Gin Austen: A book that’s Top Shelf!

by

Leticia Marie Sanchez 

The introduction to Gin Austen: 50 Cocktails To Celebrate the Novels of Jane Austen includes a revealing quote from Jane Austen to Cassandra Austen: “I believe I drank too much wine last night at Hurstbourne; I know not else how to account for the shaking of my hand to-day.”

Despite being an Austen fan, I never realized how freely drinks flowed at the social engagements during her time.

I could not put down the book down, mainly due to the chuckle-factor and wit of Colleen Mullaney.

Firstly, the names of the concoctions are hilarious, from Jane’s Addiction to Bloody Elliot to Gin and Bennet to No Weymouth.

Secondly, the author integrates, with finesse, the literary works of Jane Austen, with each chapter devoted to novels like Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion.

Thirdly, Mullaney includes useful descriptions of items ranging from barware, glassware, and cocktail ingredients that even neophytes like myself could understand!

CCH recommends this book as being Top Shelf!