With Teeth by Kristen Arnett

​Sammie is really, truly trying to become a devoted mom who can “do it all.” But she cannot shake the feeling there’s something not quite right about her son. Her son who bites. And carries around a gold-painted doll as his “twin.” As Sammie hordes secrets about what’s really going on with her child, it becomes clear her perception of reality is seriously skewed. There’s something irresistibly unhinged about Sammie’s psyche, her marriage, and the Florida setting itself.

For this booktail, I was eager to do something weird that would say “Florida” in its vibrance, yet remain slightly swampy. I looked for a way to honor the references in the novel to various beverages—not just booze, but a range of slurpees, slushies, and sodas, including Mountain Dew. Finally, I wanted this cocktail to show some initiative as a grown-up drink, but not take itself too seriously.

In the presentation of this booktail, handmade clay teeth are featured alongside the bright, juicy fruit framing the flute. A marzipan tooth garnishes the glass.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz Mountain Dew
• 1.5 oz tequila blanco
• 1 oz lime juice 
• 2 tsp melon liqueur
• 4 slices cucumber
• 2 slices orange 
• 1 slice lime

INSTRUCTIONS
​In a shaker, muddle the lime, cucumber, and orange slices until juicy and pliant. Add ice, tequila, and lime juice. Agitate vigorously until the shaker turns frosty. Strain the liquid into a champagne flute and top with the Mountain Dew and melon liqueur. Garnish with a cucumber wheel, or a marzipan tooth.