, MT. Taylor is drinking Montucky Cold Snack lager based in Bozeman, MT. Current reads, recommendations, and links: Fools Crow by James Welch A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Lakota Nation vs. the United States film Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss The Lost Journals of Sacajewea by Debra Magpie Earling

In this week’s super spooky special Halloween episode, Kayla and Taylor revisit the classic that continues to terrify children to this day: Alvin Schwartz’s 1981 horror anthology Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Topics include Halloween traditions old and new, unhinged illustrations that have no business being in a book for children, and Kayla’s forthcoming book “The Cursed Cardigan”. This week’s drink: Taylor’s Halloween Martini 2 oz gin 1 oz sweet vermouth ¼ oz grenadine Dash of orange bitters Mix ingredients in a shaker and either shake or stir, strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a gummy worm. Current reads, recommendations, and links: Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss Winter in the Blood by James Welch

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor continue their spooky reads with Grady Hendrix’s 2023 novel How to Sell a Haunted House. Topics include Build-A-Bear Workshop, family trauma processing via puppet, and PUPKIN. We also chat for a few minutes about the excellent film adaptation of Killers of the Flower Moon. This week’s drink: Pupkin Pie Punch (created by Taylor) INGREDIENTS: ¾ oz bourbon or vodka1 oz pumpkin spice liqueur (for the recipe Kayla used, click here)2 tsp maple syrup¼ tsp vanillaCinnamon powderPumpkin hard ciderINSTRUCTIONS: Shae the first five ingredients in a shaker with ice.Pour into a festive glass (no need to strain) then top with the pumpkin cider.Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Current reads, recommendations, and links: Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Crosby Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor do the first ever L&L author repeat and discuss Neil Gaiman’s 2002 novella Coraline. Topics include cats, bravery, and Coraline’s complete lack of culinary appreciation. This week’s drink: the Other Mother (created by Taylor!) INGREDIENTS: 1.5oz Vodka1/2 oz crème de mûre (or any other dark berry liqueur you have on hand)BlackberriesSpriteINSTRUCTIONS: Muddle a small handful of blackberries in your shaker. Add your vodka, crème de mûre and ice into the shaker and shake. Pour into a tall glass and top with sprite. Current reads, recommendations, and links: Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix. Here is the beverage recipe for the upcoming episode if you want to drink along with us! PUPKIN PIE PUNCH INGREDIENTS: ¾ oz Vodka or Bourbon 1 oz pumpkin spice liqueur 2 teaspoons maple syrup (or more if you like it really sweet…LIKE PUPKIN) ¼ teaspoon vanilla Cinnamon Pumpkin hard cider Cinnamon stick INSTRUCTIONS: Combine the first five ingredients into a shaker with ice and then pour into a festive glass, top with hard cider. Garnish with cinnamon stick.

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss the NEA Big Read for Montana, The Cold Millions by Jess Walter. Topics include the Notorious EGF (Elizabeth Gurley Flynn), warm weasel hands, and the correct way to pronounce Spokane (it’s Spo-CAN, Taylor…). This week’s drink: Union Club via Difford’s Guide INGREDIENTS: 2 oz Bourbon whiskey½ oz maraschino liqueur½ oz Campari1 ½ oz orange juice, freshly squeezedINSTRUCTIONS: Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice Shake until chilledStrain into a chilled glass Current reads, recommendations, and links: Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Bookworm by Robin Yeatman The Bathysphere Book: Effects of the Luminous Ocean Depths by Brad Fox Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann The Witch’s Feast: A Kitchen Grimoire by Melissa Jayne Madara NEA Big Read Program with Chris La Tray: Stolen: If They Haven’t Come for Yours, They Will Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss Coraline by Neil Gaiman Here is the beverage recipe for the upcoming episode if you want to drink along with us! The Other Mother created by Taylor! INGREDIENTS: 1.5oz Vodka 1/4 oz crème de mûre (or any other dark berry liqueur you have on hand) Blackberries Sprite INSTRUCTIONS: Muddle a small handful of blackberries in your shaker. Add your vodka, crème de mûre and ice into shaker and shake. Pour into a tall glass and top with sprite.