Over the last three years and as The Canyons neighborhood began to blossom into a community, a book club was born. Christy Hardt and Susan Capone were two of the original members of five. Today, the group, which originally met at The Exchange Coffee House, has evolved to 20 ladies who gather at each other’s homes once a month for food, fellowship and literary discussion.

“It is a great way to meet people in the neighborhood that we love,” shared Christy. “We have become a tight-knit group and get together outside of book club.”

At a recent open house event at Alice + Kate Boutique Bakery, event planner Betsy Baltzer of Literati Spirits was giving a tasting of her signature vodkas. The Canyons book club was selected from a drawing of names to host Literati Spirits at its November book club gathering.

Literati Spirits is a boutique brand that infuses its vodka with flavors inspired by characters in classic novels. The company was launched last year by Betsy and Broadway producer Brisa Carleton with a mission to combine their passion for books and a good cocktail. Their motto is “sip into something novel.”

“I read the books all over again, watched the movies, did the research to launch the company,” explained Betsy.

The vodka is distilled in Colorado Springs and there are three bottles in each collection. Boxes are shipped from a distributor and Literati plans to do two releases per year.

Their first collection, Pride & Prejudice, was from Jane Austen’s classic with the “Darcy” (Earl Grey infused), the “Lizzie”  (lavender lemonade infused) and the “Classic” vodkas.

“I bought the first set and I hate to open the bottles but it is like buying a candle and not burning it!” shared Christy.

The Canyon book club selected The Great Gatsby to dovetail with Literati Spirits latest launch. The F. Scott Fitzgerald masterpiece will turn 100 this year, and the “Daisy” (cardamom and honey infused) and the “Gatsby” (blueberry and basil infused) were the featured vodkas paired with a “Classic.”

“The process of picking our flavors was really fun,” said Betsy.

Quotes from the book’s characters are displayed on the box and on each bottle.

“It was a combination of things that are mentioned in the books and also what we thought would reflect the characters,” Betsy added. For example, the Daisy bottle has a yellow label and one of her quotes. The label on the Gatsby bottle is green to pay homage to his love for Daisy, whose dock had a green lantern.

The book club was held at Susan’s home where she served Gatsby-themed foods, had 1920s decor and props while a player piano brought a festive mood to the party. In addition to the vodkas, Betsy was asked to serve a signature cocktail. She added fresh lemon juice and more honey to the “Daisy” vodka and it was a refreshing hit.

“It’s been a really fun collaboration,” concluded Betsy. “We would love to be involved with more book clubs.”

 

 

Article and photos by Hollen Wheeler