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Tag Archives: bourbon

drinkin’ on the job…keepin’ it neat

14 Thursday Oct 2021

Posted by theRAREbelle in drinkin' on the job

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bourbon, cocktails, drinkin' on the job, greenvilleonline, GreenvilleSC, Neat Bourbon Bar, Talk Magazine, TALKGreenville

Our October TALK Greenville article is online and on stands…so read all about it!

With one of us being a big brown-liquor fan…and the other quickly becoming a convert…it will come as no surprise that this month’s cocktailin’ adventure might have us set to become repeat offenders! We sat down with Sam and Tommy at Neat Bourbon Bar one recent afternoon and let them woo us with their whiskey-focused, triple-crown-worthy creations.

Photo by Nathan Gray for TALK

Kentucky comes to Greenville…

If you’ve ever paid a visit to the distilleries along Kentucky’s “bourbon trail”, you will be transported back to those iconic rickhouses as soon as you descend the steps into this cozy, underground spot. Barrel heads from the likes of Woodford, Four Roses and Old Forester greet visitors as they step off of Main Street, perfectly setting the scene of things to come as they escape the buzz of the city. From the red leather upholstery to the music playing at exactly the right decibel, this is the perfect place to relax, sip and chill.

Photo by Nathan Gray for TALK

The New Fashioned…

A smoky cube of ice gets the nose in the game from the very beginning of this “new” experience! Muddled fruit, Woodford Reserve, and Angostura bitters come together to create this rich, full-bodied refresher. The pièce de résistance here is the smoking of the bourbon ice cube prior to shaking and pouring the delightfully simple ingredients on top! A true delight for the senses, the New Fashioned has us questioning our devotion to any “old” stand-by!

 

Photo by Nathan Gray for TALK

The Classic Sazerac…

The Absinthe in the classic Sazerac has a long, sordid history of having hallucinogenic and psychoactive properties; but the truth of the matter is…it won’t do a thing to harm you! It does, however, add an herbaceous, almost medicinal flavor and aroma, making this a great drink for slow, interesting sips and relaxed enjoyment.  Served in an ice cold glass awash with Absinthe and a good pour of Rye, the olfactory experience here is delightfully beyond compare.  Frankly, the perfect tipple in our humble opinion.

Photo by Nathan Gray for TALK

The Barreled Vieux Carre…

French for “old square” (as in neighborhood not person), the Vieux Carre is anything but “old” or “square”! This is actually a beautifully well-rounded, house-made concoction. Sip slowly again here, though.  It’s meant for savoring and settling into…not throwing back in one fell swoop.  The spice of the rye blends with the sweetness of the brandy and vermouth, creating a flavor that is full, complex and aromatic…a cocktail for all the senses!

Photo by Nathan Gray for TAK

The New York Cherry Sour…

For the newby who wants to fit in or gently ease into the whiskey game, a red wine floater turns this delightful beverage into a fruity, refreshing, familiar concoction.  Old Forester 100, Luxardo, lemon and sugar are topped with a Ben Marco Malbec float, creating a smooth, umami top with a citrusy, boozy zing on the bottom. This is an impressive drink with all the hallmarks of a classic…and what’s not to love about a classic?  

Photo by Nathan Gray for TALK

The bourbon is not the only star…

While one might tend to get all caught up in the booze at such a liquor-forward place, let’s not ignore the creations coming from the kitchen (and…word to the wise…having a little something on the tummy helps an awful lot in the long-run when it comes to such focused imbibing…just sayin’). Whether you decide to nibble on the bacon popcorn with a friend, get stingy with the jumbo pretzel, or go all in on the bourbon & bacon mac & cheese, don’t miss the opportunity to let the kitchen flex its muscles!

Open Tuesday through Friday from 4 – 11 and on Saturday from 1 – 11, this “neat” experience is ready and waiting for you!

Neat Bourbon Bar . 109 N Main Street . Greenville . (864)609-4019 . neatbourbonbar.com

Angi Einstein & Alex Ryan for TALK

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drinkin’ on the job…getting patriotic

29 Monday Jun 2020

Posted by theRAREbelle in drinkin' on the job

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bourbon, celebrations, cocktails, Fourth of July, Jell-O shots, Talk Magazine, TALKGreenville

Check out the latest installment of our cocktailin’ adventures for TALK Greenville – this time at a socially safe distance from others in our own backyards..

Time to get creative, folks! This year’s 4th of July celebrations will likely be a bit different from years past. That blasted covid bug has thrown quite the wrench in even the best laid plans. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun. We might just have to create it ourselves! Well, we are here to make a few suggestions – especially in the area of refreshing beverages, wink wink. We searched, tested, tasted, and scored some of the best patriotic creations and are excited to share the fruits of our labor!

