I was delighted recently with an invitation to a virtual r(h)um tasting happy hour hosted by the fine rum specialists – Spiribam. Ben Jones, Managing Director and Kiowa Bryan, National Brand Director, introduced us to fine Caribbean rums from Martinique and Saint Lucia. Ben and Kiowa explained the differences between rum and rhum. Rhum is…
RÅVO Vodka ~ Blue Glacier Lemon Drop Martini
At the end of a hot, sweltering summer day there is nothing better than a cool, refreshing vodka cocktail. I was recently introduced to RÅVO vodka. The name is derived from the Swedish words for raw (rå) and Vodka. It is made from pure, all natural winter wheat. It is distilled five times for incredible…
Tomato Water Martini
Makes 4 – 6 cocktails. Tomato Water Martini Tomato Water: 18 ounces large grape tomatoes (reserve 6 tomatoes for garnish) 4 large fresh basil leaves 40 black pepper corns 1/2 teaspoon salt Place tomatoes in a blender. Blend until the tomatoes have a watery consistency. Place 3 layers of cheese cloth over a container and…
National Rosé Day – Celebrate June 13, 2020
Fossil Point Rosé. Named for the rugged headland with sweeping views of the Central California coastline, Fossil Point pays tribute to the bond between sea and vine. One of my new favorite rosé wines. Pretty pink-peach color in the glass. 97% Grenache, 3% Syrah. Strawberry and passionfruit with a touch of citrus flavors. Available locally at…
Get Your Grill On for Father’s Day
This post was originally published on the Behind the Page Blog, The Roanoker Magazine, June, 2020: theroanoker.com Father’s Day evokes many fond memories. Dad trying to relax on his lawn chair in the backyard with us kids bouncing all around him. Giving him what we thought was the perfect gift – a tie that was…
Cherry Lemonade Vodka Slushie
One of my all-time favorite beach cocktails! Makes 12 cocktails. Requires freezing the slushie overnight, so make the day ahead. Cherry Syrup: Makes 2/3 cup 20 fresh cherries, pitted and cut in half 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup water Place cherries, sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat and stir until sugar…
Mionetto IL Prosecco ~ Mango Bellini
I love bubbly cocktails and Prosecco adds the best bit of fizz to our favorite libations. I’ve been enjoying Mionetto Prosecco and recently discovered their IL Prosecco DOC. Perfect for concocting cocktails because it is crisp, dry and bubbly but doesn’t break the bank in the $10-$12 range. Available on-line or locally – Mr. Bill’s…
It Was The Best Of Times ~ Derby Day
For the past eleven years we had the “Best Derby Day Gala Ever” right here in the Star City of the South, Roanoke Virginia. Sadly, the Covid-19 caused the cancellation of the 2020 Derby Day Gala at Rockledge, but we still have lots of very happy memories. I had the honor of serving on our Derby…
Welcome To My Garden ~ Mionetto Prosecco Virtual Tasting ~
I was very excited to be asked to participate in the first ever Mionetto Prosecco Virtual Tasting with the CEO of Freixenet Mionetto USA, Enore Ceola. He greeted us by introducing Prosecco as “An everyday pleasure to reward yourself, without breaking the bank.” Please see end of this post for his bio. Mionetto Prosecco is a…
Ragged Branch Bourbon “Mobile” Tasting + Rising Sun Cocktail
During these times of #stayathome and social distancing, we are coming up with creative ways to enjoy cocktail hour and food/beverage tastings with friends. My friends at Ragged Branch Bourbon in Charlottesville, Virginia recently sent me samples of their lovely bourbons. I shared the bourbon with our friends, Mary Ellen and Bill who I consider…
