Covers & Cocktails Giveaway: Divinian

I swear, September is holding on for as long as it can. I’m already talking about trying to get through October, and my boyfriend helpfully reminded me that October hasn’t even started.

So in short, I’d like a drink, please.

And I’m so excited to talk to you about the book we’re featuring this month: The Cocktail Guide to the Galaxy by Andy Heidel.

Some background: Heidel is the owner of The Way Station, a steampunk, all-nerds-welcome bar in Brooklyn, New York. I’ve never been, but I immediately added it to my New York travel list. I have lists for all sorts of places and to be honest, they’re mostly food establishments.

The book is organized by scifi/fantasy fandom. Some sections have only one themed drink, while others have enough to throw a theme party with plenty of libations. My boyfriend is a huge Star Wars fan and he went nuts over the Star Wars section. Plus, the book features artwork throughout in shades of pink, gray, red, and black. I highly recommend taking a look at the table of contents!

The drink I selected (and it was a tough choice) was the Divinian, the only drink inspired by The Fifth Element.

Now, The Fifth Element ( A ) is one of my favorite movies, if not THE favorite. I own it on DVD and I’ll always watch it when it’s on TV. My dream one day is to be comfortable enough in my own skin to wear Leelo’s half shirt, khaki pants, and orange rubber suspenders.

I was hesitant about the drink because I hate olives and it contains olive brine, but with a mix of other flavors, the brine adds an interesting saltiness to the bite of gin, the sweetness from the St-Germain, and the tart citrus of the lime. The description in the book describes the flavor profile as umami and I’d agree. It’s unlike any cocktail I’ve had before!

As a bonus, St. Martin’s Griffin has proved a copy for us to giveaway!

Shopping list:
Gin
Elderflower liqueur
Jar of olives in brine
Lime

Proportions:
1 part gin
1 teaspoon of St-Germain or other elderflower liqueur
1 teaspoon of olive brine (from your jar of queen stuffed olives)
1 teaspoon of lime juice

Directions:

1. Put all ingredients in a glass with ice.
2. Stir! No shaking in this one!
3. Strain into a glass of your choice. The fancier the better!

Modifications and notes:

• Heidel recommends using Comb 9 gin, but I couldn’t find it in a smaller sized bottle. Sorry, Andy! I went with the gin I’ve used previously for my gin & tonics.
• Olives are optional for garnish! Mainly I’m saying this because I hate them. I will not subject you to olives if you’re like me.
• Just an additional note that this book is incredibly fun and it was really tough to choose what to make. My backup choice was Degoba Swamp Juice, which is a cocktail that makes use of one of my favorite liqueurs: Midori.

 

As a bonus, we also have the illustration featured on the Divinian’s recipe page! Check that out – how cool is that glass?

Credit for the illustration goes to Elizabeth Daggar.

Now on to the giveaway! As I stated earlier, we have one (1) copy to giveaway. To enter, let me know which science fiction or fantasy fandom you think deserves a custom cocktail.

Standard disclaimers apply: We are not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Open to US residents where permitted by applicable law. Must be over 18. Please show us your multi-pass to confirm. It’s not necessary to have a crush on Bruce Willis, but I know I sure do. I recommend pouring one out for Gary Oldman’s awful haircut as well. Comments will close Sunday October 1, 2017 around noon EDT, and a winner will be announced shortly thereafter.

Good luck to everyone!

Winner Update: Congratulations to Granea! Please check your email shortly!

A big thank you to all the participants and, if you’re interested in the book, many of the fandoms you’ve mentioned are featured!