As much as I love discovering all the new authors of the 2020s, classics are classics for a reason. I know they get a bad rep at times for those who are forced to read them at school, but personally, Emily Bronté and Miss Austen herself will forever be welcome on my bookshelf.
There’s something undeniably magical about curling up with a great classic novel and a steaming cup of coffee. Whether you’re lost in the world of 19th-century romance or traveling through dystopian futures, the right brew can enhance the entire reading experience. Join me as I pair signature coffee and classic books, so you can savor the story and your sip.
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Paired with: A Classic English Breakfast Tea Latte
While not strictly coffee, an English Breakfast Tea Latte offers a smooth, elegant blend perfect for Jane Austen’s world of wit, romance, and social critique. Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates issues of love, class, and family, with the ever-charming (and sometimes infuriating) Mr. Darcy. The tea latte’s light, comforting notes mirror the refined yet lively nature of Elizabeth’s character and the Regency-era manners of her world. A dash of milk brings out the balance between tradition and rebellion that runs throughout this beloved classic.
2. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
Paired with: A Bold Black Coffee
Just like the adventure and intensity of the high seas, Moby-Dick demands something strong and unrelenting. In this epic tale, Captain Ahab’s obsessive quest to hunt the great white whale, Moby-Dick, leads his crew into a dangerous, thrilling journey. A no-frills, black coffee perfectly reflects the raw, untamed energy of this novel, where survival and obsession dominate. The robust flavor captures the strength of Ahab’s resolve, while the bitterness echoes the darker themes of vengeance and madness that swirl around the story.
3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Paired with: An Espresso Martini
This cocktail-inspired coffee drink is as decadent and lavish as the parties thrown by Jay Gatsby himself. The Great Gatsby is a tale of wealth, desire, and the disillusionment of the American Dream in the Roaring Twenties. Gatsby’s extravagant lifestyle and unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan set the stage for a glittering yet tragic drama. The rich blend of espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur in an espresso martini captures the opulence of Gatsby’s world, while its bittersweet undertones reflect the elusive nature of happiness in Fitzgerald’s iconic novel.
4. 1984 by George Orwell
Paired with: A Cold Brew
There’s no better drink for Orwell’s chilling, dystopian masterpiece than a cold brew—strong, sharp, and cold to the core. 1984 presents a terrifying vision of a totalitarian future, where the government watches your every move and controls every thought. Winston Smith, the novel’s protagonist, grapples with resistance in a world where Big Brother is always watching. Cold brew, with its bold, slow-brewed intensity, mirrors the novel’s steady build-up of tension and the oppressive atmosphere of Orwell’s world. Its unyielding strength makes it the perfect companion for this dark, thought-provoking read.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Paired with: A Vanilla Latte
Warm, comforting, and familiar, the vanilla latte perfectly matches the heartfelt wisdom of To Kill a Mockingbird. The novel, set in the racially segregated American South, follows young Scout Finch as she learns important lessons about justice, empathy, and morality through the eyes of her father, Atticus Finch. The latte’s smooth and sweet flavors provide comfort just as the novel’s themes of kindness and integrity offer hope in the face of prejudice. This classic is all about warmth and reflection—just like a cozy vanilla latte.
6. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Paired with: A Dark Mocha
A dark mocha—with its rich chocolate and deep espresso—captures the gothic atmosphere and themes of Frankenstein. In this iconic novel, Victor Frankenstein’s creation of a living being from dead matter spirals into tragedy, raising deep questions about creation, ambition, and humanity. The dark, bitter coffee reflects the somber tone of Frankenstein’s regrets and the monster’s loneliness, while the sweetness of the chocolate evokes the sympathy we feel for the creature. This pairing is as rich and complex as Shelley’s tale of life, death, and the consequences of playing God.
7. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Paired with: A Spiced Chai Latte
With its intense passion, wild moors, and stormy emotions, Wuthering Heights calls for something bold yet comforting. This haunting tale of love and revenge follows Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw through years of tumultuous relationships and heartache. The novel’s moody atmosphere and raw emotion are perfectly paired with a spiced chai latte, which offers a complex blend of spices and creamy milk. The bold flavors represent the wildness of the characters, while the comforting milk reflects the deep, often hidden layers of love beneath the chaos of their lives.
Final Sip of Our Coffee and Classic Books
Just like the classics, coffee offers a rich, layered experience. Whether you’re reading about Elizabeth Bennet’s quick wit or Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit, the perfect cup of coffee can set the mood and enhance your literary journey.
These coffee and classic books pairings are just the beginning—every great book deserves its signature brew. So, next time you pick up a classic, why not take a moment to think about the perfect coffee to complement your reading experience?