Kiss, Curse, Consume: wicked drinks for romantasy Reads
Spellbinding Sips: Cocktail Recipes to Enchant Your Romantasy Nights
Indulge in drinks as dangerous and decadent as the lovers who should never touch—but always do.
This post contains cocktail recipes intended for readers 21 years of age and older. Please drink responsibly. If you choose to consume alcohol, do so in moderation and in accordance with your local laws. For non-drinkers, pregnancy-safe, and family-friendly options, mocktail alternatives are also provided.
When the sun dips below the horizon and the real world fades to a low hum, there’s nothing like sinking into a fantasy romance that pulses with danger, desire, and magic. The kind of book where shadows whisper secrets, anti-heroes smolder with forbidden intentions, and every kiss feels like a gamble with fate. These aren’t your breezy beach reads—these are the novels that demand candlelight, a storm brewing outside, and a drink in hand as dark and decadent as the world you’re about to enter.
Welcome to the darker side of romantasy.
This time, I’m pairing some of my favorite spellbinding fantasy romances with custom cocktails and mocktails that match their energy—think smoky notes, enchanted ingredients, and a hint of danger. Whether you're reading under a blanket solo or gathering your best bookish friends for a night of morally gray men and magical angst, this post is for you. These pairings are made for reading late into the night, heart racing and glass in hand. So dim the lights, put on your sultriest playlist, and let’s sip our way through realms of magic, betrayal, and slow-burn tension.
Hosting a Romantasy-Themed Book Club Night?
Each of the romantasy reads below is paired with a custom cocktail or mocktail to match the book’s aesthetic, emotional arc, and spice level—perfect for setting the mood. But why stop there?
Use these pairings as a foundation for an unforgettable evening:
Serve the themed drink for your monthly pick to immerse your group in the world.
Decorate your space to match the book’s court, kingdom, or vibes (candles for Night Court, vines and florals for fae realms, snow and steel for Nordic-inspired worlds).
Create a signature playlist inspired by the characters or plot.
Set up discussion cards with juicy prompts like "Would you survive this magic trial?" or "Is this love interest red flag or red hot?"
Whether you're sipping mocktails or embracing your inner fae with a shimmering cocktail in hand, this guide will help you turn your romantasy reading obsession into a full-blown experience.
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work.
The Starlight Heir
by Amalie Howard
A bladesmith blessed by the stars. A prince with a dangerous secret. And a god lurking in the shadows. When Suraya receives an invitation to the gilded court, she’s thrown into a world of political unrest and forbidden attraction—especially to Roshan, the brooding illegitimate half-brother hiding dangerous secrets of his own. As rebellion brews and ancient powers awaken, Suraya must embrace the magic within her before darkness consumes everything.
Drink Vibe:
For this book, you’ll want a cocktail that captures the celestial wonder and simmering danger of the story—a glittering mix that sparkles like stardust, with a smoky undercurrent that hints at shadowed secrets. It’s seductive, mysterious, and leaves you wanting more—just like Roshan.
Paired With: “Stardust & Shadows”
A glittering, smoky cocktail (or mocktail) with a celestial twist
Why this works: Suraya is a fierce, grounded bladesmith thrown into a court glittering with power plays and starborn secrets. Roshan is all sharp edges and shadowed charm—dangerous, magnetic, and absolutely the kind of morally gray anti-hero we love to thirst over. Their chemistry burns under pressure, and the threat of a dark god only raises the stakes.
This drink is both a nod to Suraya’s star-blessed destiny and the seductive pull of the shadows surrounding Roshan. It's visually enchanting—think shimmer, smoke, and a taste that lingers—and it hides a little bite under all that beauty, just like the story itself.
