A Court of Mist and Fury | Amren’s Spiced Blood Mocktail
If I had to pick one thing I love about ACOMAF it would be world building. The way SJM writes, as a reader, I felt as though I was visiting each court with Feyre. Throughout the book there are so many different places visited and yet the story flows and I can picture each place easily. The unpredictability of the story must also be mentioned. Sure the romance storyline is a little anticipated but the rest of it is surprising and unlike anything else I’ve read. If you haven’t read ACOMAF yet, believe the hype, it’s extraordinary.
This mocktail recipe was inspired by Amren. She, despite being part of the Inner Circle, still seems to feel as though she doesn’t quite fit in. Upon Amren and Feyre’s first meeting, she says to Feyre,
“So there are two of us now… We who were born something else – and found ourselves trapped in new, strange bodies.”
Amren seems to hold herself apart while simultaneously seeming to want to join in. On another occasion, Feyre and the Inner Circle are dining under the stars thoroughly enjoying a “warm and rich and savory and spicy” feast. While the group is devouring their meal, Amren is pushing food around her plate, unable to eat until the restaurateur takes pity on her and brings her a “metal goblet full of dark liquid.” 🩸
And so, this Spiced “Blood” Mocktail was inspired by Amren’s particular taste, a mulled punch with a spicy kick, in the hope that it is an inclusive drink for everyone to partake in; fae, children and adults trapped in strange bodies (aka middle-aged millennials 🙋♀️).
Amren’s Spiced “Blood” Mocktail
Ingredients
3 cups cranberry juice *see note
2 cups pomegranate juice
¾ cup fresh squeezed juice from blood oranges (2 medium)
4+2 Tbsp brown sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
4 whole allspice
12 whole cloves
1 star anise
2 cups (approx.) club soda, to serve
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan, starting with 4 Tbsp brown sugar. Over medium-high heat, bring up to a simmer. Turn off heat and cover with a lid. Steep the juice and spices for 20-30 minutes. Taste for sweetness and add another Tbsp or two of brown sugar to your taste. Strain and chill for 4 hours or overnight.
To serve: pour ¾ cup of the mulled juice into a glass over ice, top with approx ¼ cup of club soda.
Notes
I recommend using a 100% juice blend. If using a cranberry cocktail, omit or reduce brown sugar to taste.
Optional garnishes: a slice of blood orange, pomegranate arils or a cinnamon stick.
Hi, I’m Beth! I’ve been inhaling books and baking from the time I learned to read…
