I'm happy to announce that I've partnered with a fellow western writer and friend to start a new Podcast series. Marshall Trimble and I will host a podcast every week where we have fun discussing all things about the American frontier. Check out the new page to learn more about the series and find a link to all the episodes.
Happy holidays! I'm happy to report that my newest book, Shaken in 2020, But Not Stirred was just released on Amazon. Shaken in 2020, But Not Stirred is a compilation of delicious cocktail recipes, funny moments and uplifting stories that were the outcome of one of the most tumultuous years in history. While 2020 seemed like an apocalyptic nightmare or something ripped out of a tabloid magazine – the spirit of survival was ever present as many managed to stay connected and find humor while mixing up cocktails and mocktails.
What a day! July 19 was National Daiquiri Day. I chose to make us a watermelon one. Watermelon Daiquiri 4 cups cubed watermelon ½ cup light rum or 2 ounces light rum ¼ cup fresh lime juice ¼ cup orange liqueur Combine watermelon, rum, lime juice, and orange liqueur in shaker and shake until chilled.
I came up short with the state's flower, fruit, etc. and opted for a refreshing summer Pandemic Porch Cocktail. On July 20 we sipped Lemony Elderflower 3 oz lemonade 3 oz white wine 1 oz ederflower syrup Lemon peel for garnish Combine and pour into a martini glass. Top with a lemon peel.
Really? July 21 was National Junk Food Day! Sorry, no junk food cocktail for this gal, and since it was steamy and hot again I made something refreshing. Our Pandemic Porch Cocktail was Citrus Covid Killer 2 oz gin 1/2 oz lime juice 1/2 lemon juice tonic water Slices of citrus fruit (lemon, lime, orange) In your drinking glass, add ice, gin, and juices. Stir well to combine. Add citrus slices to taste, top off the glass with tonic water.
There's not much you can do with National Hammock Day other that create a cocktail that's worthy of said hammock. So on July 22, I created this for us and we drank it as our Pandemic Porch Cocktail since we don't have a hammock! Black Raspberry Cooler 3 oz blackberry hard cider or seltzer 3 oz blackberry seltzer gooseberries for garnish Combine and pour into a glass and garnish with gooseberries or whatever you have on hand.
Okay, it was Vanilla Ice Cream Day on July 23, but with it being around 95 outside and 90% humidity we didn't want anything that heavy. So, I opted for this Pandemic Porch Cocktail and enjoyed it on the back porch due to afternoon storms--again. Piña Colada 2 oz rum 4 oz coconut water 3 oz pineapples juice Combine in a shaker with ice and serve in tall glasses.
For National Wine and Cheese day, which was July 25, we had wine, but I also created this tuna stuffed tomato from our garden. I served it with some brie cheese, fresh dill, and homemade sourdough crackers.
For National Scotch Day, which was July 27, I made us this pandemic porch cocktail. Orange You Going to be Glad When This is Over 2 oz Scotch 2 oz triple sec 1/2 cup orange tea splash of orange seltzer burnt orange peel Luxardo cherry Combine Scotch, triple sec, and tea in a shaker with ice. Strain into cocktail glasses fill with ice and top with seltzer. Garnish with orange peel and cherry.
My Pandemic Porch Cocktail for National Milk Chocolate, July 28, day was a sour for two. Chocolate Lavender Sour 2 oz whiskey 3/4 oz creme de cacao 1/2 oz lavender simple syrup 1/2 oz lemon juice lemon peel lavender sprig In a shaker, combine whiskey, syrup, liqueur, and lemon juice . Shake with ice for 30 to 60 more seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with lemon peel and lavender sprig. Lavender simple syrup: Heat 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lavender and heat until sugar dissolves. Allow to cool and steep. Strain and store extra in the fridge about 2 weeks.
