Women's Libation! Is A Tall Drink Of A Book

When I was in university, our women’s resource center would have a charity event every year called Women Who Rock. It was, essentially, a band show at a bar that featured female music groups of all sorts, and the bar also sold drinks with amazing names like Menstruation Sensation. When I finished reading Women’s Libation! Cocktails to Celebrate a Woman’s Right to Booze by Merrily Grashin, my immediate reaction was to mail a copy to each of my former volunteer mates. Finally, more inclusive drink names we could use!

Women’s Libation is in essence, a cocktail recipe book with illustrations and a page explaining the punny drink name. Feminists of yore are honored for their work, and moments in feminist history are marked. Nothing revolutionary, but it wasn’t meant to be. If you’ve never mixed drinks before, Grashin has you covered with a basic overview of the tools you need, methods to know and some common ingredients.

There are a few missteps here; not all the women in the book are exactly deserving of a cheers or a drink. Aung San Suu Kyi is honored with a twist on the Singapore sling, and Coco Chanel with the sangrita Mez Coco Chanel No 5.

Granted, that could just be poor timing as the book was likely completed months before Aung San Suu Kyi refused to speak out against the genocide in Myanmar. Still, this isn’t the first time she’s been quiet about violence against Muslims; the calls for the repeal of her Nobel Peace Prize are only the most recent and forceful criticisms against her. Coco Chanel I’m a bit more puzzled by. Now, there has yet to be any clear hard evidence that Chanel was an active Nazi agent, but there is some reason to believe that she was and at best being a Nazi wasn’t a deal breaker for her. I think if there’s any dispute about whether you are a Nazi, there’s only one drink for you.

Seriously, Chanel should have been bumped and Dorothy Parker honored with a Manhattan. That’s a huge missed opportunity!

Nevertheless, Women’s Libation! is a quirky recipe book sure to tickle your funny bone. While many of the blurbs may just be fact regurgitation, the drawings are adorable and the puns wonderfully groan worthy. As for the recipes themselves? They are twists on classics, nothing too crazy to make the drink unrecognizable and some like the Our Toddies, Ourselves are in my opinion an improvement on the standard. I didn’t get to test very many of them, but as a former bartender, so many of them looked good.  If nothing else, dear reader, I do believe this is an excellent resource for those bar fundraisers.  Why not replace all the cocktail names for the night?  I guarantee more money will be raised through drinks that way.

Cheers!

Women’s Libation! Cocktails to Celebrate a Woman’s Right to Booze By Merrily Grashin was published on November 7th, 2017, and is available wherever fine books are sold.

Megan “Spooky” Crittenden is a secluded writer who occasionally ventures from her home to give aid to traveling adventurers.

Critical Hits & Misses #336

• Merriam-Webster has named the word of the year for 2017 to be "feminism." Hmm, pandering to SJWs, it appears. 


• Our favorite reluctant badass heroine gets a new trailer and a premiere date, finally! Cannot wait for Jessica Jones season 2!

For today's musical hit, we have Lindsey Stirling's "Angels We Have Heard On High"

Today's critical rolls: What's YOUR word of the year? Mine is "creeper." Not because I like it, but because I've used it a LOT of late, unfortunately.

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Critical Hits & Misses #286

• If you're wondering why Comic Cons are sans comics and seem to be more about everything else in pop culture geekdom, The Guardian is wondering the same and goes in search of an answer. 


• And this article isn't pop-cultury, but it is important. Opencanada.org's blog examines how global feminism and food security go hand in hand, and how, historically, they have been treated as separate issues when they shouldn't be. 

For today's musical hit, we have Clean Bandit and "Symphony"

Today's critical rolls: Happy First Day of Autumn! What's your favorite season and why?


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Critical Hits & Misses #216

Photo credit: The Indian Express. This quote is spot fucking on.

• The Indian Express has a great article on the Indian stand-up comedy scene, and the inherent sexism in it. Tarishi Verma discusses three of India's lead women comics, and how they are tearing it up despite an uphill battle. 


• You probably heard about the bombing in Manchester during an Ariana Grande concert. The Atlantic has a sobering article on how an attack on a venue specifically designed for women and young girls, is particularly horrifying. Yes, every terrorist attack is awful. But there's a special place in hell for a suicide bomber that targets a feminine space specifically. 


