Tag Archives: Cocktails

Southern Comforts Culinary Crawl: A Cultural Dinner Event

Friday, May 9 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
May River Manor 155 Old Miller Road Bluffton, SC 29910

Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure at May River Manor’s Southern Comforts Culinary Crawl on Friday, May 9th, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This unique culinary crawl will take you on a flavorful journey through the stunning spaces of our property, with each stop offering a new course of Southern-inspired delicacies paired with delicious drinks.

As you explore May River Manor, you’ll enjoy each carefully curated dish that showcases the rich flavors of the South, from savory classics to sweet treats. Along the way, sip on expertly paired beverages as you make your way through different areas of the property, immersing yourself in the charm and warmth of Southern hospitality.

For more information click here

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Book Review: Cocktails Southern Style

Smith-Sullivan, Belinda (2025). Cocktails: Southern Style. Utah: Gibb-Smith.

“Some drink to forget, I drink to remember. I drink in order to understand what I mean and to discover what I know.” Peter Ackroyd, The Last Testament of Oscar Wilde
“A cocktail should make you feel better, not worse.” – Unknown

“Cocktails: the elixir of good times and great memories.” – Unknown

Humans imbibe alcohol for countless reasons. But Cocktails: Southern Style isn’t just about alcohol. It’s a collection of poems and possibilities, framed as cocktail recipes. Smith-Sullivan reflects on her family’s tradition of “cocktail hour” — a ritual that signaled the end of the day and brought everyone together. Though I’d never considered myself a mixologist for merely stirring whiskey and ginger beer, reading this book made me realize I was only a few steps away from elevating my “mixed drink” skills to something closer to cocktail artistry.

I enjoyed imagining myself crafting my own syrups to add that perfect touch of sweetness to drinks. While I’ve never been a big fan of the fake-tasting syrup-heavy cocktails, I appreciated the author’s suggestions for using homemade versions and using them beyond mixed drinks. The emphasis on balance and flavor is mirrored in the photographs of the cocktails — presenting elements I don’t often see in everyday bar drinks, like delicate layers and thoughtful garnishes.

The book offers its recipes without judgment, only inspiration. It’s straightforward, unpretentious tone provides confidence even to the most novice mixers. Eager to dive in, I looked for a recipe that matched what I had on hand. I settled on the Berry Slush — a delightful blend of wine (I used red), frozen berries, honey, and mint leaves (I had to make a quick trip to the store for those). I was pleasantly surprised by how filling and refreshing the cocktail felt.
My children enjoy experimenting with cooking and mixing drinks, so I was glad to find the chapter dedicated to mocktails. We had everything we needed to try the Pineapple Ginger Beer. It was delicious on its own, but I couldn’t resist adding a splash of whiskey to mine.
I’m grateful for this book of creative recipes — perfect for entertaining or simply amusing myself with new concoctions. You can also find some recipes for popular southern bites and nibbles in the back of the book to pair with your tasty drink. Cheers!

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Tacos and Margaritas Bar Crawl

Saturday, May 3 from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Bubba Garcia’s on Bay

Everyone’s favorite combo: Tacos and Margs are combined in this massive event! Check-in at Bubba Garcia’s on Bay, start feasting at our Taco Station to get a good base and then start your margarita journey where each bar will have their own take on a margarita for you to enjoy!

TACO STATION

When you check-in to this event at the newest Mexican restaurant in downtown Savannah, Bubba Garcia’s on Bay, we will be providing a buffet of tacos for your enjoyment from 4pm-8pm. Each ticket includes 1 FREE Carnita Taco and more can be purchased via add on or on-location for only $4.

DRINK SPECIALS

$4 Michelob Ultra 16oz Can
$5 Estrella Jalisco Draft
$5 Monday Night Brewery Taco Tuesday Can
$6 Nutrul Lime
$6 Cutwater Reposado Margarita
**Drinking is 100% optional! Although this is a “bar crawl”, that doesn’t mean you are required to drink to participate. You do not have to purchase drinks at any bar in order to participate, get your scorecard stamped and earn your “Bar Crawl” t-shirt. We love and welcome Designated Drivers to join us. If you do choose to drink, please drink responsibly.

PARTICIPATING BARS

Bubba Garcia’s on Bay (Registration & Taco Station)
Bay Street Blues
Stafford’s Public House
Pour Larry’s
Octane
Barrelhouse South
Eclipse
Tree House
Escape Room Hideaway Lounge
Rogue Water
Orale Tacos & Tequila (After Party & Taco Specials)

IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION

  • WHEN: Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
  • START: Packet pickup will be at Bubba Garcia’s on Bay between 4pm-8pm the day of the event. Please bring your 21+ ID.
  • END: Pick up your T-shirts at Orale Tacos anytime between 6pm-10pm.

