Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston with Katharine Herndon

Welcome back to Drinks in the Library! Today, we're exploring the delightful and charming world of Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. This romantic comedy takes us on a whirlwind journey through love, politics, and the complexities of identity as we follow the unexpected romance between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales.

My guest this week is Katharine Herndon, who lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, two boys, and a hound dog named Lola. She used to teach (English, of course), but the homework got to her, so she decided to take up nonprofit work instead (insert laughter). Currently the Executive Director of James River Writers, she is an enthusiastic advocate for the RVA literary community and can be found at nearly all JRW events. In her free time she kills plants, burns things more than she cooks, knits very sporadically, and is still looking for some form of tolerable exercise.

Our drink this week was a nod to our friends across the pond:

The New G&T (Gin and Earl Grey Tea)

2 ounce Earl Grey Tea

2 ounce Gin

1 ounce Maple Syrup

3/4 ounce Lemon Juice

Fresh Mint or Dried Rose Petals for garnish, optional

In a rocks glass add ice and set aside. In your cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients, except for the garnish. Fill the shaker with ice and put the cap on. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until the shaker is extremely cold.

Strain cocktail into your prepared rocks glass and garnish with mint or rose petals, if using. Serve immediately.

In This Episode

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones

In A Jam by Kate Canterbury

American Royals by Catherine McGee

Red White and Royal Blue Film

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

The Horse Whisperer Film

Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret Film

Jim Dale Actor & Audiobook Narrator

I Kissed Shara Wheelerby Casey McQuiston

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison