By Nicole Danielle

Sips & Sparks: Summer Romance Novels Paired with Perfect Cocktails

There’s nothing quite like a steamy summer romance — except maybe pairing it with the perfect cocktail. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach or cooling off by the pool, these book-and-beverage duos are here to make your summer unforgettable. Each pairing is crafted to match the setting, tone or themes of the story. Let’s raise a glass to love, laughter and beach reads!

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1. Happy Place by Emily Henry

Cocktail: Strawberry Basil Gin Smash

Set at a cozy Maine cottage, this second-chance romance is all about emotional depth, old friends, and rediscovered love. Happy Place is a contemporary romance and New York Times #1 Bestseller. And Emily Henry is known as the “beach read master.”

Why It Pairs: The Strawberry Basil Gin Smash is fresh, layered, and just tart enough — like Harriet and Wyn’s journey back to each other.

Recipe:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 3 strawberries
• 3 basil leaves
• Muddle, shake with ice, strain, and serve over crushed ice.

You can also try this version of the Strawberry Basil Gin Smash from Empress Gin here.

You can purchase a copy of Happy Place here:

• Amazon (print)
• Audible
• Kindle
• Libro.fm
• The Ripped Bodice

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2. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Cocktail: Classic Mai Tai 

A fake honeymoon in Maui becomes a hilariously chaotic enemies-to-lovers tale in this contemporary romantic comedy. The Unhoneymooners was named a “Must-Read” by BuzzFeed, Goodreads, Entertainment Weekly, Publishers Weekly, Southern Living, Book Riot, Woman’s Day and more. Christina Lauren is also a New York Times bestselling author.

Why it pairs: This hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance is set in Maui, and what better way to soak in the tropical vibes than with a tiki classic? The Mai Tai is bold, citrusy, and just the right amount of chaotic—just like Olive and Ethan’s fake honeymoon.

Recipe:

• 1 oz light rum
• 1 oz dark rum
• 1/2 oz orange curaçao
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/4 oz orgeat syrup
• Shake and serve over crushed ice, garnish with mint and lime.

This is a general, classic mai tai recipe. You can also try Jessie Barnes Bernhardt’s The Best Classic Mai Tai recipe here.

To get your copy of The Unhoneymooners, click any one of these links:

• Amazon (print)
• Audible
• Kindle
• Libro.fm
• The Ripped Bodice

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3. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Cocktail: Lakeside Lemonade with Bourbon 

Spanning six summers and one unforgettable love, this book is all nostalgia and longing. This book is a New York Times bestseller and has been featured in USA Today, PopSugar and Buzzfeed. Every Summer After is a contemporary romance and coming of age story.

Why it pairs: This emotionally rich, nostalgic romance takes place over six summers at a lake house. The cocktail? A grown-up twist on lemonade — comforting, familiar, and a little intoxicating. Just like Percy and Sam’s love story.

Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 3/4 oz honey syrup
• Splash of soda water
• Serve over ice, garnish with a lemon wheel.

For a vodka version of a Lakeside Lemonade, check out this recipe from B. H. James Distillers.

You can buy Every Summer After here:

• Amazon (print)
• Audible
• Kindle
• Libro.fm
• The Ripped Bodice

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4. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Cocktail (Alternate): Coconut Mojito 

A story about best friends traveling the world — from Palm Springs to Croatia — and their warm, slow-burn friendship-to-lovers arc. People We Meet on Vacation is a contemporary rom com from NYT bestselling author Emily Henry, “the beach read master” who also wrote the first book in our list, Happy Place.

Cocktail: Coconut Mojito

Why it pairs: Poppy and Alex’s adventures are filled with steamy destinations, misadventures, and sun-drenched charm. A Coconut Mojito is the taste of summer vacation — cool, tropical, and refreshing, just like the story’s mood.

Recipe:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz coconut cream
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Fresh mint leaves
• Muddle mint, shake all ingredients with ice, top with soda water. Garnish with mint + lime.