• Refingery29 has a great interview with writer Jill Filipovic, who wrote The H Spot: The Feminist Pursuit of Happiness. There is a great discussion of how feminism makes women unhappy... but not for the reasons you think. The interview is worth a read, not to mention putting this book on your to-read list. 

For today's musical hit, we have Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus with "Don't Dream Its Over" from the live One Love Manchester.

Today's critical rolls: What are some of your favorite female comedians?


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Critical Hits & Misses #215

• Because we love us some Wonder Woman, here's The Guardian with an in-depth look at how wonderfully subversive the film is. The article not only discusses Diana herself, but how many of the women characters and their actions--even Dr. Poison--are committing feminist acts. There is also some great comparisons to other female action leads. 


• Cameron Glover at Think Progress has a thoughtful op-ed wherein she inspects whether Capitalism is good for feminism, or whether it might mean the decline of feminism. 

For today's musical hit, we have Lorde and "Perfect Places"

Today's critical rolls: What are some of your favorite badass lady cinematic heroes?


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Critical Hits & Misses #214

• Today in Bullshit Women In The Have To Deal With: Halle Barry had a cheeky reply for all those people who thought the 50 year old actress might be pregnant because of an apparent bit of belly in public. Seriously, can't a lady have some freaking steak and fries without everyone commenting on her body? Even if she was pregnant, why does everyone have the right to comment on female bodies?


• Vox has a solid article on Catherynne Valente, a writer whose latest book Refrigerator Monologues is about comic heroines who have been "fridged." She has a lot to say in this interview, about feminism, Red Sonja, and the oppression of women writers. 

For today's musical hit, we have Bebe Rexha and "The Way I Are (Dance With Somebody)"

Today's critical rolls: There are so many women characters that have been fridged, across all genres and media types, women sacrificed so that the male story arc could "grow." What are some that have infuriated you?


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Critical Hits & Misses #211 - The Wonder Woman Edition!

• Okay, the moment us feminists have been waiting on for a long time, ever since superhero flicks became so popular: this weekend, Wonder Woman, both feminist icon and the first female-led (AND female directed) superhero flick since Iron Man made superheroes mainstream, is finally here. Gal Gadot says the Diana is definitely feminist, and Bustle has the news. Are you excited? I am!


• And in related Wonder Woman stuff, Atlantic has a fabulous story about a black woman whose favorite superhero as a kid was white, but she now imagines what it would be like if Wonder Woman was black. Maya Rupert discusses her upbringing and how people told her as a child that it was alright for her to prefer Wondie over Superman, but it wasn't alright to imagine Wondie as black. 


• And speaking of Wonder Woman and the furor over that all-woman screening at the Alama Drafthouse in Austin: the mayor of Austin received a letter from a very concerned male citizen, and Mayor Adler had the best response!

For today's musical hit, we have Sia and "To Be Human," which of course is off of the Wonder Woman soundtrack.

Today's critical rolls: What does Wonder Woman mean to you?

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Critical Hits & Misses #208

• Over at the National Post, Hope Nicholson chronicles female comic heroes, many of which you know, and some of which you don't. I'm always down for some female heroes! 


• And at Variety, Kirsten Dunst and Sofia Coppola discuss feminism in general, sexism in Hollywood, and their feminist Beguiled remake. 

For today's musical hit, we have Ani Difranco and "Both Hands"

Today's critical rolls: What are some of your favorite female heroes, in any genre or media?

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Critical Hits & Misses #207

It's Memorial Day in the US, which is a holiday where Americans grill, play in the pool, and sometimes even remember to thank all the Americans in uniform that have died for our freedoms. If you're off of work today, remember the fallen, be kind to people who do have to work today to serve you (grocery stores, restaurants, stores, etc). 

• We are only a week away from Wonder Woman officially dropping in theaters, and leave it to Hollywood to use the most feminist icon in the comics industry to hawk something completely opposed to feminism: diet bars. USA Today has the story on this ridiculous choice of marketing. 


• Speaking of feminism, the Thurston Talk blog discusses creating podcasts focused on comics and feminism called Out of the Fridge. If you've never heard of this podcast, it's worth checking out! Unlike Wonder Woman hawking diet bars, this will actually leave a good taste in your mouth!

