What I Drink While Reading the Highland Guard Series (Coffee, Tea + Cozy Pairings)

Some books pull you in so quickly you don’t even realize you’ve devoured three chapters.
And then there are books you settle into — the kind you savor slowly, the kind that feel like slipping into a familiar chair.

The Highland Guard series by Monica McCarty is that kind of reading experience for me. These stories follow Robert the Bruce’s secret band of elite warriors during Scotland’s fight for independence — full of loyalty, danger, alliances, and quiet emotional moments that linger long after you close the book.

This Highland Guard reading routine has become one of my favorite ways to slow down – a quiet mix of coffee, a good book, and a few small comforts that makes the whole experience feel complete.

And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably reading them somewhere comfortable… blanket nearby, dogs underfoot, and something warm in your hands.

For me, that warm mug is part of the ritual.
It sets the tone.
It slows me down.

It makes the story feel richer. Here’s exactly what I drink while reading the Highland Guard series — and how I pair each book with the perfect cozy sip.

Disclaimer: Links in this post may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read our full Affiliate Disclaimer.

Why Coffee and Monica McCarty’s Highland Guard Books Just Work

There’s something grounding about holding a warm mug while stepping into a world of warriors, castles, fierce loyalty, and layered emotion. The ritual matters.

• the smell rising from the cup
• the first slow sip
• the quiet before the next chapter

Coffee creates atmosphere.

When I’m reading a Highland romance, I don’t want thin or bitter coffee.

I want depth. Warmth. Something steady enough to match the emotional weight of the story – the loyalty, danger, heartbreak, and courage.

It’s a small thing, but the right mug in your hands changes the whole experience.

If you enjoy cozy reading rituals like this, I share more of them – simple routines, book pairings, and everyday moments – in my newsletter.

My Go-To Coffee: Highlander Grogg

I’ll admit it – I’m a little particular about coffee.

I want something smooth, rich, and balanced. Something that feels intentional.

That’s how I ended up trying Highlander Grogg coffee – this is the one I keep coming back to.

Yes, the name made me smile the first time I saw it too.

It’s rich in flavor, slightly sweet, and bold without being harsh. The kind of coffee that works beautifully on slow mornings when I’m settling in with a book.

Some days I grind the whole beans and let them fill the kitchen while the coffee brews. Then I take my mug into the Florida room and settle into my chair with a chapter or two before the day gets busy.

Other mornings are quicker. On those days I’ll use instant packets. Just hot water and I’m ready.

Same ritual. Less fuss.

Both work – and that matters because real life doesn’t always hand you a slow morning.

• 👉 Highlander Grogg Coffee (the one I use)
• 👉Instant Coffee Packets (easy option for busy mornings)

Why I Recommend What I Actually Use

I don’t recommend products I don’t personally work into my life.

Highlander Grogg fits my mornings, my writing sessions, and my reading time. That’s why it shows up here.

I reach for Blackout Coffee when I want something bold but still smooth enough for long reading sessions. Their roasts have a clean finish and never taste burnt or bitter, which is why I keep coming back to them. If you like a stronger cup that still feels cozy, this is the one I recommend.

Pairing Coffee to the Mood of the Book

If you’re reading through the Highland Guard series, it’s actually fun to think about how the mood of each book pairs with a good cup of coffee. It’s how I came to try Blackout Coffee.

That’s just how mornings work around here.

Over time I’ve realized I’ve built a little ritual around reading these books. Nothing fancy. Just a
mug, a quiet corner, and a few minutes before the day really gets going.

It started simply enough — a cup of coffee and a chapter before work. But somewhere along the
way it became something I genuinely look forward to. A slow start to the day before everything
else picks up speed.

And for me, it’s not really about the caffeine.

It’s about the flavor, the warmth, the atmosphere. A good sip slows things down just enough that
you can really sink into the story.

If you’re deep into the Highland Guard series, here’s how I think about it:

• The Chief → bold, steady, grounding
• The Hawk→ darker edge, a little more intensity
• The Ranger → quiet, focused, consistent
• The Striker → warm and comforting fits perfectly

The coffee doesn’t need to compete with the story.

It just needs to sit beside it. You can find some of my favorite reads in My Cozy Book Nook for your next reading inspiration. You can start with The Chief, then follow with The Hawk and The Ranger. My personal favorite in the series is The Striker.

