Isabelle Drake's Blog

Boat House Punch was created by cocktailier Julie Reiner from Clover Club and Flatiron Lounge of New York. This fizzy, citrus-packed concoction is pretty much summer in a punch bowl.

First up: lemon oleo saccharum. Sounds fancy, right? But it’s just muddled lemon peels and sugar. Its like they are having a sweet little spa day until they release the oils and turn into syrupy gold. Easy peasy lemon squeezy… literally.

Next, you’re pouring in dry gin (your sophisticated side), Aperol (bittersweet and bold), St-Germain (floral vibes), and a juicy trio of lemon, orange, and grapefruit. And just when you think it couldn’t get any dreamier, in comes the sparkling rosé for that flirty fizz that screams “celebration!”

This isn’t your average overly-sweet mystery punch that leaves you rethinking your life choices. Surprise! Boat House Punch is chic, flavorful, and fabulous. So whip up a batch, pop on a sundress, and let the good times (and compliments) flow.

INGREDIENTS

4 lemons, peeled1/2 cup superfine sugar1 liter dry gin750 mL Aperol12 ounces St-Germain12 ounces grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed12 ounces lemon juice, freshly squeezed12 ounces orange juice, freshly squeezed750 mL sparkling rosé

DIRECTIONS

Muddle the lemon peels (save lemons for juicing) with the sugar in a bowl until the sugar looks slightly moistened.

Cover and let sit for at least one hour, or overnight, so the sugar can absorb the lemon oils.

Add the gin, Aperol, St-Germain, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and orange juice to a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add the lemon-sugar mixture, and let sit for 15 minutes.

Remove the lemon peels, drop in a large ice block, and add the sparkling rosé.

GARNISHES

Orange wheels

“You don’t understand yet, do you? Let me explain. Youbelong to me now. Until I’m done with you, that is.”

Hayden ground his teeth, trying to crush the sensation inhis jaw, but couldn’t pull his gaze away from Mattie’s glistening, exposedbody. Tiny icicles clung to the tangles of her hair and flakes of snow dottedher thighs, bare above the edge of the tights.  

“The guy I work for thinks they’re a great tie-in to thezombie stuff—my piece, the comic convention and the opening of Zombie Rites.And all that stuff about zombies—”

“Roaming the streets?” she cut in, grinning as she droppedher hand to smack snow off her limp skirt. Once she got the clumps off, she ranher fingers across the hem, inching it up her bare thighs.

Hayden glanced at the apartment. Rachelle was not peeringout the window, watching for him. He shifted back. Hayden found himselfwatching the flicker of her stubby black fingernails as she inched up the hemof her skirt. He knew she wasn’t wearing panties. 

He took a sharp step forward, ready to shove her out of theway if necessary. She grabbed his arm and jerked him close enough for hernipples to brush against him.

“My girlfriend is waiting for me,” he said, pointing to thethird story of the brownstone.

Mattie tossed back her mass of hair, exposing a small blackdevice tucked into her ear. “I know. ‘Don’t make me wait.’ Isn’t that what shesaid?” A cruel smile tugged on the corner of her full mouth as she took in hisexpression. “You don’t understand yet, do you? Let me explain. You belong to menow. Until I’m done with you, that is.” She forced one of her legs between histhighs. “I’m liking you more and more, so we may be together a while.”

Hayden jerked his arms free and reached for her pale throat.The skin beneath his palms was wet, slick, smooth. And cold, lifeless.

“Go up there, do your girlfriend,” she said, then shoved himaway and moved toward the wall of the row house. She propped her booted foot onthe cornerstone and lifted herself. She slithered up; her hands clutching thefrost-covered bricks, then paused about ten feet from the ground. “And make ithot. Because I’ll be watching.” And with that, she crept up to the third-floorwindow and nestled under the eave.

(This excerpt edited for content. Text in the book ismore graphic.)

