Southern Spirits – Savannah Food and Wine Festival 2014

 

Photo Credit Savannah Food and Wine Festival.
Poster designed by SCAD graduate student Narges Jafari.

I must admit, when I heard about the “Savannah Food and Wine Festival” I expected some well known local Savannah restaurants and a whole lot of California wines- but I was pleasantly surprised. I think half of the Southern distilleries from here to Nashville were in Savannah, Georgia for this event!  I’m going to hit the highlights of the Southern spirit distilleries that were at the festival and throw in a few of my new favorite holiday concoctions. You might find your new Thanksgiving cocktail right here!

 

 

Photo Credit American Born Moonshine

American Born Moonshine

THE best sweet tea flavored – well anything- I’ve ever had! Excellent on the rocks but if you’ll mix up a jar of it with a bottle of Simply Lemonade, you’ve got one of the finest things I ever did taste and fit to serve a crowd at your next southern soiree. The original moonshine wasn’t bad either- smoother than expected.  Try this:

American Born Arnold POM-er (I made up the name- I’m so clever)
American Born Sweet Tea Dixie Moonshine
SIMPLY Lemonade
Splash of Pomegranate Juice
Garnish with Mint

 

Photo Credit Cathead Distillery

Cathead Distillery

I tried the Cathead Pumpkin Spice Vodka- a super smooth vodka made in Mississippi. (Note that Mississippi was the last state to repeal prohibition in 1966. Cathead is the first legal distillery in Mississippi since then. Emphasis on “legal” #wink)
Now, pay attention all of you #PSL lovers. The possibilities with this Cathead Pumpkin Spice Vodka (#PSV) are nearly endless. For the quintessential fall treat, try:

Cathead Warm Autumn Cider
4oz of Cathead Pumpkin Spice vodka
6oz of warmed apple cider.
Stir. Garnish with some cinnamon sticks and you’ve got yourself a very cozy Cathead Warm Autumn Cider.

Or for a cool pumpkin spice treat, try:

The Horseman
2 oz Cathead Pumpkin Spice
4 oz Spicy Ginger Ale
Pour over ice. Garnish with lemon twist.
OR try it with cream soda and a sage leaf. Mmm #PSV

Don’t forget Cathead also produces a fine Honeysuckle Vodka and a Pecan Vodka. Use your imagination to come up with some new libations or check out their recipe suggestions on their website here.

 

 

 

Photos and history courtesy of Fruitland Augusta

Fruitland Augusta- Georgia Peach Vodka and Georgia Peach Tea Vodka
Augusta was home to a famous nursery called Fruitland Nursery in the 1800s. The owner of the Fruitland, Prosper Berckmans planted millions of Georgia Peaches in his 50-year long career, making Georgia forever known as the Peach State. After his death, the property was purchased by the famous golfer, Bobby Jones and his partners to build what’s known today as the most famous golf course in the world, Augusta National. Middle Georgia folks will appreciate that Fruitland Augusta sources their peaches from a variety of farms around Georgia, Lane Southern Orchards, Carroll Farms, and Pearson Farms.  To learn more about Fruitland Augusta check out their website here.

I met Yuri Kato of Fruitland, who spent four years with her team developing the products. Kato developed the formula and then had it tested by chemists. “When we developed the flavor profile, I didn’t want anything but peaches to come through,” said Kato.

I was so impressed with this company. And the fun winter drink offerings.  I can’t wait to serve this next drink at my family’s Christmas Eve soiree.

The Georgia Peach Nutcracker
Fruitland Augusta Georgia Peach Tea Vodka
Amaretto
Half and Half
Nutmeg

You could also substitute Eggnog for the Half and half and Amaretto and you’ll have a “Georgia Egg Nog”.

Or sweeten up your next brunch with an Augusta Bellini or Fruitland Mimosa.

Augusta Bellini
Fruitland Augusta Georgia Peach Vodka
Sparkling Wine

Fruitland Mimosa
Fruitland Augusta Georgia Peach Vodka
Orange Juice

Photo Credit Pennington’s Whiskey

Pennington’s Strawberry Rye Whiskey

Peach not your thing?  Try Pennington’s Strawberry Rye Whiskey.  Pennington’s is a distillery out of Nashville and if you like the signature spicy finish of a rye whiskey, you’ll find this a real treat.  Mighty fine on the rocks but I’m excited to try making Strawberry Rye Whiskey Icecream!  Find the recipe here.

Think chocolate covered strawberry cocktails or a basil strawberry julep.  Find the recipes here.

 

 

 

Photo credit Copperwood Tavern

Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon Distillery

I’d recommend the Midnight Moon Apple Pie Moonshine on the rocks- or mixed with a little club soda. Perfect dessert substitute.  Or for just sipping on the back porch.  This is one spirit I always keep on hand.  And I love the cinnamon sticks, strawberry halves, cranberries, etc. floating around in each jar.  However, as wonderful as the Midnight Moon Apple Pie Moonshine is, in honor of Thanksgiving, let me commend to you the Cranberry Midnight Moon.  Great on the rocks with a few cranberries floating around as a colorful and festive garnish.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit Savannah Bourbon Company

Savannah Bourbon Company
That’s right! Savannah has its own Bourbon Company. They make an Original, the “Eighty Eight”, and a Sweet Tea Lemonade Bourbon.  I’m not sure the Sweet Tea Lemonade Bourbon really needs to be mixed with anything, but I love their suggestion for the Savannah Moon.

Savannah Moon
Sweet Tea Lemonade Bourbon shot
Your favorite wheat beer
Orange slice
Frozen mug or glass

 

 

 

Photo Credit SPEAKeasy Spirits

SPEAKeasy Spirits a.k.a. Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream
Whisper Creek® Tennessee Sipping Cream® is this downtown Nashville distillery’s flagship brand. If you’ve never tried a “Sipping Cream”, I insist you put that on your to do list this weekend. Real Tennessee whiskey and pure dairy cream is softened by the subtle flavors of real caramel, red apple, fig, pecan and all-natural secret ingredients. All you need is ice. It’s heaven.  The picture above should be making your mouth water -right- about —now.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit Virgil Kaine Distillery

Virgil Kaine Bourbon

Charleston, South Carolina has its own bourbon company too. This one is a ginger infused bourbon created by the legendary (or maybe mythical) Virgil Kaine, train conductor by day and bootlegger by night in the 1860’s.  The ginger is sourced from Spade and Clover Gardens in John’s Island, South Carolina.  Try substituting in the Virgil Kaine GInger Infused Bourbon into the classic Dark and Stormy, or try a Carolina Mule.

Carolina Mule
2 oz Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon
1 ox Limeade
Swepman’s Ginger Beer (made locally in SC)

 

 

I can only handle so many spirits in one weekend so we’ll have to leave some for next time.

I hope your holidays are boozy and bright and that you try at least one of these spirited concoctions!    Cheers, y’all!

– Rachel