Literature & Libations

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 whiskey ½ oz maraschino liqueur ½ oz Campari 1 ½ oz orange juice,...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel Wuthering Heights. Topics include fun sad facts about the Brontës, obsessive love, and literal and metaphorical haunting. Also: farts. This week’s drink: Dark ‘n Stormy via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 2 ounces Gosling’s Black Seal rum 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed Ginger beer, to top (about 5 ounces) Garnish: l...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss the second half of Isabel Allende’s 1985 novel The House of the Spirits. Topics include Jean de Satigny, Count of Kink, realities of revolution, and the power of women (Transito Soto for president??) This week’s drink: Pisco Sour via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 2 oz pisco 1 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed ½ oz simple syrup 1 egg white Garnish: Angostura...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss the first half of Isabel Allende’s 1985 novel The House of the Spirits. Topics include magical realism, Male Rage, and the plethora of interesting characters we meet in this family saga. This week’s drink: Isabel Allende via Stylist INGREDIENTS: 1 oz port wine 1 oz whisky 1 egg yolk (very fresh) 1 tsp sugar Dash Angostura bitters Cinnamon sugar (to...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Kristen Mei Chase’s 2023 novel A Thousand Miles to Graceland. To be honest, we spend most of the time talking about Elvis and Taylor Swift. And we’re not sorry about it. This week’s drink: Velvet Elvis via drunkardsalmanac.com INGREDIENTS: 1.5 oz Tennessee whiskey (like Jack Daniels) 1 oz black raspberry liqueur ½ oz fresh lime juice Lemonade or lem...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Shelby Van Pelt’s 2022 novel Remarkably Bright Creatures. Topics include the absolute legend that is Marcellus the octopus, elderly care via robots, and how much we Do Not Like a certain character… This week’s drink: The Marcellus (a Taylor original!) INGREDIENTS: 2 oz dark rum 1 oz orange juice ½ oz orange liqueur (Grand Marnier if you have it) Gin...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Sulari Gentill’s 2022 murder mystery The Woman in the Library. Topics include whether the pandemic should be included in contemporary fiction, inception narratives, and garden snails. Plus, a murder takes place ON THIS VERY PODCAST ( dun dun duuuuuun) ! This week’s drink: Ward Eight via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 2 ounces rye whiskey 1/2 ounce lemon ju...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic 1925 novel The Great Gatsby. Topics include Gatsby the Hopeless Romantic, the carelessness of Daisy, and the tragedy of America. Plus! We talk about the 2013 Baz Luhrmann film adaptation, featuring Tobey Maguire’s baby face. This week’s drink: Gin Rickey via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 2 oz gin ½ oz lime juice, freshly sque...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Torrey Peters’s 2021 novel Detransition, Baby. Topics include the responsibility of parents, femininity and gender, and A-plus metaphors. Plus, Taylor literally sings the praises of ramps. This week’s drink: the Torrey Peters via Buzzworthy INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ shots hibiscus-infused white rum 1 shot coconut water ½ shot orgeat syrup ½ shot fresh lime j...

In this week’s bonus episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss more books about Hollywood/the movie business to add to your TBR!  Topics include obscure ‘90s animated films, Janet Snakehole, and old Hollywood photos… Books, etc. discussed in this episode: A Touch of Stardust by Kate Alcott Delayed Rays of a Star by Amanda Lee Koe Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra Hollywood: The Oral History by Je...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Nghi Vo’s 2022 novel Siren Queen. Topics include the Hollywood studio system, fame vs. art, and our upcoming  movie podcast “Films and Focaccia” (just kidding!). This week’s drink: Corpse Reviver No. 2 via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: Absinthe, to rinse ¾ oz London dry gin ¾ oz Lillet blanc ¾ oz orange liqueur ¾ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed INSTRUCTI...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss two seminal Montana-set novellas: Legends of the Fall by Jim Harrison and A River Runs Through It by Norman MacLean. Topics include whiskey vs. bourbon, the beauty of nature, and how pleasantly surprised we were at how the women were written! For this episode, pour a glass of your favorite whiskey or bourbon, on the rocks. Kayla will be drinking Bla...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Sylvia Plath’s 1963 novel The Bell Jar. Topics include Sylvia/Esther’s thoughts on sex and marriage, the humor (?) in trying to kill yourself, and the makings of a great sandwich.  This week’s drink: The Pink Lady via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ oz London dry gin ½ oz applejack (apple brandy) ¾ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed ¼ oz grenadine 1 egg w...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss the second half of Mira Jacob’s 2014 novel The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing. Topics include grief, emotional walls, and how Taylor really feels about Jamie Anderson. Plus, Kayla gets on her soapbox for National Library Week. This week’s drink: Chimayó via The Spruce Eats INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ oz tequila ¼ oz crème de cassis liqueur 1 oz unfiltered appl...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss the first half of Mira Jacob’s 2014 novel The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing. Topics include the proper way to make coffee, difficult families, and the intention behind photographs.  This week’s drink: Iced Coffee Cocktail via Starbucks INGREDIENTS: 4 oz Starbucks Breakfast Blend coffee 1 ½ oz flavored vodka (vanilla or caramel) 1 TB heavy cream ½ c...

