There’s nothing quite like the pairing of a good book and good cocktail. When bestselling author B.A. Shapiro provided the first part — a good book (a really good book) — with her brand new novel, The Collector’s Apprentice, full of art, history and mystery set in 1920s Paris, well, then, Nick Petrulakis of Brookline Booksmith provided the glorious drink.

Inspired by The Savoy Cocktail Book and, of course, The Collector’s Apprentice, Nick mixed up the classic Artist’s Special cocktail —  and dubbed it “The Joy of Life” in honor of Henri Matisse, who figures prominently in the book — for the launch party at his bookshop in Brookline, Mass. Here’s the recipe:

The Joy of Life (Artist’s Special)

• 1 oz. oloroso sherry
• 1 oz. blended scotch
• .5 oz. fresh lemon juice
• .5 oz. groseille (red currant) syrup*

Garnish with lemon peel

Combine all (except garnish) with ice.  Shake.  Strain into a coupe glass and garnish.

*For syrup: 

• 1 cup red currants. 
• .25 cups raspberries. 
• 1.25 cups sugar
• 1 cup boiling water.

Muddle red currants and raspberries.  Loosely cover and let stand overnight.  Boil water, add sugar and the muddled fruit to the water.  Turn off heat and stir well.  Finely strain into a bottle and add one tablespoon of Everclear.  May be refrigerated for about 3 weeks.

Cheers!