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Book Bartender artworkThe Light PrincessGeorge MacDonald

Children's Fairy Tale

The Light Princess

by George MacDonald

128 pages · First published 1864

When a spiteful witch curses her infant niece, a young princess grows up without gravity—either in her body or her disposition. Unable to keep her feet on the ground or take anything seriously, she floats through life laughing at everything around her. Only in the water of a beautiful lake can she experience the ordinary weight that everyone else takes for granted. When a traveling prince discovers her unusual predicament, he falls in love, but the princess's enchantment makes it difficult for her to understand his feelings. Then her vindictive aunt sets out to destroy the lake, threatening the princess's happiness and the entire kingdom. Readers who enjoy classic fairy tales, whimsical humor, magical curses, gentle romance, and stories about courage and sacrificial love will find both laughter and tenderness in this imaginative Victorian fantasy.

Paired for this story

Cerulean Lemonade + Aviation

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At a glance

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Spice1 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Magical curses and threatening witchcraft, including a sinister witch and a giant magical snake. Physical punishment of a child: the king severely whips his daughter in an unsuccessful attempt to make her cry. Advisers suggest dangerous treatments, including extreme bloodletting and burying the princess alive, but these suggestions are not carried out. Peril involving a baby blown away by the wind, a kingdom threatened by drought, and a princess becoming seriously ill as her enchanted lake disappears. A prince voluntarily risks his life to save her, with an extended near-drowning scene describing his submersion, loss of consciousness, and apparent death. The villain dies when her house collapses; no graphic gore. Mild fairy-tale romance and affectionate kissing. Some dated Victorian attitudes and caricatured portrayals of foreign philosophers.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Cerulean Lemonade

A color-changing Cerulean Lemonade reflects the princess's enchanted lake, where water briefly restores her gravity and sets her on a path toward a deeper transformation.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Combine butterfly pea tea, honey syrup, and water over ice. Add lemon juice last to shift the color, then stir.
  2. Garnish: Lemon wheel.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Aviation

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A delicate, violet-hued Aviation celebrates the princess who floats through life without gravity, until a devoted prince helps her discover the true weight of love.

What you'll need

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Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.

How to mix it

  1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe.
  2. Garnish: Brandied cherry.
  3. Glassware: Coupe.

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