As fall settles in with its crisp, refreshing air across middle Tennessee, our tastes and activities naturally shift. It's the perfect time to embrace new cocktails and comforting dishes. From spiced libations to hearty favorites, fall invites us to indulge in delights and inventive cocktails that will elevate your gatherings and add a touch of creativity to your drink menu. Let’s explore a few recipes from some of our favorite businesses, that bring a fresh twist to your gatherings, no matter the season.
Explore these unique creations, and let each occasion become an opportunity to savor new flavors and enjoy memorable moments. Cheers to discovering delicious delights and making every gathering a little more extraordinary.
Jessica Engholm
Jessica Engholm, owner of Culthier, specializes in organic furnishings, textures, finishes, and one of a kind items, prefers a Mezcal Margherita with “Tequila being a great go-to for a night out.” Jessica prefers it on the rocks, and likes how the “Mezcal adds a bit of that smokey flavor that makes for an interesting twist on the usual drink.” She pairs it best with carne asada tacos.
Mezcal Margherita
1 ½ ounces mezcal
1 ounce Cointreau (or any orange liqueur)
¾ ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
ice
optional: agave nectar or simple syrup for sweetening, if desired
optional: lime wedge and salt for rimming the glass
Hannah Shellnut
Hannah, the Director of Marketing at Shellnut Insurance and Associates, a family owned independent insurance agency, loves a Passion Fruit Mojito. Since becoming pregnant, she has been taste testing lots of alcohol-free cocktail recipes. She says that a Passion Fruit Mojito is her “favorite because it is refreshing and so easy to make; no measurements needed, just add to taste. Whether you prefer a tart drink or a sweet drink, it is easy to tailor to what you like best.” Hannah likes to pair this drink with anything, adding, “It’s usually just a nice refresher before dinner.”
Passion Fruit Mojito
Minced mint leaves
Lime juice
Simple syrup
Bawi Sparkling Water - Passion Fruit
Jennifer Evans
Jennifer Evans, Clinical Manager of Mulberry Vitamin Infusions, an IV hydration center that will have you feeling tip-top before and after a few cocktails, enjoys a Moscow Mule. She “loves how fresh and crisp it is with the bite of ginger beer and mint.” Jennifer likes to pair her Moscow Mule with her favorite salad that includes strawberries, roasted pecans, blueberries, grilled chicken and a balsamic dressing.
Moscow Mule
1-1/2 ounces vodka
1/6 ounce lime juice
4 ounces ginger beer
Combine vodka and ginger beer in a copper mug or highball glass filled with ice. Add lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with a lime slice. Serve on the rocks; poured over ice.
"Tequila is a great go-to for a night out."
"Whether you prefer a tart drink or a sweet drink, it is easy to tailor to what you like best."