PRICE:

$14.99 until March 7th
$19.99 until March 21st
$24.99 until April 4th
$29.99 until April 18th
$39.99 Day of Event May 3rd, 2025

HOW DOES A BAR CRAWL WORK?

Participants crawl at their own pace instead of all together in one huge group. Once crawlers pickup their scorecards at the starting bar, they then travel to all the bars listed enjoying drink specials and getting their scorecard marked at each bar. After visiting all the bars on the list, crawlers join us at Orale Tacos to get your t-shirt!!

THE GOAL

Complete your scorecard by visiting each participating bars and be one of the first 100 crawlers to receive a t-shirt. As you enter the venue, the doorman or bartender will “mark” their respective bar’s section of your scorecard. You do not have to purchase a drink to have your scorecard marked.

FREE STUFF

On top of drink specials, all participants will receive a koozie, a bunch of swag from our sponsors (while supplies last), a scorecard/map to mark your progress, and free entry into all participating bars. Also, the first 100 participants to complete their scorecard will receive an official Savannah Bar Crawl Event t-shirt!

AFTER PARTY

After you have had your scorecard marked at all the bars, join us at Orale Tacos for the official after party. This is also where you will pick up your FREE/RESERVED t-shirts between 6PM-10PM. Remember, we are only giving away FREE shirts to the first 150 crawlers with a finished scorecard. Make sure to bring your score card as proof of participation.

FREE T-SHIRTS

We will be giving away FREE t-shirts (size S-XL) to the first 100 crawlers to join us at Orale Tacos with a completed scorecard. XXL and XXXL will need to be purchased to guarantee in your size.

Many of you want t-shirts, so for an extra $20 (S-XXXL) you may guarantee yourself a t-shirt, in your size, to be waiting for you at the After Party! You will find this option on the registration form.

T-SHIRT ORDERS ARE CUT OFF 1 WEEK PRIOR TO BAR CRAWL TO ENSURE ACCURATE ORDER COUNT. You will be able to purchase t-shirts at the after party for $25.

NOTE: You will only receive ONE t-shirt. This feature is to guarantee yourself a t-shirt when we run out and guarantee it will be in your size. Otherwise, you are more than welcome to try to be one of the first 100 crawlers and get a free t-shirt, size not guaranteed. START: Bubba Garcia’s on Bay between 4pm-8pm. Packet pickup will be at Bubba Garcia’s on bay between 4pm-8pm the day of the event. Please bring your 21+ ID.

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Orale Tacos & Tequila anytime between 6pm-10pm.
END: Pick up your T-shirts at Orale Tacos anytime between 6pm-10pm.

For more information click here

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Raise a Glass to Southern Hospitality

