Episode 01: Writers and Lovers by Lily King

Kayla and Taylor discuss the themes and major beats of Lily King’s 2020 novel Writers & Lovers. Topics include geese, insufferable writers, and the trials and tribulations of being in your early thirties.This week’s cocktail: Burning History via Whisky AdvocateINGREDIENTS½ oz. Nikka Coffey grain whisky (or other Japanese whisky)½ oz. Lagavulin (or other Islay single malt)½ oz. ginger syrup (recipe below)½ oz. honey water (1:1 honey and water)½ oz. yuzu juice1 egg white2 dashes plum bittersGarnish: American white oak chips and dried orange wheelDIRECTIONSCombine all ingredients in a shaker and dry shake for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake again. Place wood chips on a plate and light with a torch. Cover with a snifter for about 20 seconds to trap the smoke inside. Strain the cocktail into the glass and garnish with an orange wheel.Current Reads and RecommendationsStrange Beasts of China by Yan GeThe Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Northeast by Marie IannottiFive Tuesdays in Winter by Lily KingFollow the podcast via Apple Podcasts and Spotify [insert links for each]. You can also 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 also email us at [email protected] books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next week as we discuss Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy.Here is the cocktail recipe for next week’s episode if you want to drink along with us!The Grey Wolf via PunchINGREDIENTS2 ounces Japanese whisky, preferably Hibiki Harmony1/4 ounce demerara syrup (2:1, sugar:water)1/2 teaspoon Benedictine1/2 teaspoon plum vinegar1 dash Angostura bittersGarnish: express grapefruit peelDIRECTIONSCombine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice and stir until chilled.Strain into a rocks glass over an ice block chipped into a gumdrop shape.Express the grapefruit peel and discard.