Pair this book + drink combo if you:
Crave long-lost love reignited with heart-tugging flashbacks and whip-smart banter
Are a fan of stories with emotional growth, tenderness, and understated swoon
Love your summer reads like your sangria: slow steeped, a little fruity, and totally refreshing
Want to feel softly wrecked and fully healed by the final page
Cocktail Version:
1.5 oz black vodka (or regular vodka + black food coloring/charcoal)
1 oz crème de cassis or blackberry liqueur
1 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
Edible shimmer dust (silver or violet)
Dry ice chip or smoked rosemary sprig (optional, for drama)
Shake vodka, cassis, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice until chilled. Stir in a pinch of edible shimmer dust. Strain into a coupe or martini glass. For the “shadow” effect, drop in a dry ice chip or light a rosemary sprig to rest on top for smoke. Sip beneath the stars—or at least fairy lights.
Mocktail Version:
2 oz blackberry juice or black cherry juice
1 oz lemonade
0.5 oz honey syrup (or simple syrup)
Edible shimmer dust
Garnish with blackberries or a sugared rim
Shake ingredients with ice until chilled. Stir in a pinch of edible shimmer dust. Strain into a coupe or martini glass. For the “shadow” effect, drop in a dry ice chip or light a rosemary sprig to rest on top for smoke.
Filthy Rich Fae
By Geneva Lee
In the underworld of New Orleans, Lachlan Gage rules with cruelty, charm, and supernatural power. When Cate’s brother crosses him, she must strike a deal with the fae prince who trades in souls, not favors. With only thirty days to escape the curse that binds her to him, Cate must navigate a world of shadows, secrets, and sinful temptation. But falling for the enemy could be the most dangerous mistake of all. (Book 2 is released May 20, 2025)
Drink Vibe:
This drink is bold, intoxicating, and velvety smooth—just like Lachlan. With dark fruit notes, a touch of spice, and a finish that lingers long after the last sip, “The Velvet Deal” is a drink for those who like their romance with danger and their fae princes morally gray and devastatingly hot.
Paired With: “The Velvet Deal”
A dangerously smooth cocktail (or mocktail) laced with darkness, temptation, and just the right amount of bite
Why it works: This book is dripping with dark seduction, illicit bargains, and twisted attraction—and the drink needed to match that same energy. The Velvet Deal is rich, potent, and luxuriously smooth, mirroring the slow-burn intensity between Cate and Lachlan. It plays with the senses: blackberry for dark indulgence, warm spices for the heat building beneath the surface, and a bourbon base that brings the bold, smoky danger of New Orleans straight to your glass.
Pair this book + drink combo if you:
Love morally gray, untouchable fae crime lords who drip power and seduction
Want a heroine who’s smart, strong, and pushed to her limits
Enjoy fae worlds that blend court politics with supernatural noir
Live for high-stakes bargains and forced proximity with undeniable chemistry
Are into rich, dark cocktails that feel like sin in a glass
Cocktail Version:
2 oz blackberry bourbon (or regular bourbon + muddled blackberries)
0.5 oz amaro (like Averna or Montenegro)
0.75 oz spiced simple syrup (cinnamon + clove)
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
Black salt rim (optional, but dramatic)
Rim your glass with black salt for drama. Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube. Garnish with a blackberry skewer or cinnamon stick. Sip slowly—this one doesn’t play nice.
Mocktail Version:
2 oz blackberry juice
0.75 oz cinnamon-clove syrup
0.75 oz lemon juice
Splash of non-alcoholic aperitif or sparkling blackberry water
Black salt rim + blackberry garnish
Rim your glass with black salt for drama. Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube. Garnish with a blackberry skewer or cinnamon stick.
A Curse Carved in Bone
by Danielle L. Jensen
Freya, once a shield maiden and now touched by divine power, is locked in a battle not just against fate, but against the man she once loved—and who betrayed her. As war looms and ancient enemies rise, Freya must align herself with those she once feared and confront the magic that could either save her people or destroy them. The bonds of oaths, the fury of love betrayed, and the weight of destiny crash together in this epic, Norse-inspired conclusion.
Drink Vibe:
It’s icy on the surface but burns as it goes down. This one is rugged, intense, and unforgettable—much like the bond between Freya and Bjorn. Think Nordic woods, shattered oaths, and a quiet rage you can taste.
