Southerners have always appreciated a good julep or rum punch. They know how to have fun with cocktails, mocktails and tasty little nibbles. Now there's a new book to give everyone that Southern experience - a good mixed drink with a small plate of delicious food.
Cocktails, Southern Style.(Gibbs Smith Press 2025 was written by chef and food columnist for South Carolina Living Magazine Belinda Smith -Sullivan, She had her first introduction to fine cocktails with her grandfather hosting "porch parties" where neighbors would come over for mixed drinks and cheese and crackers. His granddaughter fondly remember his version of a Shirley Temple, made with Sprite. What I like about this book is that it is a very good guide on how to create simple syrups along with such techniques as shaking and muddling.Another plus is that drinks types are explained. Reading it , home bartenders can learn what a fart (!!!!)) is - a shot made up of three drinks a. shandies -a beer and soda or lemonade hybrid sprtizes and smashes . There is also a chapter on true Southern drinks. These include Southern Gentleman, a heady mixture of bourbon, prosecco and blsckberries. Mint gives it a refreshing lift. even though Pi,,'s Cup is a British favorite it';s also a great sip on a steamy veranda. This is just Pimm's,a fruity gim , used in other cocktails as well, mixed with Seven Up and lemonade.
There are cocktails and punches for all sorts of parties.The Aviation, a delicate lavender tinged drink is a perfect one with brunch. Its' color comes from creme de Violette which taste like those violet. candies we used to eat. The section on martinis is amazing. Ms. Smith -Sullivan includes every kind from peppermint to a pickletini made with pickle juice and vodka and garnished with cornichin,s those little sweet pickles and olives.Punces are also mentioned . Brandy milk punch would be perfect for any dinner party, with it's old fashioned ingredients of milk , vanilla and nutmeg. Brandy or Bourbon can be used to give it some kick. There are also mocktails such as the famed cherry lime Rickey, made with a blend of cherry and lime juice a , splash of simple syrup and club soda. These are perfect just with dinner or at a barbecue.I'm am going to be putting Ms. Smith-Sullivan's sparkling blueberry lemonade in rotation at my Spring and Summer parties along with her pine apple and ginger beer mocktail recipe. The nibbles to go with any of these drinks are perfect.The pimento cheese - A Southern staple and tomato sliders would be great with any refreshing sip, There is also a crab and artichoke dip along with the lush caviar deviled quail eggs, perfect with just a glass of champagne.
Every home bartender should buy a copy of Cocktails Southern Style. It does not only offer great recipes but also great advice when it comes to cocktails and mocktails. Even the most novice mixologist can create sophisticated, delicious drinks with these amazing recipes.