For a more elevated Coconut Mojito option that incorporates a homemade Coconut-Mint Syrup, check out this recipe from Food & Wine magazine.

Purchase your copy of People We Meet on Vacation here:

• Amazon (print)
• Audible
• Kindle
• Libro.fm
• The Ripped Bodice

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5. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

Cocktail: Limoncello Spritz 

If you’re looking for something wholesome and cute, Love & Gelato is a delightful summer reader. It’s a young adult romance but it’s so good it was an NYT bestseller and Netflix made into a movie in 2022. Set in Tuscany and filled with teen romance, self-discovery, and gelato, this gem is as sweet as it is heartfelt. It’s perfect for readers who love travel, heartfelt family secrets, and a taste of amore under the Italian sun.

Why it pairs: Love & Gelato is a coming-of-age romance set in the heart of Tuscany, bursting with mystery, sweet love, and gelato-fueled discovery. The Limoncello Spritz captures the Italian sunshine and youthfulness that defines Lina’s journey.

Recipe:

• 2 oz limoncello
• 3 oz prosecco
• 1 oz soda water
• Serve over ice, garnish with a lemon twist.

For a fun variation of this spritz with a little more pep thanks to ginger beer, check out this recipe from Williams Sonoma.

You can get the book here:

• Amazon (print)
• Audible
• Kindle
• Libro.fm
• The Ripped Bodice

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6. One Hot Italian Summer by Karina Halle

Cocktail: Aperol Spritz

I just ordered One Hot Italian Summer by Karina Halle for myself and I can’t wait to read it this summer. And while I’m normally a Paloma girl, I also LOVE an Aperol Spritz. It brings back fond memories for me of pre-cruise adventures in Italy with my dear friend, Lynn, and some really awesome fellow travelers we met in our travel group. Did we drink multiple Aperol Spritz one beautiful summer afternoon as we looked at the picturesque Lake Como? Yes, yes we did.

But let’s talk about the book. An artist’s retreat on the Amalfi Coast turns into a sizzling romance with a brooding, handsome neighbor in this contemporary romance.

Why it pairs: This steamy, sun-soaked romance set on the Amalfi Coast follows a blocked writer who escapes to Italy and falls for a charming single dad/artist. The Aperol Spritz is the ultimate Italian aperitivo — vibrant, lightly bitter, and oh-so-refreshing. It’s the perfect sip for a book that’s equal parts heat, heart, and healing. Enjoy it at golden hour with a side of olives, just like you’re on a terrace in Positano … or Lake Como.

Recipe:

• 3 oz prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz soda water
• Serve over ice with an orange slice.

For the OFFICIAL cocktail recipe from Aperol and the history of this truly delightful drink, click here.

You can purchase One Hot Italian Summer here:

• Amazon (print)
• Audible
• Kindle
• Libro.fm
• The Ripped Bodice

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7. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Cocktail: Espresso Martini 

Yes, I’m listing another Emily Henry book. She’s a the queen of beach reads and a bestselling author for a reason, my fellow bookish biddies. Beach Read is a coastal romance between two rival writers mixing banter and vulnerability. It’s a contemporary rom com that’s received accolades from a variety of popular publications.

Why it pairs: This romance between two rival writers mixes flirty banter, emotional depth, and late-night inspiration. The Espresso Martini is perfect—sharp, stimulating, and best enjoyed while debating plot twists at 2 AM.

Recipe:

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 oz espresso
• 3/4 oz coffee liqueur
• Shake vigorously and serve in a chilled martini glass.

I also love this version of the martini from Grey Goose vodka.

You can purchase Beach Read here:

• Amazon (print)
• Audible
• Kindle
• Libro.fm
• The Ripped Bodice

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✨ Bonus Idea:

Make a “Summer Love & Libations” gift basket: wrap up a book with a mini cocktail kit and a handwritten recipe card. Book club night = leveled up.

Which of these book and cocktail pairings appeals to you? Have you read any of these summer beach reads? Let me know in the comments! And be sure to check out our latest podcast episodes here.