Paired With: “The Oathbreaker”
A bold, frost-kissed cocktail (or mocktail) forged with fire, ice, and a twist of betrayal
Why it works: This book is elemental—ice, blood, fire, and fate—and the drink channels that exact storm. The Oathbreaker is crafted to mirror Freya’s duality: her cold fury and burning magic, her loyalty and heartbreak. With sharp herbal notes, a frost-touched rim, and a splash of heat from ginger or spiced liqueur, this cocktail tastes like a battle cry held between gritted teeth. It’s a drink for the warrior queens, the betrayed lovers, and anyone ready to defy fate with fire in their veins.
Pair this book + drink combo if you:
Love your heroines fierce, furious, and unwilling to kneel to destiny
Crave second-chance romance that simmers with betrayal and longing
Are obsessed with Norse mythology, divine power, and morally complex gods
Enjoy stories where inner strength is forged in heartbreak and battle
Want a drink that’s as cold as steel and as hot as vengeance
Cocktail Version:
1.5 oz aquavit (or vodka if unavailable)
0.5 oz ginger liqueur (or fresh ginger syrup)
1 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz honey syrup
Dash of angostura bitters
Crushed ice or snow ice
Sprig of thyme or pine + smoked sea salt rim (optional)
Rim a chilled rocks glass with smoked sea salt. Shake all ingredients with ice until frosty cold. Strain over fresh crushed ice for a snowdrift effect. Garnish with a scorched thyme sprig or pine needle. Raise a glass to breaking oaths and rewriting fate.
Mocktail Version:
1 oz ginger syrup
0.75 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz honey syrup
2 oz chilled chamomile tea or juniper herbal tonic
Dash of bitters (or omit if needed)
Crushed ice + salt rim + herb garnish
Rim a chilled rocks glass with smoked sea salt. Shake all ingredients with ice until frosty cold. Strain over fresh crushed ice for a snowdrift effect. Garnish with a scorched thyme sprig or pine needle.
Blood of Hercules
by Jasmine Mas
Hercules, but make her sarcastic, traumatized, and absolutely not in the mood for divine bullshit. Thrust into a ruthless academy of elite Spartans with god-tier powers, our heroine is forced to survive brutal trials, ancient monsters, and professors who double as actual legends. Add in enemies who toe the line between obsession and violence, and this reimagining delivers dark fantasy chaos with razor-sharp banter and feral romance. (Book 2 is available for pre-order)
Drink Vibe:
Mythic and menacing. This is the kind of drink that looks like spilled god-blood in a glass—deep red, dangerously delicious, and guaranteed to turn heads. It’s defiant, a little unhinged, and just sweet enough to make you forget it bites back.
Paired With: “The Divine Reckoning”
A bold, blood-hued cocktail (or mocktail) with mythic flavor and a wicked kick
Why it works: Blood of Hercules is red-hot mythological madness with enemies-to-lovers tension, found power, and a heroine who claws her way through a world built to destroy her. The drink had to go hard. The Divine Reckoning is bold and bloody, with pomegranate, citrus, and a bitter edge that lingers like a warning. It balances sweetness and venom—just like this story. A drink that says: I dare you.
Pair this book + drink combo if you:
Live for sharp, hilarious heroines with rage and trauma buried under sarcasm
Are obsessed with academy settings that feel like mythological battlefields
Love enemies-to-obsessed-lovers and villainous love interests
Want gods, monsters, and immortals wrapped up in dark academia aesthetics
Like your drinks with drama, danger, and a splash of blood-red glamor
Cocktail Version:
2 oz pomegranate juice
1 oz dark rum or mezcal (optional for a smoky edge)
0.5 oz Aperol or blood orange liqueur
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
0.25 oz agave syrup
Pomegranate seeds + chili salt rim
Rim a coupe or rocks glass with chili salt. Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled. Strain into the glass and garnish with a few floating pomegranate seeds. Sip while imagining your enemies kneeling.