Lake Toxaway – July 2019

Fun Fourth Facts…

– In 1776, there were just 2.5 million people living in our new nation…that’s less than half of South Carolina’s current population (and that’s before 2020 census numbers)

– Around 150 million hot dogs are consumed on July 4th each year (those dogs can stretch from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles more than five times).  Joey Chestnut continues to do his part!

– Each year Americans light about 200 million pounds of fireworks – most of which are imported from China to the tune of around $250,000,000 (that’s a lot of Benjamins up in smoke)

No matter how large or small your crowd might be – or what’s on the menu – these boozy red, white & blue creations will be a sure hit!

Strawberry Ginger Smash

Strawberry Ginger Smash

One of us is all about her brown liquor – and the other is quickly becoming a convert – so this creative cocktail is right up our alley!  Strawberries are soaked in bourbon, grated ginger, chopped mint and a dash of amaretto until ready to serve (they will keep for a couple of days in the fridge).  At drinkin’ time, drop some soaked berries in the bottom of your glass, muddle a bit, add ice, a shot of bourbon, and finish it off with ginger beer.  Fruity, savory, and slightly sweet…this is one well-rounded concoction!

Blueberry Mint Fizz

Blueberry Mint Fizz

Gin, Bai Brasilia Blueberry drink, lime and mint come together in this slightly tart, light, refreshing stunner.  We just love a gin fizz, and this one – because of the no-sugar Bai – masquerades as a slightly more diet-friendly version.  Again, some of the work can be done ahead – one of our favorite entertaining tricks!  Combine equal parts gin, the Bai, and a squeeze of lime in a pitcher or jar, store in the fridge until ready.  When ready to drink, shake with ice and strain into glasses, topping each off with a dash of sparkling water.  Toss in some frozen blueberries to pretty it up (and keep it cool).  Perfection!

Revolutionary Jello Shots

Revolutionary Jello Shots

This just might be the pièce de résistance, folks! Not only are these shots super cool to look at, they are just plain boozy fun! Made with vodka-spiked blueberry jello and congealed cream (again, vodka-spiked), these berries are unbelievably irresistible – and quite potent, we might add. Be sure to keep an eye on the little ones. While it might look like a kid-friendly treat, it’s most definitely for grown-ups only! (Get the recipe at tablespoon.com)

Challenge accepted, dear Covid. There just ain’t no stopping us! In this time of corona-fueled uncertainty, we have continued on our constant quest for thirst-quenching delights! We are always more than happy to create or taste new cocktails, after all. Now we challenge y’all to use your imagination and treat those tastebuds to something new. And come time venture out full-force, imbibe vigorously (yet responsibly) to support our local barkeeps.

Have a happy, safe holiday, belles!! 😘🇺🇸🇺🇸

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what’s ringin our belle…round 24

30 Wednesday Sep 2015

Posted by theRAREbelle in Uncategorized

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boo radley, bourbon, food 52, girls guide to fanasy football, my domaine, steak

We are in the thick of football season…here’s a Fantasy football guide.

Belles believe in naps and break time…anytime…

Time to  stoke the fires belles….

Have you ever had a Boo Radley? We haven’t either, but we are willing to try it…

Just a few belle-ringers for ha

a&a

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drinkin’ on the job…a pourable passion 

04 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by theRAREbelle in bar belles

≈ 1 Comment

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bourbon, cocktails, fathers day, Six & Twenty Distillery, Talk Greenville, whiskey

Thought we’d share our latest Talk magazine article with you all…on stands or in your home now!!

  
whiskey with a love story…perfect for dear ol’ dad

We’ve been drinkin’ on the job again. This time, we did a bit less cocktailing and a bit more tossin’ it back…neat…feelin’ that “buttery burn” of a fine whiskey. Or two. Venturing over the county line in search of the perfect Father’s Day idea, we hit the jackpot (or barrel) at Six & Twenty Distillery. They offer tours to let us regular ol’ whiskey drinkers in on their secrets. We loved it. The dads in your lives will, too!

A Pourable Passion:

This tour gratifies our most important senses: Taste (obviously), knowledge (Farmer is a great storyteller and engaging guide), and people-watching (from the well-dressed couple, to the self-absorbed engineer testing his mettle against our distiller, the crowd was full-up with personality). Given the varied audience and Farmer’s laid-back, easy style, the length of the tour is flexible. Ours ended up being close to two hours. The passion for bourbon knows no time and in true southern spirit you are made to feel right at home. 

