Booze & Book Reviews
The Bride Test
By Helen Hoang
Book Rating: 4 out of 5 boozy stars
The Bride Test is the second novel in Helen Hoang's romantic trilogy, and arguably the best of the first two books that I have read. This novel follows different character's than the first novel does and in my opinion has a much stronger plot than the first book did. Both novels have the underlying theme of falling in love with a person who is on the autism spectrum.
The Bride Test features loveable characters who you cannot help rooting for until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the female lead, Esme, as she was so relatable and well written. Esme is a poor woman from Vietnam who worked hard cleaning bathrooms to help support her family. To her surprise, she is chosen by Co Nga, Khai's mother, to come to America under the assumption that she is going to use the summer to live with her son and make Khai fall in love with her. At the end of the summer, if she succeeds, she will marry Khai. If not, then she will be sent back home.
Esme's background story, emotions, and strength make for a well-rounded leading lady that the reader can't help but fall in love with. Her love interest, Khai, is a puzzle that she wants so badly to solve. If you are looking for a quick and light-hearted read that has a nice soft burn that leads to serious steam, this is the book for you.
What booze pairs well with this novel?
The Mekong
(From "FoodWoolf.com")
Ingredients
2 oz Gin (Plymouth or British Gin)
Several Mint leaves and a sprig of mint
1 oz Nuoc Mau (Vietnamese Caramel). Recipe here.
Dash of Peychaud bitters
Dash of Rice wine vinegar
1-1.5 oz tangerine juice
1 oz lime juice
Recipe
Throw a nice pinch of fresh mint leaves into your cocktail shaker. Give a quick twist of the muddler to release the oils of the mint, but not rip apart or seriously break down the leaves.
Add gin, Nuoc Mau, dash of bitters the citrus juices and the lightest dash of rice wine vinegar.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake until icy cold.
Taste for balance. Adjust for balance if necessary.
Strain and serve up.
Garnish with a mint sprig. Enjoy!
Booze Rating: 2 out of 5 boozy stars
I chose to pair this novel with The Mekong because it a Vietnamese cocktail and not only are characters in the novel Vietnamese, but Esme spends a large portion of the novel missing home. It was only fitting that the boozy drink that goes with the novel be a Vietnamese cocktail that will hopefully transport readers to Vietnam with just a taste.