For today's musical hit, we have Grimes and "Butterfly"

Today's critical rolls: Who are you remembering today, and what are you grateful for today? It doesn't matter if you're American or not!


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Critical Hits & Misses #190

• In case you've been living under a rock, here's a newsflash: Hollywood has a whitewashing problem. Gamezone discusses the issue and why it happens (hint: it may not be totally racist), and wonders if it will ever really get better. 


• Smithsonian magazine takes a fascinating look at Naomi Weisstein, a feminist psychologist-turned-rockstar and how she resisted the idea of women being objects in both psychology and rock 'n roll. 


• MTV News' Rachel Handler discusses Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale, and how the cast and crew of the series appear to be distancing themselves from the feminist and political notions behind the story. 

For today's musical hit, we have AB Soto and "Crunchy"

Today's critical rolls: Hollywood whitewashing: discuss. Is it racism? Is it just about the star power? Can it ever get better? Discuss!

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Critical Hits & Misses #182

• The blog Hyperallergic has an excellent play-by-play explanation of the controversy at Marvel that resulted in Indonesian artist Ardian Syaf being fired. This blog post discusses the specific scenes in X-men Gold that were references to current politics in Indonesia that slipped by US Editors, and the specific passage in the Quran that were referenced. (G. Willow Wilson's post explaining the Quran passage in question is also worth reading)


• Wbur's blog The ARTery discusses how Ladyfest Boston channeled punk rock feminism, but also deals with diversity issues. 

For today's musical hit, we have Loone and "River's Our Blood"

Today's critical rolls: It's Friday! What are you big plans for the weekend?


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Critical Hits & Misses #177

• We don't talk nearly enough about women and POC artists on this blog, and that's a failing we hope to remedy this year. Here's a wonderful discussion of Canadian artist Feist, and her latest album, "Pleasure." 


• The Feminism in India blog has a pretty unforgiving piece on the hypocrisy of progressive men, within the context of the allegations of sexual and mental abuse by Kumar Sundaram of India Resists. Lots of discussion about victim-blaming, giving men a pass, and how the public is quick to give men the benefit of the doubt. 

For today's musical hit, we have Feist and "Pleasure"

Today's critical rolls: Do you have any favorite musical women artists, or artists of color, that you think everyone should know about? We'd love to feature more, regardless of genre! So feel free to post your suggestions in the comments!


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Critical Hits & Misses #176

• The Chicago Tribune did to Aaron Rodgers, Olivia Munn's boyfriend, what media outlets do to women all the time, and the residents of the internet's Dudebrodia lost their collective shit. /slowclap


• Metro lists the 13 ways we feminists sometimes forget what we're fighting for and fall into old nasty societal habits. Not gonna lie, as a hardcore feminist, I've done a few of these. I still sometimes do. 

For today's musical hit, we have Baiyu and "Invisible"

Today's critical rolls: What are some of the ways you've caught yourself being a "bad feminist?" Keep in mind, you don't have to agree with Metro's whole list (I see nothing wrong with admiring wedding gowns, or any beautiful clothing, for example). And maybe there are things missing off the list that maybe we still do unconsciously or because it's drilled into us by culture.


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Critical Hits & Misses #167

• Check out this story on the new breed of children's books, which include transgender teens, blended families, and feminism. This is the future that liberals want!


• We're feeling bookish today, so here's another link for figuring out what kinds of books kids should be reading. Romper lists 14 books that teach kids intersectional feminism! 

For today's musical hit, we have an oldie from the late 80s, but it's one of the "safe" and feminist rap songs that you could jam with your kids to back then, when rap was getting nastier for commercial reasons. It's Queen Latifah and "Ladies First"

Today's critical rolls: What were some of your favorite childhood books, or books that you read to your kids/students/whatever today?


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Critical Hits & Misses #158

• Remember that statue of the little girl facing down the bull on Wall Street, in honor of International Woman's Day? Well it didn't take long for a gross douchebro to remind us why we need that statue, and more broadly, why we need feminism. 


