Posted on 7/19/2024By the Ocean Reef Editorial Team
Sundog Books in Seaside has introduced a trendy new delightful diversion that combines two of the things many of our Ocean Reef Resorts guests enjoy the most. Besides lounging around on the sugary white beach and luxuriating in the glowing jewel-toned waters of the Gulf, they enjoy their favorite cocktails while reading a good book. Beach vacations were made to enjoy tropical libations like margaritas, daiquiris, pina coladas, and fruity martinis. Here you also have extra relaxing time to get caught up on reading that book you wanted. Sundog's Books has introduced a unique feature that can fulfill both desires.
About Sundog Books
Sundog Books is an iconic, well-established bookstore in the idyllic village of Seaside. It was founded by Bob and Linda White, who arrived in the new coastal village of Seaside from Mississippi with their beloved dog Patty in 1983. They started waiting on tables at "The Paradise" restaurant in the old historic village center of nearby Grayton Beach that pre-dated the famous Red Bar that is there today. They decided to open a bookstore in a small temporary shack they built on the dunes in Seaside on Memorial Day and sold lots of books to beachgoers through Labor Day. The brand-new Seaside was thriving and received international renown for introducing the first pre-planned pedestrian-friendly village in the world, called New Urbanism. It is filled with restaurants, friendly beach bars, specialty shops, galleries, and beach boutiques. An amphitheater lined with Royal Palms was surrounded by retail shops and introduced outdoor concerts, fun festivals, and holiday firework celebrations. Bob and Linda's business had also grown substantially, and everyone loved to visit their dog, Patty. They decided to open the store that still stands today across from the amphitheater. They are open 9:00 am to 8:00 pm year round and can be contacted at 850-213-2608.
Recently, Sundog's introduced a hip Books & Cocktails Pairing Series to engage interested parties in enjoying a best-selling masterpiece with a cocktail that perfectly matches the reading experience. With a click to their website at sundogbooks.com you may transport yourself into worlds crafted by brilliant authors, accompanied by a complete recipe for a refreshing craft cocktail that complements the narrative. They offer fifteen different pairings of suggested readings and the perfect craft cocktail to accompany it. Here is a quick look at just five of our own favorites!
Ian Fleming & Martini
Espionage Meets Elegance
Dive into the world of "Ian Fleming," the creator of the quintessential James Bond spy series, with a martini recipe that's shaken, not stirred. This pairing doesn't just invite you to read; it immerses you in the espionage and allure that define one of literature's most enduring figures. From the gambling tables of high society to the secret halls of wartime intelligence, Fleming's life was as thrilling as the fiction he penned.
This biography sheds light on the personal and
professional experiences that influenced the spy thrillers that have
enthralled readers for decades. Fleming's intricate plots and complex
characters reflect his own experiences in intelligence and high society.
The classic martini, which was Fleming's and hence Bond's favorite
drink, perfectly complements the sophisticated and adventurous spirit of
his life and work. The simple yet elegant recipe includes gin or vodka,
dry vermouth, shaken till cold, and poured into a chilled martini
glass, accompanied by a twist of lemon or an olive.
Lessons in Chemistry & Cosmopolitan
Science and Sass
This is a great read-and-sip pairing, featuring the New York Times Bestseller "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus. The story revolves around Elizabeth Zott, a chemist in the 1960s who becomes an unexpected television cooking show host. Through her show, she educates women about science and equality with a blend of dry humor and determination, challenging societal norms during a time of significant cultural shifts.
The novel is an exploration of breaking unjust barriers and a celebration of the women who dared to alter the fabric of their times. Elizabeth Zott's journey is both inspiring and entertaining, making it a perfect companion for a Cosmopolitan cocktail. The Cosmopolitan, with its elegant, bold, and vibrant character, mirrors the protagonist's spirit. The recipe includes vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime juice, shaken and poured into a chilled cocktail glass, garnished with a twist of orange peel. The drink's sophisticated taste and stunning presentation make it a fitting match for the novel's themes of resilience and empowerment.
Enter Ghost & Long Island Iced Tea
A Fusion of Depth
Isabella Hammad's "Enter Ghost" is a poignant and timely novel about a famous actress who returns to her roots in Palestine after years of absence. Her journey of self-discovery unfolds against the backdrop of cultural and temporal shifts, offering a deep exploration of identity, memory, and history.
This narrative is both evocative and thought-provoking, inviting readers to delve into the complexities of personal and collective experiences. The Long Island Iced Tea, known for its potent mix of spirits and subtle tea flavor, mirrors the novel's narrative density. Just as the drink combines multiple spirits, the book blends various influences and histories that shape its characters. The cocktail includes vodka, tequila, gin, light rum, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, a splash of cola for color, and a slice of lemon. Its layered flavors and refreshing taste make it an ideal companion for this multifaceted story.
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Project Hail Mary & Cosmic Blue
A Galactic Pairing
"Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir is a thrilling sci-fi tale about Ryland Grace, an astronaut who awakens with no memory of his mission and finds himself alone on a spaceship with deceased crewmates. As the sole survivor, he must piece together his purpose and execute a plan to save humanity from extinction.
Weir, acclaimed for his detailed scientific accuracy and gripping narrative style, launches readers into a story of survival against unimaginable odds. The Cosmic Blue cocktail mirrors the novel's dynamic energy and bold themes of exploration. This visually stunning drink combines the electrifying dark blue colors of deep space with a taste that's out of this world. It includes a mix of blue curaçao, vodka, lemonade, a splash of seltzer for fizz, and a garnish of orange. Shaken till ice cold, it is poured into a tropical cocktail glass, showcasing its sapphire beauty.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue & French 75
Eternal Elegance
"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab is a mesmerizing novel about a young woman who makes a deal with the devil for eternal life, but with the caveat that she will be forgotten by everyone she meets. Her journey spans centuries, from 18th-century France to modern-day New York, offering a profound exploration of existence, purpose, and visibility.
Addie's life is filled with moments of magic, misery, and immense beauty, as she influences art, music, and history while remaining invisible to those around her. The French 75 cocktail, with its bright, bubbling, and uplifting blend, complements the ethereal themes of Addie's life. This sparkling drink includes champagne mixed with gin, fresh lime, and simple syrup, shaken well until very cold. It is served in a chilled champagne glass with a lemon twist for garnish, embodying the fleeting encounters and enduring impact of Addie's story.
Each of these pairings is thoughtfully designed to enhance your reading experience, ensuring a rich exploration of literary art and lively libations. Don't miss out on this unique adventure—visit Sundog Books in Seaside to pick up your favorite book and cocktail recipe.
Ocean Reef Resorts offers many fine, privately owned residential vacation rentals near Seaside, in Grayton Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Seagrove Beach. Our website provides detailed descriptions, vivid property imagery, satellite views of each location, seasonal rental rates, and available calendar dates for reservations. Cheers to your next perfect beach getaway!
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Best Beach Drinks
Here at Ocean Reef Resorts, we are firm believers that happy hour at the beach is all about relaxing. This means letting your worries wash away on salty winds and emerald waves. It means laughing with friends and family. And finally, it means sipping your favorite tropical drink while watching a beach sunset.
The Ocean Reef Editorial Team leads the market in vacation rental, real estate, and coastal lifestyle content, with decades of Destin & 30A expertise behind every story. As the area's largest locally owned and longest continually operating vacation rental company, we welcome over 200,000 guests each year and reach millions who dream of the beach. Our guides serve travelers, homeowners, and locals alike, sharing authentic knowledge you can trust-because this coast isn't just where we work, it's where our story began, and where we'll continue to welcome generations to come.
