What would you do if your home really was haunted?

We’ve all been home alone in the waning light of sunset, as minute by minute shadows grow longer and the hustle-and-bustle of neighborhoods begin to settle down. Once the sun has hidden betwixt the hills, and the moon rises in the night sky, nestled amongst the stars, we find our minds drifting as we lose ourselves in quiet solitude and the cover of night. And then something flutters in the corner of your eye, and you give a start! And what’s that sound behind you? Is it the house settling? The wind whispering through a gap in the window? Has someone snuck inside or is it a ghost?!

After a few sips of a fine cocktail, your nerves finally settle, and you slide into a soft, cozy reading chair and settle in to enjoy the rest of your evening with a good book. And what a fine choice you’ve made, to pick up Inheriting Her Ghosts by the fabulous S.H. Cooper.

The mind can play some cruel tricks on us to be sure, but in the case of Eudora Fellowes and her recently inherited home of High Hearth, there may yet be some truth to those fears and anxieties! Rather than dismiss the sights and sounds of her newfound home, Eudora and her faithful canine companions embark on a quest to uncover the truth and the origins of these things that go bump in the night (and day!) Full of twists and turns and plenty of Cooper’s signature brand of wit, humor, and elegant employ of tension and aesthetic, you’re not going to be able to put this one down once you start.

If you’ve not yet had the chance to read your brand new copy of Inheriting Her Ghosts by S.H. Cooper (tsk tsk tsk!) then you should mix up one of these delicious drinks and get cozy for an evening of reading. We promise that you’re going to fall head over heels for our strong, smart heroine and her charming, steadfast companions Black Shuck and Cerberus.

And so to celebrate the release of IHG, your mods thought it only fitting that we craft a hand blended cocktail that’s perfect for leisurely sipping as you lose yourself in the pages of this fine gothic horror tale. So go pick up a copy and let’s get lost in the pages together.

Crafting a “High Hearth Highball” Cocktail

Inspired by the romantic mystery of Victorian Gothic period, as well as classic UK inspired flavors such as Earl Grey, Lavender, and Gin. This cocktail is named for the newfound home of our daring heroine, Eudora Fellowes, and features a little “hair of the dog” in honor of her glorious wolfhound sidekicks, Black Shuck and Cerberus.

• 1.5 to 2 oz of Corgi Earl Grey Gin

• 1/2oz of Lucid Absinthe

• 1oz Monin Lavender Syrup

• 1oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2oz of brewed Butterfly Pea Tea, room temperature or chilled

• 1 can of lemon seltzer

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, and then pour in: Lavender Syrup, Earl Grey Gin, Absinthe, and Lemon juice. Shake well and strain over ice into a highball glass. Gently pour in the cooled/chilled butterfly pea tea, and fill the rest of the glass slowly with lemon seltzer water. Pouring these last two ingredients slowly will ensure you get a beautiful layered drink for presentation. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or a few sprigs of lavender for a touch of class. Serve immediately.

Stir your drink with a drink stirrer or the sprig of lavender to swirl all ingredients together before sipping to create a bright purple drink.

Mini Review and Cocktail Crafted by Ellen Avigliano
@imaginariumcs on Twitter
www.imaginariumarts.com

Please drink responsibly. Adhere to your local liquor laws.
This drink is intended for adults of legal drinking age.
Do not serve minors.

We support our readers and followers in recovery and those who choose to abstain.

A virgin version of this drink may be crafted using earl grey tea, lemonade,
and a dash or two of anisette extract in place of the earl grey gin and absinthe.

Do not drink and drive.