In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Ali Smith’s 2018 novel Winter. Topics include politics?! In MY Christmas?? Sisterly love, floating heads, unwanted erections, and…Austin Powers. We’re all over the place in this one, people.

This week’s drink: Sage Advice via findingtimeforcooking.com

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 fresh sage leaves
• 2 oz bourbon (90 proof is best for this recipe)
• ¾ oz cinnamon sage demerara simple syrup (see below for recipe)
• ¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 egg white, ideally room temperature (optional)
• Sage leaf for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. If using the egg white (strongly recommended!), put it in the shaker and do a 10-15 second dry shake with it first.
2. Then add the 3 sage leaves and the sage cinnamon syrup to the cocktail shaker and use a muddler to lightly crush the sage.
3. Add the lime juice and bourbon and shake everything for 10-15 seconds.
4. Finally, add a bunch of ice and shake until chilled (at least 15 seconds, I recommend 20-30).
5. Double strain (a.k.a. through the shaker and through a fine mesh sieve, to avoid tiny green bits) into a coupe glass and garnish with a sage leaf.
6. 
   

Current reads, recommendations, and links:

The rest of Ali Smith’s Season Quartet: Autumn, Spring, & Summer

Greedy: Notes from a Bisexual Who Wants Too Much by Jen Winston

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Terrace Story by Hilary Leichter

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Join us next time as we discuss our favorite reads (and other things) of 2023!

For the last episode of the year, pop a bottle of champagne! Full size or mini, on its own or with juice, enjoy this bubbly beverage with us as we celebrate a year full of good reads. Cheers!