February sip of the month & book bingo
February gives me an excuse (though let’s be real, I don’t need one) to fill my reading list with swoon-worthy romances and passionate stories that make my heart ache – in the best way!
Whether you’re a fan of slow-burn tension, delicious enemies-to-lovers drama, or a cozy fantasy romance, this month is all about indulging in the magic of love (or lust!) and great storytelling.
To make this reading month even more fun, I’ve put together two special treats: a romance-themed book bingo and our very first sip of the month—because what’s a good book without the perfect drink to go with it?
Book bingo: A love-filled challenge
Since February is all about romance, I couldn’t resist creating a themed book bingo to celebrate!
Whether you’re playing solo, challenging friends, or using it as an excuse to finally read that book that’s been sitting on your TBR for way too long, this is the perfect way to spice up your reading.
Here’s how it works:
✔️ Pick books that match the prompts
✔️ Aim for a bingo—or go all out and complete the whole board!
✔️ Share your progress in the Story Sippers community
The best part? There’s no pressure! This is all about having fun and discovering new romances to fall in love with.
Sip of the month
Story Sippers is all about pairing great books with great drinks, so I’m introducing a Monthly Sip to complement our romantic reading theme! This month’s pick is the French 75, a timeless classic that’s effortlessly elegant and delightfully refreshing. Traditionally made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and topped with Champagne, it’s the perfect drink to toast a night of swoon-worthy romance reads.
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, I’ve also chosen a delightful mocktail that captures the same effervescence and citrusy charm, ensuring everyone can partake in the fun.
This drink pairs beautifully with any romance novel, whether you’re immersed in the slow-burn tension, reveling in witty banter, tangled in an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, or swept away by the intrigue of a reverse harem fantasy.
French 75 (cocktail)
Recipe from Delish
Ingredients
1-1/2 oz gin
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz simply syrup (I prefer Agave syrup)
3 to 4 oz Champagne or other sparkling wine
1 lemon peel, for garnish
Directions
Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup (or Agave syrup) to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until completely chilled, then strain into a champagne flute. Top with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
Non-Alcoholic French 75 (mocktail)
Recipe adapted from Always Orders Dessert
Ingredients
1 oz fresh lemon juice
2 dashes lemon or orange bitters
3/4 oz simply syrup
1 bottle premium tonic water (such as Fever Tree)
1 lemon peel, for garnish
Directions
Add fresh lemon juice, bitters, and simple syrup to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until frosty, then pour into a champagne flute. Top off with tonic water and garnish with a lemon twist.
Join the fun!
This February, let’s raise a glass to love, storytelling, and the joy of discovering new books. I’ll be sharing my bingo progress and my reading list over on Illumi-Naughty Story Sippers—and I’d love to see yours too!
Let’s heat things up this February with stories and sips that warm the heart! Cheers! 🥂