Servant of the Undead, Book 1

Having sex with an ice-covered, smudgy-eyed woman in tattered fishnets and a barely-there mini-skirt is Hayden Thomas’ first mistake. His second: thinking he’s in control of what happens next.
The city of Boston is hostage to Snowmaggeddon and rumors about zombies roaming the streets, looking for human flesh, drift among the citizens. Hayden Thomas, tabloid newspaper writer, is out to get something fresh about the phantastic creatures. At the Boston Public Library, he uncovers some dubious research suggesting that some zombie tribes use human sexual energy, not flesh, for sustenance. The next thing he knows, he’s tangled up with a brutal woman who is as merciless as she is demanding.
In a city frozen by fear, there is no escaping the punishing depravity of the tribe.

Get your copy of Book 1, ebook or paperback

Hello August!

July was a quiet month for me. I spent most of the timereading, finishing a story, working on a new series, and doing some academicresearch. Does that sound quiet? LOL. I mean quiet in the sense that I was atmy desk, on the porch reading and writing, or in the yard pulling weeds. I  wanted to have some time to take time, relax,and kick back before August hits and the academic year, the holidays, andeverything that comes with those events happens. Being busy is good; rest isgood too.

August will be a different story. I have a research tripplanned early in the month, middle of the month will be the start of theacademic year, toward the end of the month I have a trip and a writers' weekendis planned somewhere in there, too.

Here are a couple things I always want to do every summerbut have not yet done--long bike ride, outdoor concert, farmers' market, fleamarket, fish market... Just kidding about the fish market. Well, maybe not???

 Hit here for the August newsletter

Clara’s morning was a blur of mismatched socks, forgottenkeys, and a disastrous attempt at winged eyeliner. It was only 9 and she wasalready ready to call it a day. But then, she saw it—The Bloom Café, its cozysign promising "Breakfast, Brunch, Bliss."

A little bliss was exactly what she needed.

She slipped inside, the warm scent of freshly brewed coffeemingling with the subtle citrus of something sweeter. Clara found a cornertable, shoulders relaxing as she scanned the menu. Just as she did, her bestfriend Lily burst through the door, cheeks flushed. “Sorry, sorry—I missed thebus!”

Clara waved her over. “Perfect timing. I’ve just foundsomething to brighten our morning—The Breakfast Cocktail.”

A server appeared.

Clara lowered the menu. “Please! Tell me everything aboutthis cocktail.”

 “Ah, the BreakfastCocktail. We start with 1 1/2 ounces of gin, 1/2 an ounce of orange liqueur, 3/4ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the secret touch—a barspoon oforange marmalade. It’s all shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass.”

Clara’s eyebrows lifted.

Lily leaned in. “Two, please.”

Moments later, two glistening glasses arrived. Clara took asip, the flavors blossoming on her tongue, the citrus tang balanced by the warmsweetness of marmalade.

“Perfect.”

Lily clinked her glass against Clara’s. “Breakfast cocktailsmake everything better.”

They lingered, laughing about old memories, sharing storiesof missed trains and messy dates. An hour slipped by like a gentle breeze. Whenthey finally stood to leave, they promised each other more of these mornings.

Clara and Lily walked out of The Bloom Café, their chaotic mornings nothing but distant memories. Sometimes, a little sparkle in a glass was all it took to turn a day around.

Ready to make one?

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 ounces gin1/2 ounce orange liqueur (such as Combier)3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed1 barspoon orange marmalade

DIRECTIONS

Add the gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and marmalade into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass.

GARNISHES

lemon wheel or lemon peel

TIPS

Use Quality Gin: A smooth gin with subtle botanicals works best.

Balance Sweetness and Citrus: Adjust the lemon juice to your taste.

Orange Marmalade is Key: It provides sweetness and a hint of bitterness.

Shake Well: Properly mixing the marmalade ensures a silky texture.

Chill Your Glasses: Serve in a chilled glass for the best experience.

 hit here for June newsletter

Its recording season for me. I've been busy chatting with writers, scholars, and some other writing community folks. Something I like about interviewing writers, each has a new and unique story to tell. We all put words on paper (or the screen) but we each do it differently. 

I ask, what's the story behind the story, because I want to know what motivates people to write what they do. Sometimes poems turn into stories and scholarly research turns into a poem. Anything can happen.

You can find my podcast, Washington Square OnAir, done under my "real" name, on Spotify and all the other podcast places. 