Mocktail Version:
2 oz pomegranate juice
0.5 oz blood orange soda or sparkling water
0.5 oz lime juice
0.25 oz agave syrup
Optional: dash of smoked paprika or non-alcoholic bitter for complexity
Chili salt rim + pomegranate garnish
Enchantra
by Kaylie Smith
After the brutal loss of her mother, Genevieve Grimm is lured into the cursed, twisted world of Enchantra—a palace cloaked in illusions, danger, and impossible games. There, she meets Rowin Silver, a beautifully arrogant man bound to a centuries-old trap. The only way to survive? Pretend to be madly in love with him… and play a game that could kill her. But faking love is a dangerous gamble when the line between pretend and desire begins to blur.
Drink Vibe:
This is the kind of cocktail that would be served at a masquerade ball in a haunted palace. All glamour on the surface, but with something wicked blooming beneath. A floral blush drink, finished with a dark berry twist and a thorny sugared rim.
Paired With: “The Thorned Rose”
A bewitching cocktail/mocktail laced with floral deception and velvet shadows
Why it works: Enchantra is sultry, sharp-edged, and drenched in secrets—and the drink had to match. The Thorned Rose looks soft and elegant, with delicate rose and berry notes… but it hides a bitter bite underneath. Like the cursed palace itself, it lures you in with beauty and teases danger at every sip. It’s romantic and deceptive, with just enough sting to keep you on edge.
Pair this book + drink combo if you:
Love fake dating with high emotional stakes and slow-burn heat
Crave enemies-to-lovers energy dripping with trust issues
Want fantasy that’s darkly romantic, high-stakes, and mysterious
Are drawn to morally gray, silver-tongued love interests who shouldn't be trusted (but you're going to anyway)
Need that one “doomed but delicious” pairing that hurts so good
Cocktail Version:
2 oz gin or vodka (or omit for mocktail)
1 oz rose syrup or rosewater + simple syrup
1 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz crème de cassis or blackcurrant liqueur
Fresh blackberries + sugared rose petal rim
Rim a coupe or martini glass with crushed rose petals and sugar. Muddle 2 blackberries in a shaker. Add all liquid ingredients and ice. Shake well, then double strain into your prepared glass. Garnish with a single rose petal or skewered blackberry. Sip slowly… and don’t trust a single thing.
Mocktail Version:
1 oz rose syrup
0.75 oz lemon juice
1 oz blackcurrant juice or blackberry purée
2 oz sparkling water
Optional: add a few drops of non-alcoholic bitters for complexity
Sugared rim + rose/berry garnish
Blood Beneath the Snow
by Alexandra Kennington
Revna is royalty—by blood, but not by magic. Looked down on by her kingdom, she defies tradition and enters the brutal Bloodshed Trials to claim her place on the throne. But before the games even begin, she’s abducted by the Hellbringer: her nation's most feared enemy and a man cloaked in lethal magic. As secrets unravel and alliances twist, Revna must navigate deadly politics, sibling rivals, and the dark temptation of a man who should be her executioner, not her ally.
Drink Vibe:
Think “poisoned winter cocktail” with a romantic, gothic flair. Frosted glass. Deep crimson color. It looks beautiful but tastes like danger with a twist of obsession.
Paired With: “The Crimson Frost”
An icy, blood-red cocktail/mocktail with a smoky, soul-stealing twist
Why it works: The Blood Beneath the Snow is fierce and atmospheric—icy on the outside but simmering with buried heat. The Crimson Frost mirrors that perfectly: it’s tart, sharp, and blood-red like the stakes of the Trials, but softened by hints of smoke and spice. The smoky undertone nods to the Hellbringer’s soul-rending power, while the frosted garnish and chilling edge mirror the ruthless kingdom Revna fights to rule. This is a drink for bold queens and brooding generals—best sipped with caution and a blade close at hand.
