Wicked Bugs + Obituary

“Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon’s Army and Other Diabolical Insects by Amy Stewart is science writing that grabs you and won’t let you go… not unlike some of the bugs in this read. Stewart writes about the alarming and threatening side of the insect world. Coupled with the most hauntingly beautiful illustrations, we learn about how bugs infest our human lives, often in some of the most terrifying ways. Covering everything from Kissing Bugs and their tendency to bite humans on the face during the night to the Bullet Ant’s sting that is “like fire-walking over flaming charcoal with a 3-inch rusty nail in your heel.” This read is overflowing with all the insect information that you never knew you wanted to know. Fair warning: you will feel involuntarily itchy after this read… or tremendously drunk, depending on your balance of booze + books. (Published by Algonquin Books)

The Obituary

(As seen on Instagram via @bevnetcraven

I recently had this riff off a martini and was reminded of this drink's delicious strength when I saw it roll across my Instagram feed. I could not deny its tastiness and that fact that it was the most perfect pairing for this read. This book is full of creepy crawlies and, to be perfectly frank, most of them are itty-bitty killers. So stir up this drink and write your Obituary in gin with a taste of that licorice flavor anise to make it memorable.

Obituary

• 2.0 oz gin
• 0.25 oz dry vermouth
• 0.25 oz absinthe

Stir with ice and strain into a coupe, garnish with a lemon peel