• We are stupidly excited about this new Clueless comic book from Boom! Why? Well, besides the fact that it's Clueless, it's being written by Amber Benson and Sara Kuhn. Yes, Amber Benson, of Buffy the Vampire fame! Check out the Vanity Fair interview with Benson and Kuhn!

For today's musical hit, we have Louis the Child and "Love Is Alive"

Today's critical rolls: Douchebros pretending to perform sexual acts with a little girl notwithstanding, what are some of the other reasons we need feminism? (yeah, it's an easy one today)


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Critical Hits & Misses #156

"Beauty," one of the two statues outside the New York Public Library. 

• The Guardian did a piece on Emma Watson after the minor internet furor that erupted from Watson showing too much breast in a Vanity Fair article. While I don't necessarily agree with everything in The Guardian's article, it is an interesting take on Watson and her feminism and privilege. 


• Speaking of Beauty (in more ways than one), this fabulous historical article from Broadly discusses the life and tragic end of America's first supermodel, Audrey Munson. You probably don't recognize her name, but it's likely you have seen her body. She was the model used for a number of recognizable statues, including the statue outside the New York Public Library, and the fountain outside the Plaza Hotel. A fascinating and sad read!

For today's musical hit, the ever amazing violinist Lindsey Stirling does her version of "Beauty and the Beast." Check out the dudebros during the "Gaston" segment. And her Mrs. Potts dress!!!! OMG I am such a fangurl of this woman and her music and videos.

Today's critical rolls: Choose your own adventure! (i.e., talk about what you want)


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Critical Hits & Misses #153

• The Nation discusses the beautiful sight of last week's international women's day protests: women of all colors, trans women, and working women together for a common cause. This is what feminism actually looks like. 


• The fabulous Kristen Stewart sits down with The Guardian to discuss coming out as bisexual, and how stupidly the media tends to portray bisexuality. Worth the read. 

For today's musical hit, we have Lorde and the poetic "Liability"

Today's critical rolls: it's Monday! Tell us about your weekend!


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Critical Hits & Misses #150

• Bustle has an amazing narrative of what an actual day without women would look like. Sidenote: I really, really want to sip mimosas with Michelle Obama. 


• Today is International Women's Day, and also the "Day Without A Woman" strike! The History Channel blog has an interesting history of International Women's Day. Check it out!


• The Writer's Block blog has a wonderful list of recommended books for kids on justice and understanding, to help parents who find this time of great social unease challenging when kids have questions. 

For today's musical hit, we have Grace and "You Don't Own Me"

Today's critical rolls: What does a day without women look like to you? Tell us about your personal apocalypse!


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Critical Hits & Misses #147

Gay. Beautifully, wonderfully, perfectly... GAY. It's true, LeFou!

• Today In I knew this already but FUCK YEAH anyway news: Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast will feature the House of Mouse's first ever canonically-gay character. Turns out those of us who are fans of the animated movie were totally right: LeFou's "Gaston" song was 100% a love song. Well, duh. Side note: conservatives are super pissed about LeFou being gay, so I am planning on seeing this movie about five times at the theater. I suggest you do the same. 


• Did you know Teen Vogue is kind of freaking awesome? Because I didn't until just recently. Check out this awesome and hard-hitting post about enslaved women, and erroneously calling them "mistresses." An excellent piece on not only history, but feminism. 

For today's musical hit, it's only 46 seconds, but it is 46 seconds of pure joy as Josh Gad sings the love song to Luke Evans' Gaston:

Today's critical rolls: Who else in Disney animated history is actually gay (or bi, or whatever) in your heart, but needs to be revealed as such in the live action version? Disney is making live action versions of like everything now, so your head cannon could come true!


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Critical Hits & Misses #145

• Today in infuriating-but-not-really-surprising news: the Indian Censor Board has denied certification for the feminist film Lipstick Under My Burkha for being "lady-oriented." This film by Alankrita Shrivastava explores the sexual escapades of four women in a small town, and the movie has won lots of awards abroad. 


• If you're needing some solid punk feminist music, check out this article on Plasmic, whose synth punk music is "music to burn barbie dolls to." 

For today's musical hit, we have Plasmic's "Tears Are A Routine"

Today's critical rolls: Censorship sucks, but it's a constant when it comes to conservatives all over the world, and throughout history. What's your favorite censored book or music or movie and why?


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