Long summer days, books to read, and cold drinks—could there be any better recipe for relaxation? Pairing your next page-turner with the right beverage can transport you to the story’s setting or set the mood for deeper immersion. Whether you crave glamorous dramas, thrilling adventures, or twisty mysteries, these titles and drink selections will transform your reading time into an indulgent escape.

Mieko Kawakami’s latest work, All the Lovers in the Night, follows Fuyuko Irie, a lonely proofreader whose days blur into a lonely routine. Hijiri, a colleague at the publishing company Fuyuko works for, opens her to a world far removed from the quiet existence she once knew. Unexpected encounters stir dormant desires within Fuyuko, forcing her to confront the boundaries she's carefully built around herself.

When Hijiri convinces Fuyuko to come out for a few drinks, Fuyuko watches her co-worker down numerous cocktails. The protagonist sticks to her mango mocktail, only to develop a drinking habit later. Set the mood and order a virgin mango daiquiri! Its vibrant sweetness mirrors the undercurrent of longing and desire in Kawakami's writing.

Looking for a gripping thriller? A luxurious wedding on a remote island turns deadly in this gripping whodunnit. Old feuds and buried secrets erupt as guests, one by one, meet their untimely end. The Guest List is full of twists and suspicion, keeping you guessing until the very last page.

Sip a Dark & Stormy cocktail and try to discern who the killer could be! Dark rum reflects shadowy secrets, while spicy ginger beer hints at sharp rivalries bubbling under the surface. A squeeze of lime hints at unexpected twists!

Lina is spending the summer in Tuscany, but she isn’t excited. It was her mother’s dying wish that she get to know her father, a man she had never met. But when Lina is given a journal that her mom kept when she lived in Italy, secrets unfold that send her on a whirlwind adventure. Lina discovers the magic of first love, the enchanting Italian countryside, and the delicious flavors of authentic gelato.

Immerse yourself in the novel’s setting with a Limoncello soda. This simple yet sophisticated drink reflects the Italian zest for life. A splash of sweet lemon liqueur, lots of ice, and a generous helping of soda water create a bubbly treat that evokes the sun-drenched landscapes Lina explores.

Imagine stepping into a quaint café where time travel is a possibility, but only until your coffee cools. Kawakami weaves four poignant stories of love, loss, and longing—a pair of estranged lovers, a devoted husband, sisters facing a difficult truth, and a mother with unspoken words. In Before the Coffee Gets Cold, each visitor grapples with the bittersweet promise of revisiting their past, knowing the present remains unchangeable.

Embrace the novel's gentle pace with an Affogato. The cool, creamy ice cream melting into your warm coffee mirrors the blend of hope and heartache within the stories. Whether curled up at home or savoring your treat in a cozy café, let this book and its sweet pairing transport you to a world where the extraordinary lingers within the ordinary.

Journey back into 1970s Manila with Jessica Hagedorn’s Dream Jungle. The story follows two captivating narratives: the discovery of a lost Stone Age tribe and an American film crew shooting a movie about the Vietnam War. Hagedorn's unflinching portrayal tackles themes of corruption, colonialism, and a nation grappling with its identity, issues that continue to resonate today.

Pair your literary adventure with an ice-cold Pale Pilsen. This classic Filipino lager perfectly complements the novel's 1970s setting. The crisp, clean taste cuts through the story's intense moments, while its subtle bitterness reflects the underlying social struggles.

Kick off your shoes, dip your toes in the water, and let the summer vibes take you over with this next novel. Malibu Rising is a beachy, dreamlike novel that plays out over 24 hours. Set in August 1983, the story follows four famous siblings and their annual end-of-summer party. As the epic event draws near, buried secrets surface, and passions flare.

As Nina recalls her childhood, she mentions her mom's favorite drink, the Sea Breeze, which later became hers. Tear through the pages of this summer drama with a cocktail that will make you feel like you're in the thick of it all.

Hotel Pastis is a delightful novel that takes readers on a gastronomic journey in Provence. Join the freshly divorced Simon Shaw, a disillusioned advertising executive, as he abandons his London life for a fresh start in a sleepy French village. From ramshackle hotel renovations to unexpected encounters (including a potential heist!), this breezy read perfectly captures the simple pleasures of Provençal life.

When the day cools, bring out crusty bread, charcuterie, and savory cheeses. Lay a picnic mat on the grass and pour yourself a glass of Pastis—a splash of anise-flavored liqueur, lots of chilled water, and a few ice cubes. This refreshing drink, the epitome of Provençal afternoons, will transport you straight into the book’s pages.

Step into a world filled with mystery and simmering tension with Mexican Gothic. Set in the 1950s, Naomi is a fearless socialite who answers her newlywed cousin's frantic plea for help. When she travels to an isolated, crumbling mansion known as High Place, she encounters peculiar characters and an eerie but enigmatic world she can’t seem to leave behind.

As you immerse yourself in this haunting tale, cool yourself with a cold glass of Horchata. With its delicate hint of cinnamon, the sweet, milky drink offers a soothing counterpoint to the story's rising suspense.

The best summer reads are the ones you can't put down! Find yours in breezy romances, thrilling adventures, or eerie mysteries. Whether you’re gearing up for a beach holiday or hibernating at home with books to read, get your glass ready!