Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Drinking with the Saints summary
Michael P. Foley
Brief summary
Drinking with the Saints by Michael P. Foley is a delightful guide that pairs cocktail recipes with the feast days of the liturgical calendar. It offers a unique way to celebrate and learn about the lives of the saints.
Topics
Table of Contents
Drinking with the Saints
Summary of key ideas
Drinking and Spirituality
In Drinking with the Saints by Michael P. Foley, we are taken on a journey that combines two seemingly incompatible subjects: drinking and spirituality. The author introduces us to the concept of the liturgical year, which is the annual cycle of religious feasts and seasons observed in the Roman Catholic Church. He then proceeds to show us how to pair each of these feasts and seasons with an appropriate drink, be it wine, beer, or a cocktail.
For example, he suggests a glass of wine to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a toast of beer for the Feast of St. Brigid of Ireland, or a cocktail for the Feast of St. James the Greater. Foley's approach is light-hearted, and he emphasizes the joy and conviviality inherent in these religious celebrations, thus making the connection between spirituality and alcohol seem natural and even enjoyable.
Drinking with the Saints
The bulk of Drinking with the Saints is a delightful and informative encyclopedic guide to the saints, each accompanied by a recommended drink. The author provides us with a brief biography of each saint, including their feast day and a list of appropriate drinks to enjoy in their honor. This section is not only entertaining but also educational, as we learn about the lives and contributions of a wide array of saints, from the well-known to the obscure.
For example, we learn that St. Dominic, the patron saint of astronomers, has his feast day on August 8th, and is associated with the Dominican habit of mixing water with wine. St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of students, is honored with a beer on his feast day of January 28th, due to his reputed love for the brew. These fascinating tidbits help us to appreciate the saints in a new light and understand their relevance in the modern world.
Recipes and Rituals
As we journey through the liturgical year, Foley provides us with a collection of recipes for cocktails and drinks, each associated with a particular feast or season. He offers instructions for concoctions like the St. Dominic's Wine, the St. Brigid's Ale, and the St. James the Greater Cocktail. These recipes are not only delicious but also steeped in history and symbolism, adding an extra layer of meaning to the act of drinking.
Furthermore, the author discusses the ritual of toasting, a time-honored tradition that is deeply ingrained in many cultures. He provides us with guidelines on how to give a good toast, emphasizing the importance of sincerity, humor, and brevity. According to Foley, a well-crafted toast can elevate any drinking occasion into a memorable and meaningful experience.
The Sobering Side of Drinking
In the final section of Drinking with the Saints, Foley addresses the sobering side of drinking, acknowledging that alcohol abuse has been a significant issue throughout history. He emphasizes the importance of drinking responsibly and in moderation, and he encourages us to approach alcohol with a sense of reverence and appreciation, just as we would approach any other gift from God.
In conclusion, Drinking with the Saints is a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between spirituality and alcohol. It encourages us to savor life's moments by celebrating with a drink, while also reminding us to do so with mindfulness and respect. In doing so, Foley offers us a refreshing perspective that is both enlightening and enjoyable.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Drinking with the Saints about?
Drinking with the Saints by Michael P. Foley is a unique and entertaining book that combines the art of mixology with the wisdom and stories of the saints. Each day of the year is paired with a cocktail recipe inspired by a particular saint, along with fascinating anecdotes and reflections. It offers a fun and creative way to learn about the lives of the saints while enjoying a delicious drink.
Drinking with the Saints Review
Drinking with the Saints (2015) explores the history behind various beverages and their connection to saints and feast days. Here's what sets this book apart:
- It blends spirituality with indulgence, offering a unique perspective on faith and celebration.
- The book provides fascinating insights into the rich traditions of different cultures and religions, making it both educational and entertaining.
- With its engaging storytelling and quirky anecdotes, the book ensures that learning about the saints through beverages is anything but dull.
Who should read Drinking with the Saints?
Individuals who are interested in exploring the intersection of faith and social drinking
People who enjoy learning about saints and their stories in a light-hearted and entertaining way
Readers who appreciate creative and unique approaches to spiritual practices
Categories with Drinking with the Saints
Book summaries like Drinking with the Saints
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Drinking with the Saints FAQs
What is the main message of Drinking with the Saints?
The main message of Drinking with the Saints is to explore the intersection of faith, drinks, and celebration.
How long does it take to read Drinking with the Saints?
Reading Drinking with the Saints may require a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Drinking with the Saints a good book? Is it worth reading?
This book is worth reading for its unique take on blending religious traditions with festive drinking practices.
Who is the author of Drinking with the Saints?
The author of Drinking with the Saints is Michael P. Foley.
What to read after Drinking with the Saints?
If you're wondering what to read next after Drinking with the Saints, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz