Fall Libations: Applejack

A year or two ago, Todd and I hosted a little party to celebrate our favorite season: fall. We decorated with pumpkins, built a fire in the backyard, and I made a seasonal punch that was gone within the first hour. I haven't been able to track down the recipe since then, but I remember it blended bourbon, apple cider (regular and sparkling), and Laird's Applejack.

That was my first exposure to Applejack, but I soon learned that the spirit holds a special place in American history. Back in the 1820s, evangelist John Chapman, a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed, distributed apple seeds to his followers and taught them how to make Applejack. You can read more about the history here.

As for what you can make with it, you could swap it with whiskey in most recipes to give them an autumnal flair. I'll be mixing up these drinks, too:

The Jack Rose

The Applecar

The Un-Pink Lady

Lots more recipes here!

blueberry french 75.

When Alaina asked me to write a guest post for her blog So Alaina, I didn't hesitate. Her blog is one of my favorites in Boston, and even though we haven't met in person, I already feel like we're friends because we have so much in common. She asked me to create a cocktail for the post, so I took the opportunity to mix up a blueberry French 75. Two of them, in fact. And then I drank both, because, well, Todd doesn't like gin. And we wouldn't want to waste a good cocktail, would we?

Check out the full post here. Thanks again, Alaina!

soda jerk.

I'm working on a round-up of summer books about drinking, and one of the books I'm featuring is True Brews by The Kitchn's Emma Christensen. It's a really useful guide to making everything from soda to cider to kombucha to wine, and it's got me excited to do some experimentation in the kitchen. I'm starting with soda because it seems surprisingly easy. And because a bourbon & ginger with homemade ginger ale sounds pretty darn tasty.

fiesta.

I've never been a big tequila drinker, but margaritas are a different story. This hot weather makes me crave them — and not the stuff made with pre-made mix. What's your favorite recipe?

Orange Lime Margarita from Cupcakes & Cashmere.

This one is super-simple from Readymade.

 Mmm pink grapefruit via A Cup of Mai.

How perfect are these for a party? (No recipe but cute free printables from Living Locurto.)

I'm a sucker for good packaging, and this Espolon is calling my name.

fall party.

I've been thinking about entertaining a lot this week in anticipation of our housewarming party. We should have our first truly fall-like weather of the season, and I can't wait to open the windows, light up some pumpkin candles, and cook up a big pot of chili. In addition to that, here are a few other recipes I plan to make:

This Harvest Moon Punch looks delicious and lethal — it has moonshine and Applejack in it. Plus regular and sparkling cider. Yes, you can buy moonshine in S.C.

This Artichoke and Cheese Tart looks yummy — and surprisingly easy to make.

S'More Brownies. 'Nuff said.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Dip. Obviously I'm not going for healthy here.

cocktail tour.

I've been doing some very fun research over the last few weeks, sampling a few of the city's tastiest cocktails for a piece I wrote for Southern Flourish magazine. The issue came out today and it's packed with great articles about things like packing the perfect picnic, summer hair, and the home farming movement. Check it out!

sangria.

 

Anybody know a good sangria recipe? Or just a good summery drink that can be made in bulk? We're planning a little cookout for tomorrow and I want to offer something tasty to drink. This prosecco sangria from Martha looks pretty amazing.

I also want mason jars and cute straws ... where can I get them? 

P.S. I just discovered that Design Sponge is a great resource for cocktail recipes, like the blood orange mojito and "Magic Juice."

hour of happiness: o-ku.

I got hooked on O-ku at a media dinner shortly after the upscale sushi restaurant opened. I was given free reign to try whatever I wanted off of the menu, and I fell in love with a place that I might have otherwise written off as too expensive.

The inventive cocktails and incredible sushi are worth the price, but stop by between 5 and 7 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for half-price rolls, sake, and $3 off cocktails.

That's their famous habanero cocktail. They also have a super fresh basil gimlet that is the best thing I've had in long time.

hour of happiness: granville's

When we lived in Wagener Terrace, we were about a block from Granville's Cafe, so we were thrilled when they reopened after a long hiatus. Now it takes a bit longer to get there, but it's worth the (five-minute) drive. The breezy porch was perfect for happy hour on our first truly warm day of the year.

I lusted after a friend's gin and tonic (they make their own tonic) while I sipped a strong whiskey drink — I think it's time to switch to gin now that the warmer weather's on its way. Different ones at our table took advantage of the $5 plates, sampling the lobster and crab dip, cauliflower gratin, and French fries with parmesan and grain mustard aioli.

speakeasy.

via 1, 2, 3, 4.

Lately I've been thinking about building a home bar. Todd and I don't even drink that much at home, but I like the idea of being able to whip up something besides a Jack and Coke if we have friends over or a tough day at work.

Local bars like the Gin Joint and Husk have really inspired me with their speakeasy-style drink menus. I'd love to find a vintage brass cart to store it all, but might have to settle for a pretty tray that we can tuck away in our little cottage. 

I think I'll start with a few decent basics — bourbon, vodka, and gin — then throw in some funkier flavors like Cointreau, Chambord, and St. Germain. Any other suggestions? I'm all ears.

espresso yoself.

An espresso machine was one of our favorite wedding gifts, and it's the one appliance we couldn't bear to throw away after the fire, even though it spurts sooty water. I'm determined to fix it somehow. But until then we've found a lovely alternative.

We picked up a little old-school stovetop espresso maker a few weeks ago, and I absolutely love the ritual of grinding fresh coffee, packing it in, and listening to it magically percolate. We also got a little milk frother at Ikea for about three bucks, which helps make the perfect cup of cappucino.

party time.

We're throwing a little housewarming party this weekend. I'd love to serve the cocktail pictured above and pretty little canapes. Instead, we'll be having chili, beer, and two buck chuck. Maybe one day I'll be classy.

fizzy lifting.

Another thing I'm scheming. Via Project Wedding. Now, where to buy weird sodas?