A Jane Austen-Inspired Cocktail from Gin Austen by Colleen Mullaney
By Taylor Jasmine | On September 19, 2019 | Updated October 7, 2023 | Comments (0)
Gin Austen: 50 Cocktails to Celebrate the Novels of Jane Austen by Colleen Mullaney is a clever little book celebrating the exquisite novels of Jane Austen with boozy delicacies and attendant wordplay. From the publisher:
In six enduring novels, Jane Austen captured the fancies and foibles of Regency England, and this book celebrates the picnics, luncheons, dinner parties, and glamorous balls of Austen’s world. Learn what she and her characters might have imbibed, and what tools, glasses, ingredients, and skills you simply must possess.
Raise your glass to Sense and Sensibility with a Hot Barton Rum or Elinorange Blossom. Toast Pride and Prejudice with a Salt & Pemberley, Fizzy Miss Lizzie, or Cousin Collins.
Brimming with enlightening quotes from the novels and Austen’s letters, beautiful photographs, period design, and a collection of drinking games more exciting that a game of whist, this intoxicating volume is a must-have for any devoted Janeite.
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See also: Agatha Whiskey by Colleen Mullaney
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Recipe and text following is from Gin Austen by Colleen Mullaney ©2019, Sterling Epicure, NY, reprinted by permission.
From Chapter II of Gin Austen: Pride and Prejudice
When a wealthy young gentleman by the name of Mr. Bingley moves into Netherfield Park, the grand manor at the end of the lane, the lives of the Bennett sisters change forever. Bingley brings with him his best friend, the dashing and wealthy but also rather disagreeable Mr. Darcy.
Miscommunication, heartache, and of course proposals ensue as all attempt to satisfy the laconic epigram that opens the novel that a rich, single man must by definition be looking to secure a marriage for himself. If you do marry into a superior class, the situation calls for sparkling wine, as does the recipe for Gin & Bennet.
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Gin & Bennet
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Gin & Bennet
Mrs. Bennet is a prattling gossip of a mother and a constant embarrassment to her daughters. She fails to present herself well, and her children cannot prevent her from trying to marry them all off—the focus of her every waking moment.
When Jane goes to visit the Bingleys for dinner, Mrs. Bennet refuses to let her use the carriage—despite anticipated poor weather—secretly hoping that the storm will hold Jane hostage at Netherfield. The ruse works only too well.
“If I were as rich as Mr. Darcy,” cried a young Lucas … “I should not care how proud I was. I would keep a pack of foxhounds, and drink a bottle of wine a day.”
“Then you would drink a great deal more than you ought,” said Mrs. Bennet; “and if I were to see you at it, I should take away your bottle directly.” (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)
- 1 ½ ounces gin
- ½ ounce crѐme de violette
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- Sparkling wine
- Edible blossoms for garnish
In a shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, crѐme de violette, and lemon juice and shake well. Strain into a coupe, and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with edible blossoms, and for heaven’s sake, take the carriage.
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Gin Austen is available on Bookshop.org* and Amazon*
See also: 7 Literary Cocktail Books
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