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COCKTAILS, SOUTHERN STYLE: Pours, Drinks, Sips, and Bites
By Belinda Smith-Sullivan
Gibbs Smith / March 2025
Hardcover / $21.99
ISBN: 9781423666059
For Media Inquiries, review copies and to schedule an interview, contact:
Trina Kaye – The Trina Kaye Organization
TrinaKaye@tkopr.com / 310-963-3964
Raise a Glass to Southern Hospitality – A New Cocktail Book Celebrates the Art of Mixing Drinks with a Southern Flair
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Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate with the ultimate guide to Southern-inspired cocktails and entertaining! COCKTAILS, SOUTHERN STYLE: Pours, Drinks, Sips, and Bites by renowned chef Belinda Smith-Sullivan, brings together approximately 90 recipes for classic cocktails, innovative flavor-profile drinks, and a bonus chapter packed with delectable nibbles to pair with your beverages. The book is a toast to the unmatched charm of Southern hospitality, where no drink is ever served without a perfectly paired treat.
COCKTAILS, SOUTHERN STYLE offers a wide variety of recipes to suit all tastes for any occasion. Whether hosting a lively celebration, enjoying a leisurely brunch, or relaxing on the porch with friends, COCKTAILS, SOUTHERN STYLE provide the perfect drink to elevate the moment. Categories include:
Celebration Cocktails: Perfect for toasts and festivities.
Brunch Favorites: Start your day with a Southern twist.
Afternoon Porch Sippers: Relax with refreshing classics.
            Five O’Clock Somewhere: Timeless drinks with modern updates.
            Spritzes, Smashes, and Farts: Vibrant and effervescent creations.
            Shandies and Beer Cocktails: Unique spins on familiar favorites.
            Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Fun, flavorful options for everyone.
Some of the drinks found in the book include:
  • Swamp Water
  • Tennessee Iced Tea
  • Southern Belle Martini
  • Ginger Shandy
  • Mississippi Bourbon Punch
In addition to delightful drinks, Smith-Sullivan includes recipes for infused vodkas, simple syrups, and an in-depth look at the structure of a cocktail, complete with techniques and equipment tips to elevate your bartending skills.
But no Southern soiree is complete without snacks! The bonus chapter features mouthwatering recipes for Mini Hot Browns, Pimento Cheese and Tomato Sliders, Sausage Roll Poppers, and Crab Hush Puppies—ensuring your guests have plenty of delicious bites to accompany their drinks.
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“This book isn’t just a collection of cocktail recipes; it’s a celebration of Southern culture and hospitality,” says Smith-Sullivan. “Every drink and dish are crafted to bring people together, spark joy, and create unforgettable moments.”
 BELINDA SMITH-SULLIVAN is a chef, food writer, spice blends entrepreneur, and a commercially rated pilot. She has a culinary arts degree from Johnson & Wales University and writes a monthly column for South Carolina Living magazine. She also is featured on South Carolina Living’s website with monthly how-to videos. Smith-Sullivan is an active member of the Southern Foodways Alliance, International Association of Culinary Professionals, American Culinary Federation, and Les Dames d’Escoffier. She lives in Winston-Salem, NC.
Try this delicious sip of Southern hospitality.
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CIDER SIDECAR
This recipe takes the traditional sidecar combination of cognac, Cointreau, and lemon and adds one of the South’s favorite nonalcoholic beverages to the mix. Apple cider just turned into a grown-up treat.
SERVES 1
2 ounces fresh apple cider
2 ounces cognac
1 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Lemon twists, for rimming and garnish
Granulated sugar, for rimming
Apple wheels (optional)
GLASS: champagne coupe
Pour the cider, cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice into a shaker, and top with ice.
Shake until very chilled. Rub the rim of the glass with a piece of lemon zest, then dip the rim of the glass into the sugar.
Strain the cocktail into the coupe and garnish with lemon twist and apple wheels (if using).
Recipe and photo may be reprinted with the following credit:
Recipe and photo reprinted with permission from Cocktails, Southern Style by Belinda Smith-Sullivan, Gibbs Smith March 2025
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Shaq’s Fun House

Friday, February 7 at 9:00 PM to Saturday, February 8 at 3:00 AM
Mardi Gras World, New Orleans

Shaq’s Fun House, a 21-and-older event, will take place Friday, Feb. 7, two days before the Super Bowl, at Mardi Gras World, adding to what O’Neal thinks will be an atmosphere matched only by New Orleans’ Carnival season.

The party begins at 9 p.m., and ticket prices start at $299.99. ($99 and $199 tickets were sold out by Friday morning.)

All tickets include access to a six-hour open bar, which will include a variety of products by corporate event sponsors: seltzers and beer by Anheuser-Busch; cocktails by Pepsi and Gran Coramino Tequila; and Shaq’s own brand of gummies — Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies.

For more information click here

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Vodka and Blue Agave Tequila – Dread River

Each and every bottle distilled at Dread River is the result of hard work, limitless passion and an unwavering commitment to serve hand-crafted spirits worthy of celebration. Hard work, passion and commitment. Dread River offers small-batch spirits centered around discovery, excellence and integrity.

Dread River Vodka is an inviting spirit, smooth enough to sip at room temperature. Unlike many vodkas that have been stripped of all flavor, this 100% wheat vodka bursts with citrus and floral notes, perfect for mixed drinks and martinis, but also just as good enjoyed alone. Dread River Vodka offers the nose a sweet, floral scent with a hint of citrus, and a smooth, clean finish with a lingering vanilla flavor on the pallet. ($25.99 per bottle)

Dread River Blue Agave Tequila — Like Mexican tequilas, but distilled in Birmingham, this “agave spirit” is mellow with subtle fruity, earthy, and herbal notes on the palate. ($34.99 per bottle)

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Port Finished Straight Rye Whiskey

Want to give the best? Don’t just go for the gold, reach for this three-time gold award-winning Port Finished Straight Rye Whiskey from Milam & Greene. To craft this whiskey, Milam & Greene brings Indiana Rye whiskey to Texas where the distillery batches it in their warehouse and finishes it in old Port Wine Casks. The Texan sun influences the rate and strength of flavor imparted into the whiskey. Some casks take longer than others. The Milam & Greene team tastes the whiskey finishing in the Port Wine Casks regularly until the optimal flavors are achieved. Casks are then batched together, tested regularly and proofed before bottling. Find a store near you, or purchase this Port Finished Straight Rye Whiskey ($51.99 per bottle) directly from Milam & Greene online at https://milamandgreenewhiskey.com/port-finished-rye/.

