Book Bartender™Pour me a book
The Scarlet LetterNathaniel Hawthorne

Classic fiction

The Scarlet Letter

by Nathaniel Hawthorne

In Puritan Boston, Hester Prynne is forced to wear a scarlet letter after bearing a child while refusing to identify the father. Her hidden husband assumes another name and pursues revenge, while the respected minister sharing Hester's secret deteriorates beneath unconfessed guilt. Hester's endurance and service gradually change the community's understanding of the symbol meant to define her. Somber, symbolic, and psychologically intense, this classic suits an autumn evening for readers interested in public shame, private sin, religious authority, and a woman creating an identity larger than the judgment imposed upon her.

Paired for this story

House Berry Tea + French 75

Jump to the pours ↓

Choose your bookseller

Find the Book

Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.

At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice1 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy1 of 5
What do these symbols mean? →

No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Adultery and pregnancy outside marriage; public shaming and social ostracism; emotional abuse and bullying; severe guilt and psychological distress; death; sexism and religious intolerance.

Alcohol-Free Pour

House Berry Tea

A fragrant cup of tea suits an unhurried afternoon between the pages.

What you'll need

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

How to mix it

  1. Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
  2. Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

French 75

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Gin and lemon meet sparkling wine in a bright, celebratory French 75.

What you'll need

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

How to mix it

  1. Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a flute and top with sparkling wine.
  2. Garnish: Lemon twist.
  3. Glassware: Champagne flute.

Set up the bar cart

Shop the Barware

Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.

Browse the bar cart
See this book's two drink pairings ↓ See this book's two drink pairings ↓