Books & Literature

Book Review: Whiskey in a Teacup, by Reese Witherspoon

Award-winning American actress Reese Witherspoon offers a glimpse into her everyday life, driven by her Southern upbringing.

Reese Witherspoon’s Whiskey in a Teacup is a beautiful lifestyle, cookbook and easy guide to hosting. Award-winning American actress Reese Witherspoon offers a glimpse into her everyday life, driven by her Southern upbringing.

Whiskey in a Teacup is full of handy hints for the aspiring hostess, featuring stunning imagery, simple recipes and handy tricks. From how to hot roller one’s hair to how best to bake brie, her writing feels like a conversation with a good friend. It’s helpful, warm and intimate.

Witherspoon often refers to lessons learned from her refined grandmother, Dorothea. She offers a gentle reminder of the importance of a little effort and the value of good manners, without becoming condescending. From simply being prompt in your RSVP to changing out of your active wear to go shopping, “putting your face on,” or “not speaking ugly of someone not present”, Whiskey in a Teacup provides simple, wholesome wisdom that is easy to appreciate.

Further, Witherspoon touches very lightly upon the complex history of the South, referring to the role of Nashville in the civil rights movement as well as the suffragettes wearing red lipstick to march. Whilst Whiskey in a Teacup does acknowledge the civil rights movement, the book is purely a beautiful book which focusses on lighter topics ranging from monograms to Mint Juleps, with a chapter dedicated entirely to southern music icon Dolly Parton.

The way in which Whiskey in a Teacup interweaves anecdotes, recipes and guides paints a charming picture of the southern way of life. Recipes such as Brother John’s Ribs (BBQ ribs) and Dorothea’s Sun Tea (sweet tea) – although unsurprising – are simple and easy to follow. Aside from occasionally needing to google ‘Australian alternative’ to American items such as Cool Whip, the recipes appear straight forward and unlikely to break the bank.

This is a visually stunning book that should grace any bedside table. Filled with good-natured humour, fun guides to “Talkin’ Southern”, as well gentle but firm reminders of the importance of “Do-Gooding”, Reese Witherspoon’s Whiskey in a Teacup is bright, charming and enjoyable.

Review by Andrea Brunt

Rating out of 10: 8

Distributed by: Simon & Schuster Australia
Released: October 2018
RRP: $19.99 eBook, $45 hardcover

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