Tag: cocktails

What Wednesday: Old Dominick Distillery

FROM MY SPIRIT, Memphis, TRAVEL, Uncategorized
Bourbon Cider Punch

This weekend I took a tour of a local distillery with a friend. We started it off with a cocktail, the Bourbon Cider Punch. The whiskey, bourbon, and vodka are made in house. It’s a 45 minute tour that explains the history of the Old Dominick and the founder Domenico Canale whom has ties to Memphis. It was interesting to find out how the alcohol is made and the many different processes it goes through before aging. Each type of liquor has a slightly different process than the other. I was impressed with the technology involved.

At the end of the tour there is a tasting! The gift shop is really nice. I could have easily over spend in there! I really needed to get out of the house Sunday after hearing about the loss of my godmother Saturday. I am glad I decided to say yes to a friend that called and took me to dinner, then to the distillery, and ended the evening with cheesecake from the best cheesecake place in the country, The Cheesecake Corner. You can find it here in Memphis, TN and it’s a must place to visit if when you come to Memphis. Also, dinner was at Gus Fried Chicken. Another local favorite for spicy chicken. We ate like we were at home. Finger lickin’ and some smackin’ lol.

Not part of the tour, my weekend also consisted of hanging out with my mom and sister. We had lunch at The Olive Garden on Friday.

I have been a really bad flare up with fibromyalgia since Tuesday. I am talking about bringing tears to my eyes and last night was rough. Today is a little better but, not much. I am just trying to get through things the best way I can and that’s with prayer and meditation. Oh, and therapy.

~Nikki

Weekend Confetti!

Fashion Confetti, Memphis, RAFibroOAEtc., Uncategorized

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WOW! What a weekend! I met one of my favorite, most influential authors of all time and got the last book of a series signed. I met Kimberla Lawson Roby! It was her book Casting the First Stone that led me to believe it was possible to be a Christian and still write novels with a spiritual undertone. My novels may be a bit more unconventional as far as most Christians would think, but I am not really concerned about that! I have my own path to take. Anyway, I was over the moon and treasure the book and the moment. My daughter was there to help me stand in a very long line. Some day I’ll be signing books!

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I also went out for cocktails and small plates with…brace yourself, my daughter’s father mother….and his wife. Yep. You read that right. As a single parent, the road has not always been easy and neither are the relationships involved with raising my daughter. Some of our thoughts, actions, and ways are different and well that makes for conflicts of interests. It was extremely rough starting out, but we try to get along and sitting down with all of together was a miracle within itself. Conversation, cocktails, and food made it a pleasant outing.

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Oh, yeah. I got a new hairstyle! Lol! I think it may last for a few weeks. Natural hair can be a challenge. Especially, for someone like me who has Rheumatoid Disease and Fibromyalgia. Which took a toll on me by the time Sunday rolled around. I felt so bad, but I am grateful for the two days, Friday and Saturday, in which I had little discomfort. Sunday was very difficult and I am feeling better on today. I hope you enjoyed your weekend, too!

~Nikki

Nikki’s Summer Rosé Sangria

FOOD, Memphis, Uncategorized

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It was a dark and stormy summer night, literally when my friends arrived for a Rosé Wine Tasting at my home. It was raining cats and dogs, but they showed up and the last guests left a little after 1 a.m. The Rosé Sangria was a hit, the Rosés required an acquired taste which is nothing new in the world of wine. I cared more about the vibe and company. So, I decided to share the recipe for my made up on the spot Summer Rosé Sangria. I improvised and used what I had.

1 bottle of moscato rosé

1 bottle of Ocean Spray Sangria mix

1 1/2 cup of brandy

1 1/2 cup of Barefoot Merlot (any merlot)

2 cups of Simply Lemonade

2 tablespoons of triple sec

2 tablespoons of raspberry liquor

16 dark cherries (you can pit if you want but I did not)

16 raspberries

16 strawberries (8, they were halved into 16)

Add all of the liquids in a gallon container, stir and then add the fruit. Let it sit overnight or you can drink right away. I like for it to sit overnight anytime I make a sangria. The alcohol and the fruit marinate and intensifies the flavor. I think this one is great for all summer long. I will making it at cookouts and to take with me to share with friends at summer concerts in the park.

Here are a few more pictures from the wine tasting. Next up is Reds this fall/winter.

~Nikki