Pair this book + drink combo if you:
Crave enemies-to-lovers tension with actual danger and emotional depth
Want a heroine who claws her way toward power without losing herself
Are obsessed with morally gray, soul-destroying antiheroes who accidentally fall hard
Love sibling rivalries, court politics, and survival-based romance
Like your drinks cold, your stakes high, and your characters full of sharp edges
Cocktail Version:
1.5 oz blood orange juice
1 oz pomegranate juice
0.5 oz lemon juice
1.5 oz mezcal or smoked whiskey (optional for kick and smokiness)
0.5 oz cinnamon simple syrup
Crushed ice + rosemary sprig + blood orange slice (frosted optional)
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a thin slice of blood orange.
Optional: torch the rosemary for drama and smoky aroma.
Sip while planning your rise to the throne—and deciding whether to kiss or kill the general.
Mocktail Version:
1.5 oz blood orange juice
1 oz pomegranate juice
0.5 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz cinnamon syrup
Dash of smoked paprika or a splash of lapsang souchong tea (for smokiness)
Top with soda water if desired for fizz
Crushed ice + rosemary/blood orange garnish
Fearless
by Lauren Roberts
In the epic conclusion to Lauren Roberts’ addictive trilogy, Paedyn and Kai return to Ilya—only to face a brutal choice that could cost them everything. With the weight of fate, politics, and passion bearing down, they must decide not only what they’re willing to fight for, but who they’re willing to lose. It’s a story of sacrifice, rebellion, and the kind of love that could ruin or redeem an entire kingdom.
Drink Vibe:
Elegant and moody with a royal-red hue, this drink looks like something you'd sip in a war room just before everything explodes. A drink for hard choices and burning glances across palace halls.
Paired With: “The Last Kiss”
A bittersweet black cherry and wine cocktail/mocktail laced with longing and power
Why it works: Fearless is the kind of finale that tastes like heartbreak, power, and devotion all at once—so The Last Kiss was crafted to reflect that exact emotional storm. It’s rich, dark, and fruity with black cherry and red wine undertones, plus a kiss of sweetness that lingers like a memory. This drink hits you with intensity and finishes smooth—just like Paedyn and Kai’s journey. It’s regal, a little tragic, and completely unforgettable.
Pair this book + drink combo if you:
Love couples who defy fate, kingdoms, and destiny to stay together
Want a finale that rips your heart out and kisses it better
Need that perfect blend of angst, action, and slow-burn heat
Like your drinks like your fiction: dark, complex, and hard to forget
Aren’t afraid to feel a little ruined in the best way by a book
Cocktail Version:
1 oz black cherry juice
2 oz dry red wine (or pomegranate juice for mocktail)
0.5 oz elderflower liqueur or syrup
0.5 oz lemon juice
Dash of bitters (omit for mocktail)
Fresh cherry + sugared rim for garnish
Rim your glass with sugar and chill. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake gently. Strain into a coupe or wine glass. Garnish with a cherry on a gold pick or a sprig of thyme for a more dramatic vibe. Drink while whispering, “It was always you.”
Mocktail Version:
1 oz black cherry juice
2 oz pomegranate juice
0.5 oz elderflower syrup
0.5 oz lemon juice
Dash of soda water for a bit of fizz
Sugared rim + cherry garnish
The Night is Defying
by Chloe C. Penaranda
The Libertatem may be over, but the chaos is just beginning. Astraea, a star-maiden with no memory of her past, must unearth the truth about her identity before her destiny consumes her. But as old bloodlines war, ancient betrayals rise, and the world teeters on the edge of ruin, Astraea and Nyte—a vampire prince with too many sins and not enough mercy—find themselves tethered by fate, memory, and aching desire. Their love is the kind that defies prophecies and redefines monstrosity, but time is unraveling… and history has claws.
Drink Vibe:
Bold, mysterious, and almost too pretty to drink. Looks like liquid twilight, tastes like secrets, and makes you want to dance barefoot in a field of violets… or make a blood pact with a vampire.