In this week’s bonus episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss the 2007 film adaptation of Atonement. Topics include the amazing score, Joe Wright’s obsession with Hand Flexes, and that divisive ending. Plus side tangents on Billy Zane, Pride and Prejudice, and the new Harry Potter HBO series. Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit fee...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel Atonement. Topics include spicy love letters, the horrors of war (and nursing), and whether the titular atonement was enough. This week’s drink: Chocolate Martini via Preppy Kitchen INGREDIENTS: 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream 2 oz Chocolate Liqueur 4 oz Vodka 1-2 tbsp chocolate syrup or ganache INSTRUCTIONS: Drizzle chocolate syrup...

In this week’s bonus episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss more books by Arab/Arab-American authors to add to your TBR. Books, etc. discussed in this episode: The Arsonists’ City by Hala Alyan The Skin and Its Girl by Sarah Cypher Bride of the Sea by Eman Quotah The Bad Muslim Discount by Syed M. Masood American War by Omar El Akkad The Moor’s Account by Laila Lalami The Queue by Basma Abdel Aziz, tra...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Zeyn Joukhadar’s 2018 novel The Map of Salt and Stars. Topics include parallel journeys, the refugee experience, and the joys of a truly well-done audiobook.  This week’s drink: City of Stars via Bevvy INGREDIENTS: 1 oz Gin 1 oz Sweet Vermouth 1 oz Campari 1 barspoon St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram Orange twist, star anise, or cinnamon stick for garnish...

In this week’s bonus episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss a wonderful assortment of feminist as fuck books to add to your TBR! Books, etc. discussed in this episode: Women Talking by Miriam Toews Circe by Madeline Miller The Awakening by Kate Chopin The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman The Vegetarian by Han Kang The Power by Naomi Alderman This Bridge...

Kayla and Taylor discuss Kelly Barnhill’s 2022 novel When Women Were Dragons. Topics include societal restrictions for women, unabashed feminism, and the awesome power of libraries. Also, a wee tangent on the 2012 election… This week’s drink: Tom Collins via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 2 ounces London dry gin 1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1/2 ounce simple syrup Club soda, to top Garnish: lemon...

Kayla and Taylor continue discussing the themes and major beats in the second part of Mieko Kawakami’s 2008 novel Breasts and Eggs. Topics include the inevitable end of the human race, the vastness of space, and the tragedy of being born. It’s a really fun episode! This week’s drink: Ume Highball via Diversivore INGREDIENTS: 1 oz whisky 1 oz umeshu 1 tsp ginger juice (from crushed or grated fresh...

Kayla and Taylor discuss the themes and major beats in the first part of Mieko Kawakami’s 2008 novel Breasts and Eggs. Topics include (titular) titties, the existential crises of 12 year olds, and the badass that is Mieko Kawakami.  This week’s drink: Grapefruit Sake Cocktail via I Heart Umami INGREDIENTS: 3 oz Junmai sake (Nigori or Daiginjo or Ginjo Sake) 2.5 oz gin (pure, distilled) 3 oz grapef...

In this week’s bonus episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss contemporary books by Black/African-American authors to add to your TBR. Books, etc. discussed in this episode: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead Beloved by Toni Morrison The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta An American Marriage by Tayari Jones The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris More authors...

Kayla and Taylor discuss the themes and major beats of Morgan Rogers’s 2021 novel Honey Girl. Topics include Millennials, radio shows, and how we feel So Old when we read about young people. This week’s drink: Honey Rose Old Fashioned via Cocktail Contessa INGREDIENTS: 0.75 oz honey-rose simple syrup 2 oz bourbon 2 dashes apple bitters Garnish: long orange peel rolled into an orange rose, a few dr...