Boozy Bookgasms

A Boozy Afterburn: Season 4 Recap

Season 4 Recap: Welcome to The Afterburn, the season may be over, but we are absolutely not done. We’re diving back into the books that lived rent-free in our heads, putting them on the ultimate scale of yes, no, maybe…and you already know we have opinions. We’ll be revisiting our favorite MMCs and FMCs, breaking down the spicy scenes, and debating the true definition of "uncle". IYKYK As always, nothing is off limits! Pull up a chair, pour a strong signature cocktail and join us for the fun! Signature Cocktail: The Plot Twist Paloma The Plot Twist Paloma was the perfect pairing for our Season 4 recap—bold, layered, and a little unpredictable. With tequila reposado and smoky mezcal, it mirrors the smooth, slow-burn reads we loved. The grapefruit brings that hint of bitterness (because not every story was sweet), while the ginger habanero syrup delivers the spice—just like the books that caught us off guard and turned up the heat. Just like this season, every sip comes with a twist. Ingredients: * 1 oz tequila reposado * 0.5oz Mezcal * ½ oz fresh lime juice * ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice * ½ oz ginger & habanero syrup * Top with grapefruit soda Directions:  Layer your ingredients in a tall highball over clear ice. Stir quickly. Top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a thin grapefruit wheel.

Love in the crease: Heated Rivalry Part 2

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid  Someone sedate Miranda! Things get heated once again as the ladies break down episodes 3-6 of Jacob Tierney's series, heated Rivalry based on the novel by Rachel Reid. We're talking tuna melts, the ginger ale of it all and forbidden love. So pour yourself a signature cocktail and join us for some laughs as we wrap up season 4!   Signature Cocktail: Rivalry Reignited Today’s cocktail is called Rivalry Reignited. Unlike our last episode’s drink, which was sweet and a little deceptive, this one doesn’t pretend to be nice. Smoky mezcal, sharp grapefruit, and just enough spice to let you know things have escalated. Because once a rivalry crosses the line…there’s no going back.   Ingredients:  * 2 oz mezcal * 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice * ½ oz fresh lime juice * ½ oz agave syrup * 2–3 dashes orange bitters * Tajín or chili-lime seasoning for rim * Ice Instructions 1. Rim a rocks glass with lime juice and Tajín. 2. Fill the glass with ice. 3. In a shaker combine mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave, and bitters. 4. Shake well and strain over ice. 5. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or charred lime.

Puck Yeah! Heated Rivalry Part 1

Heated Riverly by Rachel Reid This week the cousins are switching up the format! We’re trading paperback pages for power plays and diving headfirst into Heated Rivalry on HBO Max based on the MM romance by Rachel Reid. We'll be joined by a Heated Rivalry superfan, Miranda to recap and review episodes 1-3 and let’s just say, the ice is not the only thing melting. Mix up a Pretty Russian and join us for some laughs!    Signature Cocktail: The Pretty Russian Tonight’s cocktail is the Pretty Russian — a dangerously smooth blend of vanilla, marshmallow, and just enough kick to keep things interesting. At first sip it’s sweet, creamy, and a little indulgent… but much like a heated rivalry, Pretty on the outside… chaos underneath Ingredients: * 2 oz vanilla vodka * 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa) * ½ oz marshmallow syrup * 1 oz half & half or heavy cream * Ice Optional “Pretty Factor” * 1 drop pink food coloring in the cream * Mini marshmallows * White chocolate syrup * Graham cracker crumbs or vanilla sugar for rim Prep the Glass (makes it look amazing) 1. Drizzle white chocolate syrup inside the glass. 2. Rim the glass with marshmallow fluff then dip in graham cracker crumbs or vanilla sugar. 3. Add ice. Build the Drink 1. Pour vanilla vodka + coffee liqueur + marshmallow syrup over the ice. 2. Stir lightly. 3. Slowly pour the cream (with a tiny drop of pink coloring if you want the swirl effect). Garnish * Toasted marshmallow on a cocktail pick * Optional: tiny dust of edible shimmer Flavor * Creamy vanilla latte * Toasted marshmallow sweetness * Rich coffee finish Basically this is a grown-up marshmallow latte that looks like it belongs in a romance book scene.

Sorry (not sorry) Dad!

Inevitable by Jenna Hartley This week the cousins are talking about Inevitable by Jenna Hartley—where a summer internship turns into a dangerously tempting situation with her dad’s best friend. This one has some of us all hot and bothered and others clutching their pearls. So, mix up a WAP and join us for the fun!   Signature Cocktail: WAP (Wet and Potent) Tonight's beverage of choice is strong enough to withstand the roller coaster of emotions we are about to take. It's sweet, bold, slightly messy and has just enough alcohol to help us cope with tension in this book, and let's be honest, who doesn't like a WAP.  Ingredients: * 2 oz vodka  * 1 oz watermelon liqueur * 1 oz pineapple juice * 1 splash of lime juice * For spicy flavor rim the glass with Tajin * For sweet flavor rim the glass with sugar * lime wheel for garnish Rim tumblers with preferred flavor (spicy or sweet)and add ice.  Add  ice, vodka, watermelon liqueur, pineapple juice and lime to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour into iced tumblers. Garnish with the lime wheel and enjoy.

The Devil Went Down...and stayed there

The Devil's Advocate by Ashley Jade Hey Boozy Book Lovers! Today we are going to make Lynn smile when we finally finish the second book in a duet! The cousins are recapping and reviewing book two of the Devil’s Playground duet by Ashley Jade, and let’s just say… if you thought book one was messy, buckle up.  We’re talking obsession, political power plays, true crime, revenge, and a romance that refuses to behave itself. Damien and Eden are back, making choices that will have you screaming, swooning, and maybe texting your therapist “you up?” So grab your drink, lower your expectations for healthy relationships, and join us for some laughs! Signature Cocktail: The Devil Will Get You Ingredients: * 1 1/2 ounce vodka or tequila * 1 1/2 ounce peach puree * 1/2 ounce lime juice * Chile-lime seasoning * Ice cubes Instructions: Rim your glass with Tajin. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine your alcohol liquid, peach puree and lime juice. Shake until chilled about 30 seconds. Strain into the prepared glass.