The Best Books to Read Based on Your Favourite Summer Drink

If you’ve ever matched your outfit to your book, why not match your summer drink too? Whether you’re sipping an iced latte on a shady bench or clinking a gin and tonic at golden hour, the right read makes every moment even more delicious.

In this post, I’ve paired popular summer drinks with the kinds of books that match their mood — light and sweet, bold and twisty, or quietly refreshing. Think of this as your literary cocktail menu: take your pick and sip slowly.

☀️ If you haven’t already, check out the first post in this series: How to Build the Ultimate Summer Reading List.

? And keep an eye out for the next post: How to Romanticise Your Summer Reading Routine


? Iced Latte — For the Cosy, Clever Escape

Summer Drink: A book resting beside an iced latte on a sun-dappled café table, with a journal open and glasses folded on top.

Cool, reliable, and a little comforting — an iced latte pairs beautifully with bookish heroines! Think cosy magic and gentle mysteries you can sink right into.

? Try: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett – a slightly academic, slightly whimsical adventure full of folk magic and frosty charm.

? Treat yourself to your next read by using one of my affiliate links (at no cost to you): Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org


? Strawberry Lemonade — For the Sweet & Summery Romance

Summer Drink: A pastel picnic setup with a pink drink, floral blanket, and paperback rom-com.

Playful, fizzy, and heart-meltingly pink. Strawberry lemonade screams rom-com energy and feel-good reads with a hint of longing.

? Try: Happy Place by Emily Henry – sharp, emotional, and delightfully summery. The ultimate second-chance love story.

? Treat yourself to your next read by using one of my affiliate links (at no cost to you): Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org


? Classic Lemonade — For the Bright, Coming-of-Age Favourite

Summer Drink: A vintage glass of lemonade on a garden table, beside a classic paperback and a straw hat.

Simple, bright, and a little nostalgic. Lemonade pairs best with heartfelt, character-driven stories that explore growth, resilience, and human connection.

? Try: Ross Poldark by Winston Graham – historical fiction with heart, grit, and sweeping Cornish landscapes. A compelling slow-burn story that’s equal parts introspective and dramatic.

? Treat yourself to your next read by using one of my affiliate links (at no cost to you): Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org


? Gin & Tonic — For the Sharp, Fast-Paced Thriller

Summer Drink: A chilled glass on a garden table beside a suspenseful paperback, with sunlight catching the rim.

Effortlessly crisp with a twist of citrus — this is the perfect pairing for a twisty summer thriller that’s sharp, stylish, and impossible to put down.

? Try: Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister – time-loop murder mystery meets emotional depth and bingeable pacing.

? Treat yourself to your next read by using one of my affiliate links (at no cost to you): Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org


? Iced Chai Latte — For the Cosy, Low-Stakes Fantasy

Summer Drink: A soft blanket in the garden with a chai latte, a flickering candle, and an open book.

Warming spices, chilled calm — iced chai is for whimsical fantasy with heart. Think found family, gentle magic, and just enough adventure to keep you turning the pages.

? Try: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna. Soft, comforting, and full of magic and misfits, like a hug in book form. We read this in my Fable book club and it was thoroughly enjoyed!

? Treat yourself to your next read by using one of my affiliate links (at no cost to you): Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org


? Coconut Water — For the Light & Quirky Adventure

Summer Drink: A whimsical table spread with a paperback, oversized sunglasses, and a coconut water can in a floral koozie.

Hydrating, unusual, and full of hidden surprises! Coconut water is perfect for quirky stories that are fresh, breezy, and a little offbeat.

? Try: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton. Think flying houses, lady pirates, and bonkers Regency humour.

? Treat yourself to your next read by using one of my affiliate links (at no cost to you): Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org


✨ Amy’s Note:

I’m an iced latte girl through and through — but there’s something fun about reading outside with a drink that matches the book’s mood. Whether you go sweet, strong, or spiced, let your summer drink pick your next escape.

Don’t forget to tag me in your summer sips + reads @thefabledpagesco — I’d love to see your pairings!


? Try This:

? Pin this post for your next summer reading mood board

Loved this post? There’s more cosy summer inspiration waiting for you on my blog — including the full Summer Reading Lifestyle series. Come and explore what else to pack, sip, and read next.


? Let’s Chat:

What’s your go-to summer drink? Do you match your book to your mood, setting… or beverage? Let’s build the ultimate summer pairing list together!

Amy x

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