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Samuel Maverick Private Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Maverick Distilling of San Antonio, Texas has the perfect gift for anyone who loves bourbon: A bottle of Samuel Maverick Private Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey is just $75. Be sure to book a tour and tasting for two at the distillery (115 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78205) if you visit our city!

A 2022 John Barleycorn Awards Double Gold winner, Private Reserve is distilled in San Antonio in small batches using select Texas-grown corn, rye, and barley and aged on-site in the vaults below the distillery in the historic Lockwood National Bank building located steps from the Alamo. Just seven barrels of the four-year-old reserve bourbon were bottled for this small-batch limited release of Samuel Maverick Private Reserve. At 45% ABV, 90 proof each 750ml bottle ($75 each) comes beautifully packaged, complete with Samuel Maverick’s historic signature embossed on the glass. Look for this special product and other Maverick Distilling whiskey and spirit options in-stores as distributed by Republic National Distributing Company, or order online for shipping to 42 states across the USA via: https://maverickwhiskey.com.

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Triple Dog Irish Whiskey

Everyone loves Triple Dog Irish Whiskey, an easy-to-drink and outrageously-smooth true Irish whiskey without too much bite. Featuring a modern taste profile beautifully aged for a minimum of four years in French Oak casks, Triple Dog is different from all the stodgy, establishment whiskeys. Distilled in Northern Ireland in the town of Dundalk, County Louth, Triple Dog Irish Whiskey is a sublimely approachable whiskey with a sweet aroma and an amazing crème brulee finish. Triple Dog Irish Whiskey is a great gift for moms who like to imbibe and would appreciate something different in the form of an unexpected delight. At 40% ABV and 80 proof, this option is a great one to sip solo, as well as mix into craft cocktails. Shoppers can find Triple Dog Irish Whiskey ($39.99 per 750ml bottle) in-store as it is currently widely available on-shelves at spirit retailers in California and Texas. The whiskey is also available for online purchase via https://www.tripledogwhiskey.com/buy-online/ and shipping to 42 states across the nation (temporarily excluding Alaska, Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Utah).

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I’ll Drink to That! Broadway’s Legendary Stars, Classic Shows, and the Cocktails They Inspired

We’d like to propose a toast! Broadway has always raised a glass to celebrate itself, both on-stage and off. I’ll Drink to That! is a celebration of theatrical tradition, a souvenir of magic moments on stage, and a practical guide to make one-of-a-kind craft cocktail recipes inspired by the best of Broadway.

I’ll Drink to That! expertly mixes clever cocktails that pay homage to Broadway shows, such as the Rainbow High from Evita and the Bali Ha’i M’ai T’ai from South Pacific with authentic recipes for drinks that play supporting roles in beloved shows, like the infamous Vodka Stinger from Company, and shakes it up with a history of the cocktail on Broadway, detailed by one of the leading musical theater historians, Laurence Maslon.

Featured throughout are fantastic images, from vintage liquor ads featuring Broadway stars, to profiles of classic shows and the luminaries famed for their effervescence. The specialty cocktails get their own spotlight, photographed by the legendary Broadway photographer Joan Marcus at the iconic Sardi’s restaurant, home to hundreds of opening nights for the past 100 years.

With thirty unique drink recipes ranging from Mame’s Mint Julep to Beetlejuice’s the Dead Thing, and illustrated with a wide range of rare drawings, posters, and advertisements, as well as original glamorous photographs by Joan Marcus, I’ll Drink to That! is the perfect gift for anyone who loves the theater, enjoys an elegant bend of the elbow, and wants to be part of long and bubbly theatrical history.

I’ll Drink to That!