It’s the first sunny Saturday in May. You’re most likely:
A. Hitting the local market in style—fresh produce and fresher fits
B. Jumping in the car for a no-plan road trip
C. Nesting on your balcony with a playlist, a drink, and a whole moodD. Redecorating your space with seasonal flair (yes, again)
Pick your May power color:
A. LavenderB. CoralC. Emerald greenD. Blush pink
Your go-to spring accessory is:
A. A vintage scarf or patterned bandanaB. Bold sunglasses that say “I’m the moment”C. A fresh mani, or at least hands moisturized to perfectionD. A canvas tote packed with books, snacks, and a whole personality
The ideal May playlist includes:
A. A little Taylor Swift, a little SZAB. Olivia Rodrigo, The 1975, and whatever’s giving dramaC. Fleetwood Mac meets Frank Ocean vibesD. Something called “Vibey Spring 2025” that you curated yourself
When someone says “May,” you immediately think of:
A. Flowers blooming and flings beginningB. Day trips and electric flirtsC. Slow mornings, golden hours, and reflective walksD. Graduation parties, emotional speeches, and fresh starts

 

Check your score below!

Mostly A’s – Bloom & Glow

You radiate soft energy, seasonal charm, and killer taste inbrunch spots. May is your peak aesthetic era, and you’re absolutely thriving init.

Mostly B’s – Spontaneous Star

You’re here for action, attraction, and a touch of chaos(the fun kind). May is your cue to say yes more, plan less, and let the goodvibes roll. 

Mostly C’s – Moody Muse

You’re all about the slow burn. May brings youintrospection, long playlists, and dreamy nights that turn into stories. Softbut deep.

Mostly D’s – Visionary Vibes Curator

You’ve got your eye on the future and your heart in the now.May is when you plot the summer ahead, fine-tune your space, and live your bestorganized life—with serious flair.

It’s the first sunny Saturday in May. You’re most likely:
A. Hitting the local market in style—fresh produce and fresher fits
B. Jumping in the car for a no-plan road trip
C. Nesting on your balcony with a playlist, a drink, and a whole moodD. Redecorating your space with seasonal flair (yes, again)
Pick your May power color:
A. LavenderB. CoralC. Emerald greenD. Blush pink
Your go-to spring accessory is:
A. A vintage scarf or patterned bandanaB. Bold sunglasses that say “I’m the moment”C. A fresh mani, or at least hands moisturized to perfectionD. A canvas tote packed with books, snacks, and a whole personality
The ideal May playlist includes:
A. A little Taylor Swift, a little SZAB. Olivia Rodrigo, The 1975, and whatever’s giving dramaC. Fleetwood Mac meets Frank Ocean vibesD. Something called “Vibey Spring 2025” that you curated yourself
When someone says “May,” you immediately think of:
A. Flowers blooming and flings beginningB. Day trips and electric flirtsC. Slow mornings, golden hours, and reflective walksD. Graduation parties, emotional speeches, and fresh starts

 

Check your score below!

Mostly A’s – Bloom & Glow

You radiate soft energy, seasonal charm, and killer taste inbrunch spots. May is your peak aesthetic era, and you’re absolutely thriving init.

Mostly B’s – Spontaneous Star

You’re here for action, attraction, and a touch of chaos(the fun kind). May is your cue to say yes more, plan less, and let the goodvibes roll. 

Mostly C’s – Moody Muse

You’re all about the slow burn. May brings youintrospection, long playlists, and dreamy nights that turn into stories. Softbut deep.

Mostly D’s – Visionary Vibes Curator

You’ve got your eye on the future and your heart in the now.May is when you plot the summer ahead, fine-tune your space, and live your bestorganized life—with serious flair.

My book of the month, Rock and Roll Fantasy, was fun to write because, as thetitle indicates, its a fantasy. I had a good time creating one girl's daydreamas she imagined what could happen if she accidently got on the wrong boat andtwo rock stars--one she just happened to have a long time crush on--alsohappened to be on the boat.

More about the book in my May newsletter:

Hit here for the May newsletter

Dark author humor of that particular breaking point right before you switch it up.