Literature & Libations

Taylor Made
  • 5.0 (14)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join two sisters, one book nerd and one novel novice, as they review their latest read every other week while sipping a themed cocktail. 

  1. 6D AGO

    109. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter. Topics include delicious recipes, listening to the “modern reader” edition, was Nathaniel Hawthorne a woman in disguise?, Hawthorne’s hilarious disdain for Puritans, Arthur Dimmesdale (owner of the Dimmsdale Dimmadome) and his struggles, Pearl and her uncanny understanding of the world, and the only way this story could end. Plus, we talk Oscars. This week’s drink: The Scarlet Letter via Charbay Distillery INGREDIENTS  1 ½ oz Charbay Pomegranate Vodka (or any pomegranate vodka) ½ oz Cointreau ¾ oz Red Wine Gastrique ½ oz Lemon Juice 3 dashes Scrappy's Cardamon Bitters Long Meadow Ranch Merlot Sea Salt (for rim) 1 Sprig ThymeINSTRUCTIONS: Add all ingredients into a shaker and add ice.Shake well and double strain into a cocktail glass, rimmed with the Merlot sea salt.Garnish with the sprig of thyme.To make the Red Wine Gastrique: Reduce by 1/3 a medium to heavy-bodied red wine. While still hot, stir in equal amounts of fine white sugar until dissolved. Add same amount of sherry wine vinegar so that the solution is 1:1:1 and mix. Let cool and keep in fridge. Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: The Saffron Tales: Recipes from the Persian Kitchen by Yasmin Khan Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read The White Octopus Hotel by Alexandra Bell

    1h 15m

  2. MAR 17

    108. The Hours by Michael Cunningham

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Michael Cunningham’s 1998 novel The Hours. Topics include smoking while pregnant (no good very bad don’t do it), the two Clarissas, the haunted Laura Brown, and the tragedy of Virginia Woolf. This week’s drink: The Clarissa (a Taylor original) INGREDIENTS  1 oz gin¾ oz Lillet Blanc1 oz dry vermouth½ oz orange juicePinch of turmeric INSTRUCTIONS: Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Pour into any glass with one giant ice cube or sphereTop with sparkling water or tonic water and garnish with an orange peel Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

    1h 12m

  3. MAR 3

    107. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel Mrs. Dalloway. Topics include the best way to read this book, horn rimmed glasses and the people who wear them, and deep dives into the main characters. Plus, we talk about the shows we are currently watching (Heated Rivalry, The Pitt, and Derry Girls). This week’s drink: the Virginia Woolf via Buzzworthy INGREDIENTS  2 shots oaked amber rum¾ shot peach syrup¾ shot fresh lemon juiceMint to garnishINSTRUCTIONS: Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorouslyStrain through a fine strainer into a Nick and Nora glassGently press mint with fingers to release oils, and garnish Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: HEATED RIVALRY!!! Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read The Hours by Michael Cunningham

    1h 24m

  4. FEB 24

    106. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Madeline L’Engle’s 1962 classic A Wrinkle in Time Topics include Disney Channel classic Johnny Tsunami, the idiocy of teenage boys, there’s Jesus in my science!, the clunkiness of the plot, how the series continues, realizing your parents don’t have all the answers, Meg as a great example for young girls, and the power of love. Plus, we go on a slight tangent about the state of Disney animated movies today. This week’s drink: Maple Orange Spritz via Thirsty Tales INGREDIENTS  2 fresh oranges, juiced 2 tablespoons of maple syrup½ cup of sparkling waterIce cubes for servingOrange slices for garnishINSTRUCTIONS: Juice the orangesStir the juice and maple syrup in a glassAdd the ice cubes and sparkling water, stirring gentlyGarnish with orange slices and serve immediately Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer  Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