These stories made me feel even more connected to Scotland – especially after experiencing places like Edinburgh and the Highlands in person. If you’re planning a trip, or just dreaming about one, I’ve also shared how I planned my Scotland trip without overbooking every day.

The Tea Side: Adagio Teas

Some mornings I reach for tea instead. There’s something about reading a Highland romance with a warm cup of tea that just works. Especially on quieter mornings when I want something lighter than coffee.

Adagio Teas has become my favorite place to explore different blends. They have enough variety that it’s easy to match the mood of whatever I’m reading. Sometimes I brew a cup mid-morning when I’m shifting from writing to reading. Other times it’s what I reach for when I’ve picked up my crochet project and want something warn nearby without another cup of coffee.

If you crochet and read the way I do – usually with a book propped open somewhere and the yarn trying to slide off the couch – you probably understand exactly what I mean. A warm cup nearby makes the whole thing better.

It’s the same idea as the coffee.

So, it’s not really about the caffeine. It’s about the atmosphere, the warmth, and the little ritual of slowing down enough to enjoy it.

• 👉 View Adagio Teas

If you prefer tea, this blend is gentle, soothing, and perfect for unwinding with a good book. It has enough flavor to feel special without being overpowering.

Why This Little Ritual Matters

It seems like a small thing. After all, it’s just coffee or tea.

But I’ve found that the small things are often what make reading feel special again.

When you build a little atmosphere around it- a favorite mug, a quiet corner, a warm drink – reading stops being something squeezed i between everything else.

It becomes something you look forward to.

Something you protect.

Even if it’s only twenty minutes before the day gets busy.

Books, coffee, crochet projects nearby, something even a recipe idea floating around in my head – it all threads together. (A warm piece of shortbread while reading a Highland romance? Completely valid.)

Until that happens, a mug of something warm and a good book will do just fine here in Florida.

Crochet Works the Same Way

The same ritual works when I pick up my crochet project. There’s something about the rhythm of stitching that pairs perfectly with a warm mug nearby. I’m not reading the Highland Guard in those moments – but the same cozy atmosphere carries over.

Yarn in one hand, tea nearby, something quiet on in the background. It’s the same idea. Slow down enough to actually enjoy what you’re making.

Love pairing reading with a little stitching?

I design simple, cozy crochet patterns that are perfect for slow mornings with coffee or tea. You can browse them all in My Cozy Crochet Corner — patterns, printables, and easy projects to make your reading time even cozier.

A Cozy Reading Ritual of Your Own

If you enjoy historical romance, strong heroes, and layers of emotional stories, the Highland Guard series is worth settling into.

And if you like pairing a good book with a warm mug of something rich and comforting. Blackout Coffee and Adagio Teas have become one of my favorite ways to do exactly that.

So, brew something good, settle into your favorite chair, and open your book.

You’ve earned it.

If you try any of these pairing, I’d love to hear how it made your reading time-feel – you can tell me in the comments.

If You Want to Try My Reading Mug Pairings

If you’re building your own cozy reading routine and want to try the drinks, I’ve been enjoying
lately, here they are:

• ☕ Blackout Coffee – Highlander Grogg
• ☕ Blackout Coffee – Instant Coffee Packets
• ☕ Adagio Teas

It’s a small thing — but small rituals add up.

They make stories linger a little longer.

These aren’t “must‑haves,” but they make the moment feel special — and that’s what cozy reading is all about.

Closing Thoughts

The next time you open a Highland Guard novel, try pairing it with something warm and intentional – coffee, tea, whatever feels right for the moment.

Sometimes the smallest things change the way the story feels. A favorite mug. A quiet corner. A few minutes where the rest of the day hasn’t started yet.

For me, that’s usually coffee or tea in the Florida room while the dogs wander around the yard and next chapter waits. And somehow, that little ritual makes the Highland Guard story linger just a bit longer.

You might find the ritual becomes part of the story too.

Want more cozy reading rituals?

I share weekly notes about books I’m loving, simple routines, and the cozy little things that make everyday life feel softer. Join my cozy letter here and settle into the slow, warm side of reading.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Mary Ann, creator of My Tasteful Threads cozy lifestyle blog where I share cozy reads, meaningful travel ideas, handmade crafts, and simple everyday cooking. Most evenings you’ll find me with yarn in one hand, a cup of tea nearby, and a good book within reach.

Stitch • Stir • Explore • Read