Anyone who knows me knows that there are two things I am never seen without — a book, and a beverage. I’ve loved reading since I first picked up Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief in elementary school, and I’m regularly seen with at least two different drinks at all times. So when I first came across @fictionandfizz on Instagram, I was immediately a huge fan. Kimberly Parrilla, the woman behind the account, first started her page in 2023, and now, just three years later, Kimberly has amassed almost 25k followers and is known for her amazing book recs and cocktail recipes.
Some of Kimberly’s most popular cocktails are inspired by Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series. One drink, a pomegranate margarita inspired by Maas’ Kingdom of Ash, has a fiery surprise topping it off and a punch that hits harder than the main character, Aelin.
Kimberly doesn’t just make fantasy book cocktails, though. She also has several recipes perfect for the rom-com book lovers in the world. Fans of Ali Hazelwood should absolutely check out her Deep End-inspired cocktail, which combines vodka and blue Curaçao with Gatorade and Sprite for a poolside drink that pairs perfectly with the steamy romance.
If you’re like me and have yet to jump on the Sarah J. Maas and Ali Hazelwood trains (I swear I will soon), have no fear. With one of favorite books getting adapted by Amazon Prime, Kimberly has made sure the Off Campus lovers are covered with her Dr. Pepper Colada. I read the first Off Campus book, The Deal, just a few weeks ago so that I could watch the show, and long story short, I now own the entire series and am steadily working my way through them all. And now, I have an absolutely delicious sounding drink to go with my newest bookish obsession. This fun take on a classic piña colada, which Kimberly calls the Off Campus Colada, contains Dr. Pepper, light rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and lime juice for a sip inspired by the book-turned-show’s main character, Hannah Wells.
If Instagram isn’t your thing but you still want some book and beverage pairings, look no further. As a certified book lover and drink girlie, I have my own personal pairings to share with you. I read books from all genres, from thrillers to romance, and I’m always ready with a drink in hand to go with my book of choice. So pick your poison and check out my book and beverage pairings below.
For the romance lovers, nothing says fake dating and confession in the rain quite like my favorite wine, passionfruit moscato. This white wine is light and flavorful, and the passionfruit flavor is sweet without being overwhelming, just like the last contemporary romance I read, Summer in the City by Alex Aster.
If you prefer your books with a side of mystery, but want to make sure your cocktail isn’t full of unexpected twists, I highly recommend the classic vodka cran to go with the thriller of your choice. Vodka and cranberry juice may sound simple, but the tart flavor and easy execution will have you in the perfect mood for a mystery, such as my most recent thriller, Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid.
Finally, if fantasy is your thing, have I got the book and beverage pairing for you. Nothing says fantasy to me quite like a pint of cider, and in my opinion, the best cider isn’t apple, but blueberry. The sweeter, more mild flavor is perfect alongside my favorite fantasy of all time, A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft. If any of these beverages (or their books) sound appealing to you, then be sure to take this article with you the next time you’re out and looking for a drink to try.
And if you aren’t a big drinker, you can still enjoy these drinks by simply subbing out the alcohol or removing it entirely for a mocktail experience, and I urge book lovers to rush over to @fictionandfizz for your next drink pairing and book recommendations, I know I will.