Broadway’s Legendary Stars, Classic Shows, and the Cocktails They Inspired

By Laurence Maslon, Photography by Joan Marcus

Weldon Owen | 7.5 x 0.47 x 9.5 in | 176 pages

Hardcover | $27.99

ISBN:978-1-68188-965-8 | May 23, 2023

About the Author

Laurence Maslon is an arts professor at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, as well as associate chair of the Graduate Acting Program. His most recent book is an updated companion volume to the PBS series Broadway: The American Musical. He is also the host and producer of the weekly radio series, Broadway to Main Street (winner of the 2019 ASCAP Foundation/Deems Taylor Award for Radio Broadcast) on the NPR station WLIW-FM. He edited the two-volume set American Musicals (1927-1969) for Library of America, as well as their Kaufman & Co., Broadway comedies by George S. Kaufman. Other books include the companion book to Come From Away, Broadway to Main Street: How Show Music Enchanted America (Oxford), The Sound of Music Companion, and the South Pacific Companion. He is the writer and co-producer of the PBS American Masters documentary, Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me, and wrote American Masters documentary Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds. He served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards from 2007 to 2010. He has written for the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker, Opera News, Stagebill, and American Theatre. Mr. Maslon, otherwise a nice guy, mixes a mean drink.

Joan Marcus is one of the preeminent theatrical photographers working in the US today. Over the past 25 years, she has photographed more than 500 shows on and off Broadway and regionally. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Joan graduated from George Washington University. In 2014 she received a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater.

About Weldon Owen International

Founded in 1984, Weldon Owen International is a high-quality, nonfiction book publisher specializing in producing innovative, richly illustrated lifestyle books in the categories of food and drink, sports and fitness, popular science, craft and design, and popular culture for the global market. Weldon Owen International illustrates great ideas and breaks down complex skills so anyone can learn them, while being entertained and inspired along the way. Weldon Owen is a division of Insight Editions. For more information and inspiration, visit, weldonowen.com.

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Fabrizia Spirits Establishes Lemon Grove in Italy

Fabrizia Spirits, the leading limoncello producer in the United States, announces the establishment of their own lemon grove in Italy.

“We are proud to announce that with the help of our lemon agricultural partner, Gruppo Villari, we have established our own lemon grove in Sicily! Considering our humble beginnings, peeling lemons in the garage of our parent’s home, this is a monumental achievement for the company. These lemons are grown in a perfect microclimate in south eastern Sicily near Europe’s largest active volcano, Mt. Etna. The rich volcanic soil and warm winds from the Mediterranean Sea produce the most fragrant lemons in the world. We now control the fruit from orchard to bottle, and can ensure the highest quality finished product” said Phil Mastroianni, Co-Owner and Co-Founder, Fabrizia Spirits.

The lemons are hand picked, cleaned, and shipped directly to Fabrizia’s facility in New Hampshire. Every lemon is inspected upon arrival, washed again, and peeled by their Italian manufactured lemon peeling machine, nicknamed Giuseppe. The Zest is then infused in pure alcohol, which produces the bright yellow color found in their Limoncello. The remainder of the lemon is juiced to form the foundation of their canned cocktails.

“The ability to source the finest fruit from Italy to produce our Limoncello freshly in the United States, without adding artificial coloring, flavors or preservatives, puts our company in a unique position to provide the USA market with an authentically prepared outstanding limoncello” said Nick Mastroianni, Co-Owner and Co-Founder, Fabrizia Spirits.

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The Legend of Johny Bootlegger

Johny Bootlegger is inspired by the Prohibition era of the 1920s – where many creative cocktails were invented in speakeasies. It’s a great choice when a very tasty, spirited beverage is desired. At 12% alcohol by volume, and ten great flavors to choose from, Johny Bootlegger lives up to the legend.
There are hundreds of stories about why Johny is a legend. And each one of them is 100% true blue, all-American, according-to-Hoyle fact. It all started during the 1920s, after Prohibition went into effect, when everyone from fancy fellas and debutante dames to boardwalk grifters and dimestore floozies were looking for a titillating tonic to get their kicks from. For months, towns across the country were as dry as your mother-in-law’s Thanksgiving turkey. Until one glorious night, in the city that never sleeps, people from all walks of life soon discovered the libations that would liberate them from sobriety and satiate their desires — and it was all thanks to Johny Bootlegger.

Johny was an ‘entrepreneur’ who was doing a stretch in Sing Sing for punching-out a police horse when he had the idea for creating private drinking clubs called ‘Speakeasies’ where people could go, socialize, meet dames, flirt with fellas and best of all, imbibe! Soon they were popping up everywhere. But they wouldn’t let you in unless someone vouched for you and you knew the secret knock — which Johny also invented. After being transferred to Alcatraz for bribing the guards at Sing Sing, he busted out using only a toenail clipper and a spool of twine and made his way back to East Coast to forge his alcohol-fueled empire.

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