IntroductionIt's All About the Chemistry What is it that makes the perfect romantasy? And, while we are here, what about the perfect cocktail? Perhaps there’s a crossover between the two. Neither should be too sweet or cloying. But neither do we want elements that are eternally at odds—there is such a thing as too much tension! Perhaps it’s about balance then, about all the ingredients—cough—coming together to create something that’s truly magical.
From martinis to highballs and sours to snappers, it’s hard to explain why some cocktails have swept the globe. Maybe we shouldn’t try—just like we don’t need to understand exactly what it is that makes our toes curl about stories filled with morally gray characters, mythical creatures, and more than a little death. Perhaps the allure is just as instinctual as falling for your mate. And happily, that is what this book is here to do! In these pages you will find 60 cocktails inspired by our favorite romantasy stories. Some may be familiar, some may seem worlds apart from our own, but this is a genre all about discovery. So whether you’re into fairies, vampires, demons, or dragons, just like cocktails, there is one out there for everyone.
The greatest romantasy reads take well-loved tropes—enemies to lovers, grumpy vs. sunshine, reverse harems—and make them their own. Sure, the fated couple may have to navigate a few obstacles and warring kingdoms first, but with a generous dose of smut these books create a love so powerful it transcends the page and connects readers everywhere. Is there anything more pleasurable than lighting some candles, curling up in your book nook, and escaping to your favorite realm? Maybe it’s adding some extra spice to your book club and sitting down to scream, laugh (or maybe cry!) together about those chapters? It could be a date, a group of friends, your BFF (but absolutely not your parents)— introducing them to your favorite series or standalone only enhances the connection. And what better way to set the scene than by making a cocktail to settle down with first?
Whatever you like in a main character—whether you prefer a stabby heroine, a golden retriever pirate captain, or a dark faerie with an
enormous wingspan—you will find it all on the page. No date can be so awkward, no working day so dull, no night so dark and lonely that a romantasy novel can’t make your stomach do somersaults. So let’s raise a glass to whatever cocktail piques your interest and make a toast: here’s to finding your book boyfriend (or if we’re being honest,
boyfriends). All the cocktails in this recipe book are made for a single serving unless stated otherwise but you can of course multiply up depending on how many you’re serving. Glassware is also a suggestion so don’t let a lack of specific glassware stop you from having fun!
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