Surprise, surprise! We’ve been out doin’ some cocktailin’ for TALKGreenville again. Read all about it!

Image from theNoseDive.com

The Main Street scene here in Greenville is hoppin’ these days.  The warmer weather is coaxing folks out and about, and the doors of some of our favorite establishments are thrown wide open – just begging passersby to come in and sit a spell.  Right at the heart of it all is Nose Dive with its “windows on the street” and a crafty little secret up above…the second floor bar, “Crafted”.

Image from theNoseDive.com

A little goes a long way…

While some folks behind a bar prefer to be called mixologists and try to get all fancy and fussy with ingredients, others go for minimalism and like to call themselves good ol’ bartenders.  Walker and his team fit into the latter category.  They have mastered the art and craft of libations with fresh simplicity.  As often as possible, their creations consist of just three ingredients and a garnish.  The results are stunning.

Image by Nathan Gray

Sneaky Pete…

One of the best things about the bartenders at Nose Dive is their complete dedication to their roles – these fellas dive right in!  Sneaky Pete is one of their artistic creations that meets you head-on, then lingers a bit with its spicy kick on the back end.  Careful, this one really will sneak up on ya.  Just sayin’.

Image by Nathan Gray

El Delicioso…

El Delicioso is muy delicioso! We were quite impressed with how the red pepper garnish creates its own special impact on the overall flavor of this concoction. The fresh, crisp scent is the first to hit the senses…then the tastebuds kick in with the balanced flavors of tequila, Sadlers (liken it to angostura bitters) and just a hint of elderflower syrup.  This is where you realize these guys know what they’re doing – no one flavor is going to overpower another on their watch.

Image by Nathan Gray

Rusty Nail Revamp
Everybody loves a comeback; and classic, old-school cocktails are getting a chance in the spotlight these days…with a modern twist here and there.  This particular oldie-but-goody is the perfect finish for a wonderful evening.  With an expertly balanced combination of Drambuie, Fernet-Branca and bourbon – this one just might be a trifecta of simplicity.  Off to the races!

image from theNoseDive.com

Nose Dive doesn’t only show its crafty side in its cocktails.  The craft concept is front and center in the kitchen as well.  So don’t miss out…even if you choose to retreat to the “grown up” area upstairs, you can always order from the inventive menu downstairs.  No need to venture anywhere but here.  As they say at Crafted, “just sit back, relax, and sip into something more comfortable.”

Crafted at Nose Dive . 116 S Main Street . Greenville

(864)373-7300 . thenosedive.com

Angi Einstein and Alex Ryan – www.therarebelle.com

We’ve been “drinkin’ on the job” again for TALKGreenville…this time with a spritz of hope for the Cancer Society of Greenville County’s Hope Ball…

It’s spring at last!  While temps might not always cooperate, we are at least getting a glimpse of the sunny, happy, HOPE-ful days ahead.  One of our favorite parts of this time of year is the chance to emerge from our hibernation and dress up in our finest for one of the most elegant evenings in Greenville…the bi-annual Hope Ball, benefitting the Cancer Society of Greenville County.  And, just as we have done before, we had a hand in creating a signature cocktail…the Spritz of Hope…for this special event.

Labor of Hope…

As with any elegant affair, the devil can be in the details.  Volunteers have been hard at work for months on sponsorships, décor, menus…and, our favorite…the bar!  The kind folks at Itz Spritz (with three delicious flavors) and Tito’s vodka have very generously stepped in to provide some “supplies” for the big event.  So, we thought it would be fun to use their wares to create a little somethin’ special. We belles just love to tinker around in the kitchen!

Hope in a flute…

Our first concoction starts with Itz Spritz Elderflower & Citrus and takes it to a new level. We eagerly infused a batch of Tito’s with fresh thyme and lemon and were quite smitten with the results. The thyme-infused vodka blends beautifully with the refreshing elderflower-citrus to create a lively spring-time cocktail with the perfect herb-floral balance. Itz Thyme to give this one a try!

Hope in a glass…
Our cup runneth over with this tasty, titillating cocktail. Once again, we got creative with our Tito’s and infused it with fresh cucumber. We doubled-up on the freshness by adding Itz Spritz Cucumber Lime Twist, then added a splash of ginger beer for a little extra pop of flavor. Crisp, cool and fizzy, this is the drink you want when you’re ready for a flavor frolic!

The winner…The Spritz of Hope

While we tend to be more about embellishing, we belles know when to let simplicity speak for itself.  Our final creation is the perfect example.  In this lil libation, we used Itz Spritz Golden Pear, then added a healthy pour of Tito’s, grapefruit juice, and a dash of grapefruit bitters.  We found the ideal recipe to keep one feeling fresh throughout the festivities!

You will have to attend to take a sip of this winner.  We HOPE to see you there!

And now…the details.  The Cancer Society of Greenville County (CSGC) is a local organization serving local cancer patients.  All funds raised stay right here, giving HOPE in the battle against this non-discriminating disease. The ball will be held on April 27th at the Poinsett Club.  Call the CSGC or visit their website for more information. Get those gowns and tuxedos ready!

The Cancer Society of Greenville County . 113 Mills Avenue . Greenville (864)232-8439 . cancersocietygc.org