Southern Cocktails: Dixie Drinks, Party Potions & Classic Libations by Denise Gee

Is it five o'clock yet?  The cocktail hour has long been a cherished tradition of the South, a relaxing way to wind down and enjoy the conversation of friends and family, maybe with a tasty little appetizer to nibble on, too. 

Here you'll find the favorites, old and new. Don't wait for the Kentucky Derby to enjoy a classic mint julep, or for Mardi Gras in New Orleans to quaff a hurricane. Shake up a batch of blueberry martinis for an elegant cocktail party with a twist, or serve a sparkling bowl of champagne punch at your next celebration.  And since, after all, tomorrow is another day, go ahead and enjoy another Scarlett O'Hara. Have some nice devilish eggs, or one of the other appetizer recipes you'll find here, to go with it.

A section on bar necessities will give you a hand stocking your bar, creating garnishes, and serving in the proper glass, and a short list of classic toasts will get the evening started, Southern-style.

Hard Cover.

About the author: Denise Gee grew up in a four-story antebellum house in Natchez, Mississippi, surrounded by a family (including her cousin, designer-author Lee Bailey) that was passionate about sharing great food and stories. She has written extensively about Southern people, places, food, and style for Southern Living, Coastal Living, Better Homes and Gardens, and a host of newspapers. She contributed to Lee Bailey's James Beard Award-winning Southern Food and Plantation Houses, and is nationally recognized for her writing and styling work.