"As guests walk up the long pebble driveway to the house, a line of French waiters in black Napoleon-collared jackets welcome us with French Blonde cocktails served in vintage Lalique stemware. Now that's class" (Kwan 281).
Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians (CRA) trilogy is a gossipy good time read and has been my go-to for escape-travel-reading over the past year. Not only do the novels provide dazzling descriptions of Singapore, and surrounding areas, but the sumptuous details of clothing, parties, and food leave us readers wanting to experience it all!
Well, here is just a small taste so you can sit back and feel as if you're living the life of luxury! In the second novel in the series, China Rich Girlfriend, Kwan includes a footnote describing the ingredients for the French Blonde cocktail that Colette Bing is serving at her fashion event:
"St. Germain elderflower liqueur, gin, and white Lillet mixed with grapefruit juice create this classic effervescent aperitif. Chin-chin!" (Kwan 281).
You know I love a literary cocktail, so I immediately sought out recipes to test, and here it is for you. Trust me, this is going to be your summer drink of choice! It is fresh, tart, and oh-so-easy to drink.
1⁄2 oz St. Germain
1 oz dry gin
2 oz Lillet Blanc
2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
A few dashes lemon bitters
Add all of your measured ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
Strain into a martini or coupe glass.
It is that simple! Sip away and be transported to one of Kwan's novels... Just maybe don't sip and online shop like a CRA!