61. The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

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.comINGREDIENTS: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 [email protected] 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 WalkerHere is the cocktail recipe for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us!Spring Fever via @gracelynnhewittINGREDIENTS: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.