The Ultimate Cozy Night In: Pairing Books with Hot Drinks

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we love a cozy night in—a soft blanket, your favorite chair, and a steaming mug of your go-to comfort drink. Add a captivating book to the mix, and you’ve got the recipe for the ultimate evening. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a heartfelt romance, a festive holiday tale, or a darkly thrilling mystery, we’ve curated the perfect book-and-drink pairings to make your night unforgettable. 

Sit back and relax, and join us for the ultimate cozy night in!

Hot Chocolate and The Christmas Bookshop

Warm up your heart and soul with a velvety cup of hot chocolate as you grab a copy of  Jenny Colgan’s The Christmas Bookshop. This enchanting holiday story whisks readers to the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh, where Carmen reluctantly moves in with her seemingly perfect sister after losing her job. Tasked with reviving a struggling bookshop owned by the quirky Mr. McCredie, Carmen embarks on a journey of transformation, self-discovery, and, of course, holiday magic.

As the shop becomes a festive haven, Carmen uncovers unexpected joys in her relationships and even finds a spark of romance with a charming author. Jenny Colgan’s signature humor and warmth make this book as comforting as a steaming mug of cocoa topped with marshmallows. The combination of Carmen’s heartfelt journey and the indulgent sweetness of hot chocolate will leave you feeling both inspired and delightfully cozy.

Chai Tea: A Holly Jolly Diwali

For a drink as rich and vibrant as its story, pair a cup of spiced chai tea with Sonya Lalli’s A Holly Jolly Diwali. Niki Randhawa, a pragmatic data analyst, has always chosen stability over passion. But after an unexpected layoff, she decides to embrace spontaneity and travels to India for her friend’s wedding.

Against the dazzling backdrop of Diwali celebrations, Niki reconnects with her heritage and discovers a newfound zest for life. Along the way, she meets Sam Mukherji, a musician who helps her rediscover the creative side she had long suppressed. As their bond deepens through wedding festivities and a group honeymoon across Mumbai and Goa, Niki faces the ultimate question: should she return to her safe, predictable life or take a leap of faith into the unknown?

The warm spices of chai—cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger—beautifully echo the book’s themes of cultural richness, self-discovery, and embracing joy. This pairing will transport you to the vibrant celebrations of Diwali and leave you feeling comforted and inspired.

Apple Cider: Death by Hot Apple Cider

Nothing says “cozy mystery” quite like Death by Hot Apple Cider by Alex Erickson, paired with a warm mug of—you guessed it—apple cider. Set in the idyllic town of Pine Hills, Ohio, this story follows Krissy Hancock, a bookstore-café owner, as she navigates a festive seasonal event filled with cider, books, and community cheer.

But when a man dies under suspicious circumstances during the event, the town’s holiday spirit is shaken. Despite her policeman boyfriend’s warnings, Krissy can’t resist investigating, uncovering rivalries, secrets, and betrayals that lurk beneath the surface of her charming town.

With its twisty plot, relatable protagonist, and warm autumnal vibes, this cozy mystery pairs perfectly with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider. The drink’s comforting sweetness complements the book’s tension-filled twists, making it an ideal companion for a night of literary sleuthing.

Mulled Wine: A Merry Little Meet Cute

Add a little spice to your holiday reading with mulled wine and the hilariously steamy A Merry Little Meet Cute by Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy. This rom-com is set in the snow-dusted town of Christmas Notch, Vermont, where Bee Hobbes, an adult film star, lands an unexpected role in a wholesome Hope Channel Christmas movie.

Her co-star, Nolan Shaw, a former boy-band bad boy, is equally surprised—and intrigued—by Bee’s double life. As their off-screen chemistry heats up, they must dodge nosy reporters and network executives while navigating the complexities of fame and self-discovery.

The bold, warming notes of mulled wine—infused with spices like cloves and cinnamon—mirror the book’s unapologetically confident characters and festive charm. Sip on this spicy holiday treat as you laugh and swoon through this unconventional yet heartwarming love story.

Peppermint Mocha: Murder Your Employer

For a night of dark humor and suspense, pair a peppermint mocha with Rupert Holmes’s Murder Your Employer. Set in the shadowy halls of the McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts, this satirical thriller follows students who enroll to master the art of ethical assassination. The catch? Graduation depends on their ability to carry out a flawless, morally justified crime without getting caught.

With its intricate plot, biting wit, and morally complex characters, Murder Your Employer offers a wildly entertaining journey into a world where revenge is an art form. The rich, chocolatey flavors of a peppermint mocha, combined with the refreshing hint of mint, make it the perfect accompaniment to this clever and thought-provoking tale.

Final Thoughts

There’s something uniquely satisfying about pairing the perfect book with the perfect drink. It’s a simple yet luxurious way to elevate your reading experience and make your cozy night in feel truly special. 

Whether you’re losing yourself in the magical streets of Edinburgh with hot chocolate and The Christmas Bookshop or sipping on mulled wine while laughing through A Merry Little Meet Cute, these pairings promise to transport you to new worlds and unforgettable adventures.

So, grab your favorite blanket, whip up your chosen drink, and get ready for a night of literary bliss. Happy reading (and sipping)!

Bonus Pairing: Espresso Martini and the Up All Night Box

If you’re planning a literary marathon, nothing keeps the pages turning like an espresso martini paired with our Up All Night Box! Designed for those who love staying up late with a great story, this limited-edition box is centered around The Life Impossible by Matt Haig—a captivating tale of self-discovery set on the stunning Mediterranean island of Ibiza.

Grace Winters, a retired math teacher, inherits a mysterious house from an old friend and embarks on an adventure of curiosity, hope, and healing. As Grace unravels the secrets of her friend’s life, she’s drawn into a series of events that challenge her understanding of the past and her place in the world.

Your “Up All Night Box” includes:

• A stunning hardcover edition of The Life Impossible.
• Three exclusive gifts that correspond with key moments in the story, bringing it to life in an unforgettable way.
• A custom-designed champagne flute to toast to your late-night reads.
• Our 2025 40 Book Reading Challenge scratch-off poster, perfect for planning next year’s literary adventures.

Whether you’re a seasoned night owl or just want an excuse to stay up late, this pairing offers a delightful way to celebrate the magic of books and beautifully curated surprises. Here’s to the ultimate reading escape!