    1h 13m

  5. FEB 3

    105. Remain by Nicholas Sparks with M. Night Shyamalan

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan’s 2025 “supernatural love story” Remain. Topics include the unfortunate name Tate (Tateifer?), Cape Cod vibes, ghost sex, not your typical love story ending, and our low threshold for hauntings. Plus, Kayla shares some exciting news! This week’s drink: Cape Codder via liquor.com INGREDIENTS  1 1/2 ounces vodkaCranberry juice, chilled, to topGarnish: lime wedgeINSTRUCTIONS: Add the vodka into a highball glass over ice.Top with cranberry juice and stir briefly to combine.Squeeze a lime wedge over the glass and drop it into the drink. Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

    1h 4m

  6. JAN 20

    104. The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Elaine Dundy’s 1958 novel The Dud Avocado. Topics include the fun and original voice of Sally Jay, the darker themes in the book (surprise surprise, they involve men), free-wheeling and heavy-drinking Paris nightlife, how not to lose your passport, trips to Canada, being a Dreaded Librarian, and Sally Jay’s ending - what does zymotic mean in this context?! Plus, Title Talk! And how cool the author seems to have been. This week’s drink: Avocado Gimlet via Scratch Distillery INGREDIENTS (makes 2 drinks): 5 oz Pepper Vodka1 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice1 oz Agave simple syrup1/2 fruit Avocado1 cup ice1 tsp salt1 tsp chile powderINSTRUCTIONS: Cut the avocado in half and spoon into the shaker.Add the syrup, vodka, and lime juice.Muddle thoroughly.Add ice, and shake thoroughly.Rim your glass with salt and chili powder.Strain contents into glass. If served up-done. If using a rocks glass, add a nice large rock. Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: Bonjour, Tristesse by Francoise Sagan Party Girl (1995 film) Animal Farm by George Orwell Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read Remain by Nicholas Sparks with M. Night Shyamalan

    1h 21m

  7. JAN 8

    103. Heart the Lover by Lily King

    Welcome, 2026! In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss pod favorite Lily King’s 2025 novel Heart the Lover. Topics include the way Lily King packs a punch in a short time, pompous young adult men in academia, Sam vs. Yash, revealing Jordan’s real name and how the men in her life defined her, the importance of first loves and how weird it is when you realize you’ll never talk to that person again, and feeling feelings.Plus, Title Talk! This week’s drink: Rose and Ginger Paloma (aka Heart the Lover) via Half Baked Harvest INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice2 ounces silver tequila1 tablespoon fresh lime juice1-2 tablespoons rose watergingerbeer, for toppingINSTRUCTIONS: Fill your glass halfway with ice. Add the grapefruit juice, tequila, lime juice, and rose water. Stir to combine and then top with ginger beer. Garnish with fresh roses. Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: The Novel Life of Jane Austen: A Graphic Biography by Janine Barchas Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com. Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy! Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library.  Join us next time as we read The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy

    1h 5m

  8. 12/30/2025

    102. 2025 End of Year Wrap Up!

    In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor wrap up 2025 with their favorite pod (and non-pod) reads, plus other favorites from movies, TV, music, and more! This week’s drink: French 75 via Friday Night Cocktails INGREDIENTS: 1 oz gin½ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed½ oz simply syrup3 oz ChampagneLemon twist, for garnish INSTRUCTIONS: In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake until chilled.Strain into a Champagne flute and top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist Current/recommended reads, links, etc.: When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion by Julie Satow Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age by Vauhini Varta Eat Up!: Food, Appetite and Eating What You Want by Ruby Tandoh Life After Life by Kate Atkinson Tilt by Emma Pattee Trust by Hernan Diaz O Caledonia by Elspeth Barker Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros Good Things by Samin Nosrat (and her podcast Home Cooking) The Art of Gluten-Free Bread by Aran Goyoaga Lugma: Abundant Dishes and Stories from My Middle East by Noor Murad Great Short Books: A Year of Reading—Briefly by Kenneth C. Davis Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod. Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also se

    1h 33m
See All (146)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Join two sisters, one book nerd and one novel novice, as they review their latest read every other week while sipping a themed cocktail. 

Information

  • Creator
    Taylor Made
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    146
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Literature & Libations
  • Show Website
    Literature & Libations

You Might Also Like