  
Old Money…

If you’re a bourbon lover you might be aware of a looming shortage. Thank goodness Six & Twenty is doing their part. Old Money (CHECK ARTICLE FOR DESCRIPTION) was developed using their Virgin wheat whiskey, a pure and clean base but with youthful attitude .  Turning the virgin Whiskey at into Old Money for a couple of reasons. Maintaining their profile by making their own bourbon and, well…not everyone marries for love….

  
Six & Twenty Five Grain…

This is a strong, solid, swarthy liquid. It takes your breath away as it hits your tongue and then captures your attention with its warmth and steady but inciting burn. A bourbon that is pure South Carolina, every grain is grown and purchased locally. From start to finish, a true southern gentleman…perfect for the dads in your life.

The love story…

 …it’s how these fellas came up with their name, “Six & Twenty”. Back before the Revolutionary War, Choctaw maiden, Issaqueena, was captured by the Cherokee. She overheard their plan to attack a trading post that housed her British lover. To warn him, she escaped and rode ninety-six miles, marking places by the number of miles she had ridden…Three & Twenty Creek, Six & Twenty Creek, and, finally, Ninety-Six, the town!  All ended well…and a distillery got a kick-ass name!

Now, we know our job is really about cocktails, but you gotta start somewhere right? We suggest taking dad, the father of your grandchildren, or the man who gave you yours on this adventure, treating him to his favorite bottle of hooch, and then (because dads deserve it), fixing him a nice drink, neat, on the rocks, or mixed he if must. After all, it’s all a labor of love.

Look ’em up & take dear ol’ dad for boozy tour!

a&a

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an adult ice cream treat…a boozie belle recipe for the dog days of summer

03 Thursday Jul 2014

Posted by theRAREbelle in belle-icious

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bourbon, crumble, Dessert, ice cream, peaches

Bourbon, honey, peaches, crumble…these are the words that will bring fond memories (or maybe some foggy ones) to any southern belle. Now throw a lil’ buttah in there, and we are ready to bring it all to the present and put it on a plate!!

This recipe has such a great combination of salty, sweet, creamy, fruity and crunchy. Perfect for a decadent dessert, and afternoon snack…or, heck, a breakfast of champions!

We found this decadent delight while trolling Pinterest and the internet. We happened upon a scrumptious blog called climbinggriermountain.

Drool-worthy recipes seem to be a specialty on this blog and this one is proof of that.

20140625-182344-66224904.jpg
Via Pinterest

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Hope you enjoy this this southern summer cooler!!

a&a

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off to the races with bourbon salted caramel

29 Tuesday Apr 2014

Posted by theRAREbelle in belle-icious

≈ 2 Comments

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bourbon, caramel, salt

Talk about winning the trifecta!! Bourbon, sea salt and caramel! In preparation for the Kentucky Derby this weekend, we thought we would share this winning recipe…a true triple crown winner courtesy of shutterbean and Bon Appetit magazine.

We were perusing the magazine and came across these caramels and just knew we had to make them! Especially since one of our manly belles was having a birthday and he is quite partial to bourbon. A perfect addition to the birthday menu! shutterbean gave it rave reviews and some great tips. Of course, our favorite tip was the addition of extra bourbon.

We plan on making these again soon….sooner if we can…and since the Derby is all about bourbon…well with a little horse racing thrown in for good measure…let’s just say it’s an opportune time to have your way with bourbon in the kitchen.

We made this twice and the second time was better because we decided to add that extra touch of bourbon (you couldn’t taste it the first time…what a waste!!)

So off to the races:

Nonstick vegetable spray

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup (1stick) unsalted butter ( we used salted and it was fine)
3 Tbsp. Bourbon
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Flaky sea salt ( such as Maldon )

You will also need a candy thermometer

Lightly coat an 8×8 baking pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper,leaving a 2″ overhang on 2 sides. Spray parchment!!!

Bring sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water to boil in a medium saucepan over medium- high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Cook swirling pan occasionally ,until mixture turns a deep amber color, 8-10 minutes.

Remove pan from heat, and whisk in sweetened condensed milk and butter( mixture will bubble vigorously) until smooth. Fit pan with thermometer and return to medium- low heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until thermometer registers 240 degrees . Remove from heat and whisk in bourbon and kosher salt. Pour into prepared pan..let cool. Sprinkle with sea salt.

.

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Cut into 3/4 inch pieces.

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Wrap individually in parchment pieces. We tried but ours didn’t last that long!!

20140424-130731.jpg

Everybody will be betting on you!!

a&a

34.830082
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