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!
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
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
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
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!! 😘🇺🇸🇺🇸
