Friends are over for a meal on this summer afternoon, and we start with cocktails on the front porch. I guess you could say I'm an old-fashioned girl - I like front porches and drinks served in Grandmother's cut glass tumblers.
It's a lucky thing I've planned ahead and have a jar of bourbon and fruit on its way to becoming Southern Succor. For six weeks, fresh peaches and lemon peel will soak in Kentucky bourbon, the infused mixture will then be strained and combined with simple syrup and aged for two more weeks. This ambrosia can be served in a myriad of ways - on its own, in cocktails, in grown-up ice cream desserts, or as a glaze for grilled meats.
Southern Succor
adapted from "American Home Cooking" by Cheryl & Bill Jamison
6 peaches, peeled and chopped into chunks
Zest and juice of one lemon
750 ml bourbon whiskey
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1. In a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, place peaches, lemon zest and juice. Cover with whiskey, seal jar and place in refrigerator to steep for up to six weeks.
2. After six weeks, open jar and strain out the fruit and zest. Press lightly to get all the good stuff out, but not so much as to push the fruit into the liquid. Discard the fruit. Pour the liquid back into the jar.
3. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil. When sugar dissolves, cool syrup to room temperature. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then cool to room temperature. Add the sugar syrup to the bourbon, return to the refrigerator and let age for another two weeks before using.
The peachy bourbon may be between steps 1 and 2, but is still delicious in an old-fashioned, the legendary first drink to be called a "cocktail." It's sweet and fruity, and just perfect for viewing the sunset from the front porch.
Joey's Old-Fashioned
Joey is a mixologist and philosopher and this is his version of an old-fashioned, with the exception of the lemon - he uses orange. Because he lives in the South, he'll sometimes finish the drink with tea instead of water.
In an old-fashioned glass (a short tumbler), place maraschino cherries, a wedge of lemon and a teaspoon of sugar. Muddle. Pour 2 ounces of peach whiskey, then a splash of water. Stir and garnish with lemon and cherry.
Text & images © 2010, Lucy Mercer.
Just a note on the top picture, found in my grandfather's photo albums. There are no identifying notes, but I love the picture, the way they're dressed - his long legs and 28-inch waist, the flip of her skirt and the way her head leans into him. The kicker, though, are the feet - I have a spectacular weakness for spectator shoes - and the way they're crossed in opposite directions. I think of the couple as Gatsby and Daisy, which is appropriate for this story, since Daisy Buchanan was from Kentucky, home of some fine bourbon whiskey.
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Comments
Rated.
Amanda: I think I’ve used up every peach in Georgia this summer - peach ice cream, peach pizza, peach whiskey. I need to head your way to pick up some of those good Chilton County peaches!
Lunchlady: DH just finished painting the porch, so it’s pretty again, and the weather is just perfect in the evenings.
Christine: Let me know if you give this a try!
Snarky: Sounds like you may have some stories to tell!
Bonnie: I’m so glad you love the shoes! It’s time for spectators to make a comeback.
Fusun: Sometimes pictures of strangers are more dear than pictures of family - this little picture is one of my favorite images ever. Thanks for reading!
Sheila: I wish I were a writer of fiction, then I could dream up a story. But Fitzgerald did it best, and they will always be Gatsby and Daisy to me.
Another Mom: You are being overly modest - your stories are always terrific. (I know the temptation to read other entries before submitting my own.)
Linda: I planned ahead & got morning light - it makes a lot of difference. Thanks!
CatholicGirl: Bless your heart, thank you.
Emma Peel: Six months of the year, the porch is my favorite part of the house.
Felicia: I know, the dress is very interesting. I wish she weren’t leaning forward, so I could figure out the detail on the dress. It looks like it would be swishy when she walked. I bet she turned a few heads at the party.
Grace: I have loved these pictures for years & it’s nice to have a way to share them with an appreciative audience. Thanks for reading!
Lisa: You need to drive across town to my house. The front porch is the perfect spot to sip a drink, watch the sunset and let the kidoodles ride their bikes in the driveway.
Theresa: Simple syrup is definitely a more efficient way to mix up an old-fashioned. I can’t wait to read you story!
Bellwether: You just take a nap in the Adirondack chair and I’ll check in on you later. I wish I could write “porch swing” but we’re not there, yet.
Katrocada: Thanks for reading and commenting!