Paired With: “Starfall Sangria”
A deep purple elixir laced with midnight berries and a dash of danger
Why it works: The Night is Defying is soaked in sensual tension, supernatural heat, and star-dusted prophecy, so the Starfall Sangria had to be just as layered and intoxicating. The dark berry base evokes Astraea’s celestial power and Nyte’s vampiric shadows, while the unexpected floral and citrus notes reflect the surreal beauty and heartbreak at the core of their story. Every sip is lush, forbidden, and dangerously seductive—like kissing your enemy under a dying moon.
Pair this book + drink combo if you:
Crave stories where memory and identity are weapons
Love brooding anti-heroes who’d burn kingdoms for their girl
Are a sucker for cosmic magic, found truths, and epic betrayals
Want vampires, fate, and desire all tangled in a dangerous dance
Prefer your romance with bite and your cocktails with berries
Cocktail Version:
2 oz blackberry juice
2 oz red wine (or blueberry hibiscus tea for mocktail)
0.5 oz elderflower liqueur or syrup
1 oz pomegranate juice
Orange slices, blackberries, and starfruit for garnish
Optional: splash of sparkling water for effervescence
Mix juices and wine in a chilled pitcher. Add in fruit and let infuse for 15-20 minutes. Pour over ice in a tall glass and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a slice of starfruit and a few bloating blackberries. Sip while wondering if your soul once belonged to the stars.
Mocktail Version:
2 oz blackberry juice
2 oz blueberry hibiscus tea
1 oz pomegranate juice
0.5 oz elderflower syrup
Sparkling water to finish
Same fruity garnishes (extra starfruit = extra magic)
Onyx Storm
by Rebecca Yarros
Violet Sorrengail has survived battles, betrayals, and the brutal lessons of Basgiath War College—but the war is only just beginning. With Navarre under threat, allies scarce, and danger closing in from all sides, Violet must leave everything familiar behind and venture beyond the crumbling wards. Secrets threaten to unravel everything she's fought for—her dragons, her people, and the man she’s bound to by love, magic, and pain. But some storms can’t be outrun… only ridden.
Drink Vibe:
Powerful, sultry, and full of stormy tension. A drink that tastes like secrets sealed with firelight kisses and desperate midnight oaths. Sip it while plotting rebellions or riding dragons into the unknown.
Paired With: “The Shadow & Storm”
A smoky blackberry bourbon fizz with a spark of lemon and dragonfire
Why it works: Much like Onyx Storm, this cocktail is layered, intense, and leaves a burn behind. The deep blackberry reflects Violet’s grit and the darkness edging closer to Navarre. Bourbon brings the bold, heady heat Xaden fans will appreciate, while a splash of lemon cuts through with Violet’s sharp wit and refusal to back down. A whisper of smoked rosemary evokes the battlefield—raw, scorched, and unforgettable. Like the book, this drink hits fast, hard, and stays with you.
Pair this book + drink combo if you:
Are obsessed with morally gray dragon riders and the women who terrify them
Love slow burn to blazing inferno romances
Are emotionally preparing for war, betrayal, and epic reveals
Want to feel like you’ve been kissed and punched in the same chapter
Think secrets are sexier when they could destroy everything
Cocktail Version:
2 oz bourbon
1 oz blackberry syrup (or muddled blackberries + simple syrup)
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
Splash of ginger beer
Smoked rosemary sprig for garnish (optional but epic)
In a shaker, mix bourbon, blackberry syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Shake and strain into a glass over fresh ice. Top with a splash of ginger beer. Garnish with a lightly torched rosemary sprig and blackberry skewer. Sip as thunder rolls and tension coils.
