Episode 29: Are We Dead or Just Resting? (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead)

This week we delve into Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead by Tom Stoppard. To Listen Along: https://anchor.fm/unfortunately-required/episodes/Are-We-Dead-or-Just-Resting--Rosencrantz-and-Guildenstern-are-Dead-eb5j3n To Drink Along: Darjeeling Milk Punch in honor of Tom Stoppard You will need: Half and Half 1.5 oz milk or half and half Brandy 2 oz (1.5 oz was more than enough) Darjeeling Tea 1 oz,... Continue Reading →

February 29, 2020 0

Episode 28: To Read or Not to Read (Hamlet)

This week, we are tackling the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. You can listen along here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O0Mr00MsG4x3DKHTufM7U To drink along: Sweet Poison: 1 oz white rum 2 oz coconut rum 1 oz blue curacao grenadine (optional) pineapple juice sword and cherry for garnish Mix the rums and curaco into a shaker with ice. Pour into... Continue Reading →

February 16, 2020 0

Episode 27: Not-So-Quiet Aunt Jane (Pride and Prejudice)

This week we discuss the regency novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. You can Listen Along Here: https://anchor.fm/unfortunately-required/episodes/Not-So-Quiet-Aunt-Jane-Pride-and-Prejudice-eaekoi To Drink Along: The Jane Austen from https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2017/04/15-cocktails-inspired-by-literary-greats/2/ Mix 2 fluid ounces of gin, 2 dashes of rose water and 2 teaspoons of Earl Grey tea syrup in a shaker and serve in a chilled Martini... Continue Reading →

January 26, 2020 0

Episode 26: Withering Interest (Wuthering Heights)

This week we discuss the novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte while also desperately trying not to cry. To Listen Along: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1QgJe2htFEgVaeGJg0Xo2L To Drink Along: Lavender French 75 Food grade dried lavender Gin (we use Seersucker) Sparkling white wine (we use Andre Lemonade (we use Fentimans Victorian lemonade) Place a small amount of lavender and... Continue Reading →

January 11, 2020 1

Happy Holidays from Unfortunately Required Reading

Happy Holidays to You and Yours from our Podstudio to your home. May your toasting glasses be full, and your reading material be spectacular! -Amanda and Tori

December 24, 2019 0

Episode 25: Ambrose Bierce Crosses The Line (or a Bridge)

Welcome to Tori's Birthday month. It's not that we are lazy, it's just that this month we wanted to do a short story by Ambrose Bierce and discuss his general weirdness. This week we are discussing An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. You Can Listen Along Here: https://anchor.fm/unfortunately-required/episodes/Ambrose-Bierce-Crosses-The-Line-or-a-Bridge-e9hns5 To Drink Along: A Brandy Sangaree 2... Continue Reading →

December 16, 2019 0

Episode 24: Only Women Get Punished for Sex (Scarlet Letter)

Welcome to the end of Pain Month. This week we discuss the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel The Scarlet Letter. You can listen along here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7giqxrisym6zDVkzvM49ex To Drink Along: Grab a bottle of Duchesse Cherry Ale. Drink along with ciabatta bread and smoked blue cheese. Ask yourself why you're reading this book for a third time. Resources:... Continue Reading →

November 16, 2019 0

Episode 23: Claret Out of Spite (Ethan Frome)

Welcome to Pain Month! For our one year anniversary (yeah, we made it a year) each host has picked a book of loathing. This week we are discussing Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton. You can listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4AK1fuzXFLcjPskNzGDCD4 To Drink Along: Grab a bottle of claret. Edith Wharton HATED claret and champagne. Maybe some Cornichon... Continue Reading →

November 2, 2019 1

Episode 22: It’s Franken-Steen

This week we cover Mary Shelley's genre-changing novel, Frankenstein. We discuss her strange life, questions from listeners, and the weirdness of that party in Geneva. If you'd like to drink along: The Mary Shelly: 1 and 1/2 oz bourbon or fine whiskey 1 cup port Maraschino Cherry for Garnish Contemplate the terrors of your mortality... Continue Reading →

October 26, 2019 0

Episode 21: Drunkula

This week's episode is based on Bram Stoker's infamous book Dracula. We talk a fair bit about vampires, sexuality, sangria, and Abraham Stoker. If You'd Like to Drink Along: Bottle of Llano Red wine (or another sweet red) Brandy Fresh fruit of your choosing Blood Orange Italian Soda Mix fruit, wine, and brandy in a... Continue Reading →

October 5, 2019 0