COCKTAIL: THE DAISY BUCHANAN

I dreamed up this drink while re-reading the Great Gatsby in anticipation for the release of the film adaptation by Baz Luhrmann (which I loved). It's a sparkling, flowery concoction that fits Daisy's bubbly, effervescent personality. St. Germaine is an elderflower liquer that comes in a beautiful gold and turquoise art deco bottle, something Daisy surely would have kept stocked in her bar cart. Gin & champagne were staples of 1920's drinking, although what wasn't a staple drink in that party decade? Enjoy this refreshment on a hot summer night and save some champagne for mimosas at brunch the next day - Cheers!

COCKTAIL: THE GATSBY

   

This cocktail was a creation of my husband, who graciously allowed me to publish it on this blog. The inspiration comes from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (obviously). At some point in the book, Gatsby is described drinking a glass of green chartreuse, a sweet but herbal liqueur. I was (somewhat foolishly) inspired by that line to try sipping green chatreuse neat, and in case any of you are curious, 'twas a bit too rich for my taste. Maybe it was equivalent to sipping neat whiskey for those decadent 1920's drinkers...who's to say? Those were different times. I think the below recipe makes excellent use of the distinct flavor of the liqueur without overwhelming the modern drinker. The sweetness of the chartreuse is cut by the gin, and the dry vermouth lightens up the complexity of the drink. The balance between the three makes it a refreshing but interesting cocktail, similar to a martini, but a little something different. 

SUMMERTIME READING LISTS

A few books on each of our reading lists this summer - clearly we're feeling different literature vibes at the moment ;) What are you reading?

We occasionally talk about recent reads on our personal blogs, feel free to follow us there!

danielle / sarah

COCKTAIL: THE VIOLET BEAUREGARDE

Thought we'd kick off the blog with a cocktail recipe! The beginnings of many great things are made even better with a cocktail in hand, no? I'll be sharing cocktails regularly & to start - a bubbly, summery concoction.

This cocktail was a product of farmer's market blackberries, a gift of dried lavender from Danielle, some leftover sparkling wine in the icebox, & a very hot North Carolina day. I named the drink after a character from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by my all-time favorite childhood author, Roald Dahl.  I must give credit to Daniel for his impeccable sense of proportion, which is what makes this drink so tasty. We pretty much made a French 75, but added some crème de violette and a fun garnish. The result was a sensory dream - a light lavender scent, subtle blackberry infusion, and crisp, light bubbles to refresh the heat-weary Southerner. Cheers!