Mocktail Version:
2 oz blackberry juice or syrup
1 oz lemon juice
Splash of ginger beer
Optional: 1 oz smoky lapsang souchong tea (for that fire-kissed vibe)
Smoked rosemary garnish
When the Moon Hatched
by Sarah A. Parker
In a world where dead dragons slumber as moons in the sky, Raeve is a ruthless assassin marked by fire and fury. But when a rival bounty hunter topples everything she knows, Raeve ends up imprisoned by powerful fae nobles and turned into a pawn in a deadly game. Enter Kaan Vaegor—the melted crown-wearing king haunted by a lost love, drawn to Raeve by secrets older than pain. In a web of forgotten pasts, rebellion, and a love forged in violence, two broken souls collide. Some truths may resurrect—but others are better left buried.
Drink Vibe:
Bold. Mysterious. The taste of memory and vengeance wrapped in velvet and ash. Perfect for sipping while plotting your escape, seducing your enemy, or staring down the stars that betrayed you.
Paired With: “Lunar Blood”
A midnight pomegranate mezcal cocktail kissed with smoke and silver
Why it works: When the Moon Hatched is equal parts ruthless and romantic, with smoke coiling through every page and danger dripping from every word. This drink captures that same intensity: the mezcal’s smoky depth mirrors Raeve’s hardened edge, while the deep red of pomegranate reflects both spilled blood and impossible longing. A hint of black pepper and silver luster dust makes it sharp, regal, and faintly otherworldly—just like a moon cracked open in the sky.
Pair this book + drink combo if you:
Love enemies-to-lovers stories that smolder with angst and secrets
Want your fae kings to be deadly, grief-ridden, and devastatingly hot
Crave morally gray heroines with blades and bite
Are into forbidden love, rebellion, and slow-burning revelations
Want to drink something as sexy and dangerous as your TBR pile
Cocktail Version:
1.5 oz mezcal
1 oz pomegranate juice
0.5 oz lime juice
0.5 oz black pepper simple syrup*
Dash of silver edible glitter (optional, but divine)
Black salt rim (optional)
Garnish: dried lime wheel or a curled orange peel “dragon tail”
Rim your glass with black salt (run a lime wedge around the edge first). Shake mezcal, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and black pepper syrup with ice. Strain into a glass over a large cube. Stir in silver glitter, garnish, and toast the stars that forgot you.
*To make black pepper syrup: Simmer 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tsp crushed black peppercorns. Cool and strain.
Mocktail Version:
2 oz pomegranate juice
0.5 oz lime juice
0.5 oz black pepper syrup
Splash of soda water or smoked tea
Silver shimmer and black salt rim still highly recommended
The Wind Weaver
by Julie Johnson
In a world that fears maegic and slaughters halflings on sight, Rhya Fleetwood has spent her life in hiding—until her execution is interrupted by the infamous Commander Scythe. Captured, dragged north, and entangled in a destiny far greater than she imagined, Rhya learns her wind-summoning power marks her as a Remnant—one of four destined to rebalance a fractured realm. But as the lines between captor and protector blur, so too does her resolve. With a deadly attraction building and ancient magic awakening, Rhya must decide whether to trust the fire in her blood—or the man who could ignite it into ruin.
Drink Vibe:
Soft winds laced with danger. Sweetness on the tongue with a bite beneath. A drink that says: I might kiss you—or destroy you.
Paired With: “Tempest Kiss”
A stormy lavender-blue gin cocktail laced with citrus, honey, and a touch of heat
Why it works: The “Tempest Kiss” cocktail is the embodiment of this story: striking, mysterious, and deceptively powerful. The floral notes mirror the magic simmering beneath Rhya’s skin, while citrus and honey reflect her stubborn hope. The ginger heat is all Commander Scythe—sharp, unexpected, and addictive. Visually stunning with a swirling lavender-blue hue, it looks calm on the surface... but it hides a storm.
