With dozens of adaptations and even more spin-offs, Jane Austen found universally acknowledged truths that still resonate two centuries later. If I had the means, I would open an Austen-themed pub with this menu. Short of that, queue up an Austen classic and consider making a drink inspired by these Pride and Prejudice characters.
The Bennet Family
Jane’s Gin Fizz – A light, breezy drink for everyday enjoyment.
Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, soda water.
Lizzie’s Old-Fashioned – A straight-ahead mixer with a dash of bitters.
Rye, muddled orange and cherry, bitters, simple syrup, ice.
Kitty’s Cider – Perfect for drinking when you don’t want to think about drinking.
Local-made, sensible, hardy cider.
Lydia’s Bubbly – A vapid combination of carbonated beverages that tickles.
Prosecco, lemon-lime seltzer, swizzle stick.
Mary’s Healthful Grog – A nutritious, godly, and wholesome blend.
Kale, radish, carrot, wheatgerm and milk, combined. Served lukewarm.
Darcy and Friends
Mr. Bingley’s Martini – A friendly, comfortable standard.
Vodka and vermouth, chilled and gently stirred .
Bingley Sisters Margaritas – Colorful and biting.
Blended, frozen tequila drinks, available in Caro-lime or Hurst-berry. Served with useless garnishes.
Georgiana’s Ginger – A sweetened, nonalcoholic drink.
Ginger ale, strawberry syrup, crushed ice. Served with ginger biscuit.
Mr. Darcy’s Strong Ale – A brew to be sipped quietly in the back booth. Alone.
A thick stout brewed with cinnamon, allspice, cocoa bits. One is enough.
Mr. Bennet’s Earplug – A strong dram that allows one to ignore their surroundings.
Scotch, one ice cube.
Mrs. Bennet’s Nerve Tonic – A balm for agitating circumstances.
Chardonnay. Cheapest available.
Other Offerings
Mr. Collins’s Tom Collins – A safe choice but not for everyone.
Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda. Served in a perpetually sweaty glass.
Lady Catherine De Bourgh – An ancient flavor, undiluted.
This is just a shot of bitters.
Miss de Bourgh – Sedentary and sedimentary.
Sangria that is several days past good. A new can of fruit cocktail’s been thrown in to cover the off taste.
Mr. Wickham – You never know what you will get.
Based on the artillery punch, this drink is made of whatever is left over.
Charlotte’s Shandy – A fortifying, sensible choice.
Whatever we have on draft, with a lemonade floated. Let’s face it – you’re going to drink it and be grateful for it anyway.
This post was inspired by a #DVDChat where many of us discussed Austen characters and toyed with the idea of joining forces to open an Austenite bar.
Originally written for DVD Netflix