World Book Night is an annual celebration of books and reading that takes place on April 23rd. It was first launched in the UK in 2011, and has since spread to other countries around the world. The event aims to encourage people to read by giving away free books and promoting the joy of reading.
On World Book Night, volunteers distribute specially chosen books to people in their local communities. These books are selected by a panel of experts and include a diverse range of titles and genres, with the aim of reaching people who might not otherwise have access to books or who might not consider themselves to be regular readers.
The event also includes a range of activities and events, such as author readings, book signings, and discussions about literature. The overall goal of World Book Night is to celebrate the power of books to inspire, educate, and entertain people of all ages and backgrounds.
7 Cocktails for World Book Night
Seven unique cocktail recipes inspired by famous books and authors to celebrate World Book Night:
- The Great Gatsby: This champagne cocktail is inspired by the glamorous parties of the roaring twenties, just like in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. In a champagne flute, mix 1 oz gin, 1/2 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Top with chilled champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
- The Hobbit: This fruity and refreshing cocktail is inspired by the Shire, the idyllic home of hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel. In a shaker, muddle 3-4 blackberries and 1 sprig of fresh thyme. Add 1 oz apple brandy, 1 oz peach schnapps, and 1/2 oz lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a thyme sprig.
- To Kill a Mockingbird: This Southern-inspired cocktail is perfect for sipping on a porch swing, just like Scout and Jem in Harper Lee’s novel. In a shaker, mix 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz peach liqueur, 1/2 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz honey syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
- Frankenstein: This creepy and delicious cocktail is inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic novel. In a shaker, mix 1 oz blackberry liqueur, 1 oz black rum, 1/2 oz lime juice, and a splash of grenadine. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a blackberry.
- Alice in Wonderland: This whimsical cocktail is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s surreal and magical story. In a shaker, mix 1 oz gin, 1/2 oz triple sec, 1/2 oz blue curaçao, and 1/2 oz lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with a slice of lemon.
- Moby-Dick: This maritime-inspired cocktail is perfect for sipping on a boat, just like Ishmael and Captain Ahab in Herman Melville’s novel. In a shaker, mix 1 oz spiced rum, 1 oz blue curaçao, 1/2 oz lime juice, and a splash of pineapple juice. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple.
- Harry Potter: This magical cocktail is inspired by the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling’s novels. In a shaker, mix 1 oz gin, 1 oz blue curaçao, 1/2 oz lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with tonic water and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.