Pair this book + drink combo if you:
Are obsessed with forced proximity and captor/captive tension
Crave elemental magic and chosen-one stakes
Want a heroine with power pulsing in her veins and a heart at war
Swoon for a brooding, morally gray warrior who definitely has a soft side (deep, deep down)
Love a lush fantasy setting tangled in secrets and storms
Cocktail Version:
1.5 oz Empress 1908 gin (for its deep indigo hue)
0.75 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz honey syrup*
0.5 oz ginger liqueur or a dash of fresh grated ginger
Splash of soda water or tonic
Garnish: sprig of lavender or a lemon twist
Shake gin, lemon, honey syrup, and ginger with ice. Strain into a coupe or glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water or tonic. Watch the color shift like a storm building on the horizon. Garnish, sip, and let the wind answer.
*Honey syrup: Mix equal parts honey and hot water until smooth.
Mocktail Version:
2 oz butterfly pea flower tea (cooled)
0.75 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz honey syrup
Dash of grated ginger or ginger beer
Top with tonic or soda
Garnish with lavender for the perfect magical flourish
A Court of Mist and Fury
by Sarah J. Maas
Haunted by the trauma she endured Under the Mountain, Feyre struggles to find herself in a life she once dreamed of. With her marriage to Tamlin on the horizon, she feels more like a pawn than a person—until Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, calls in the bargain that saved her life. Swept into a court of stars, secrets, and unexpected freedom, Feyre begins to heal—and awaken. As her power grows and her heart begins to stir, she must decide who she truly is…and who she’s willing to become.
Drink Vibe:
Velvet skies. Starlight secrets. A touch of shadow. A drink that feels like flying above the Sidra, heart cracked wide open, starlight in your veins.
Paired With: “Night Court Elixir”
A seductive blackberry and violet cocktail cloaked in shimmer and shadow
Why it works: The “Night Court Elixir” captures the magic, mystery, and transformation that define A Court of Mist and Fury. Blackberry for the darkness she’s learning to navigate, violet for the sensual beauty of Velaris, and edible shimmer for the quiet power Feyre begins to claim as her own. It's bold, intoxicating, and layered with meaning—just like Rhysand’s court…and the journey of healing, freedom, and falling in love on your own terms.
Pair this drink + book if you:
Love a heroine rising from the ashes of trauma to reclaim her identity
Crave epic slow-burn romance with soul-deep emotional tension
Want your morally gray man with wings, power, and a whole lot of patience
Adore lush worldbuilding, found family, and scenes that crack your heart open then pour starlight into it
Are Team Night Court forever
Cocktail Version:
1.5 oz blackberry vodka or regular vodka muddled with fresh blackberries
0.5 oz crème de violette
0.75 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz honey syrup
A dash of edible shimmer powder (silver or violet)
Garnish: a blackberry + edible flower or lavender sprig
Muddle fresh blackberries (if not using infused vodka). Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a coupe or crystal glass. Stir in shimmer for that Velaris sparkle. Garnish and toast to the stars who listen.
Mocktail Version:
2 oz blackberry juice (or muddled fresh berries + water)
0.5 oz violet syrup or Monin lavender syrup
0.75 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz honey syrup
Dash of edible shimmer
Garnish with berries and florals for that Night Court elegance
Final Thoughts
There’s something intoxicating about getting lost in a romantasy world—where power always comes at a price, love is laced with danger, and the lines between enemies and soulmates are always deliciously blurred. And when you’ve got the perfect drink to match the mood? That’s pure magic.
I hope these pairings help you set the tone for your next moody reading escape. Whether you’re stirring up a smoky mocktail for a solo night in or crafting a spellbinding cocktail for your book club coven, these blends are made to enhance every stolen glance, every whispered spell, every heart-wrenching moment.
Now go forth, fellow romantasy lover—drink deep, read darker, and remember: some of the best stories begin with a little temptation.
This post is for the girls who grew wings in the dark. 💫
About the Author
I’m a mom of two spirited girls and one oversized Saint Bernard. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. By day, I work in health care as a Health Literacy expert; by night, I’m off wandering swoony fictional worlds, chasing plot twists and happily-ever-afters. I’ve been in love with the romance genre for as long as I can remember—I've read thousands of love stories and even had my own meet-cute with my library director husband… in a bookstore, of course.
-Frances
Mom Needs A Chapter