Southern Spirits

A captivating narrative history that traces liquor, beer, and wine drinking in the American South, including 40 cocktail recipes. Ask almost anyone to name a uniquely Southern drink, and bourbon and mint juleps--perhaps moonshine--are about the only beverages that come up. But what about rye whiskey, Madeira wine, and fine imported Cognac? Or peach brandy, applejack, and lager beer? At various times in the past, these drinks were as likely to be found at the Southern bar as barrel-aged bourbon and raw corn likker. The image of genteel planters in white suits sipping mint juleps on the veranda is a myth that never was--the true picture is far more complex and fascinating. Southern Spirits is the first book to tell the full story of liquor, beer, and wine in the American South. This story is deeply intertwined with the region, from the period when British colonists found themselves stranded in a new world without their native beer, to the 21st century, when classic spirits and cocktails of the pre-Prohibition South have come back into vogue. Along the way, the book challenges the stereotypes of Southern drinking culture, including the ubiquity of bourbon and the geographic definition of the South itself, and reveals how that culture has shaped the South and America as a whole.

A recipe collection celebrating the culinary traditions of the American South, featuring appetizers and beverages from the menu of Tupelo Honey restaurant. The South loves to drink; this is no revelation. But understanding the rich traditions behind why southerners drink, what they drink, and when they drink is critical to learning the art and fashion of southern imbibing. They certainly know their spirits, artisanal distilleries, and prolific craft breweries, and at Tupelo Honey Cafe and Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar’s fifteen locations, the staff is committed to sourcing the best ingredients to make some of the tastiest cocktails and small plates south of the Mason Dixon Line. In Tupelo Honey’s latest cookbook, seventy unique cocktail and thirty delicious small plate recipes are organized around popular themes, such as Friendly Competition, The Roots of Southern Music, Southern Festivals, Southern Drinking Celebrations, Iconic Southern Food and Drink, and Simple, Everyday Life. Some of the playful cocktail names in this book may give you pause, but once you try them, your taste buds will smile. Among the made-from-scratch cocktails and small plates perfect for two or twenty are Violet Beaureguard, Tar Heel Gin Fiz, Rubbin' is Racin' Peach Moonshine-Sweet Tea, Johnny Cakes with BBQ Pulled Pork and Corn-Jalapeño Slaw, Goat Cheese Deviled Eggs with Country Ham Prosciutto, and Don't Judge My Okra Obsession.

From NY Times Bestselling Author, Angie Fox, the first book in the USA TODAY bestselling Southern Ghost Hunter series 5 Stars! “Southern charm, a haunting mystery, and a leading lady I want as my BFF!” One simple mistake… When out of work graphic designer Verity Long accidentally traps a ghost on her property, she’s saddled with more than a supernatural sidekick—she gains the ability see spirits. It leads to an offer she can’t refuse from the town’s bad boy, who also happens to be the brother of her ex and the last man she should ever partner with. Ellis Wydell is in possession of a stunning historic property haunted by some of Sugarland Tennessee’s finest former citizens. Only some of them are growing restless—and destructive. He hires Verity to put an end to the disturbances. But soon, Verity learns there’s more to the mysterious estate than floating specters, secret passageways, and hidden rooms. There’s a modern day mystery afoot, one that hinges on a decades-old murder. Verity isn't above questioning the living, or the dead. But can she discover the truth before the killer finds her? What Reviewers are saying… 5 Stars! “‘Loved’ does not begin to describe my feelings for this story.” 5 Stars! “I could not put it down (ended up reading all night long midnight till 3 am).” 5 Stars! “I loved the heroine because she is gutsy and quirky, definitely not a wilting flower, and I am super excited about where her story is going.” 5 Stars! “I fell in love with this series from the first book!” Rating: Clean and Wholesome Paranormal Cozy Mystery Romance

A captivating narrative history that traces liquor, beer, and wine drinking in the American South, including 40 cocktail recipes. Ask almost anyone to name a uniquely Southern drink, and bourbon and mint juleps--perhaps moonshine--are about the only beverages that come up. But what about rye whiskey, Madeira wine, and fine imported Cognac? Or peach brandy, applejack, and lager beer? At various times in the past, these drinks were as likely to be found at the Southern bar as barrel-aged bourbon and raw corn likker. The image of genteel planters in white suits sipping mint juleps on the veranda is a myth that never was--the true picture is far more complex and fascinating. Southern Spirits is the first book to tell the full story of liquor, beer, and wine in the American South. This story is deeply intertwined with the region, from the period when British colonists found themselves stranded in a new world without their native beer, to the 21st century, when classic spirits and cocktails of the pre-Prohibition South have come back into vogue. Along the way, the book challenges the stereotypes of Southern drinking culture, including the ubiquity of bourbon and the geographic definition of the South itself, and reveals how that culture has shaped the South and America as a whole.

Dying sucks, but the afterlife is one hot place to be. Stefan wasn't physically perfect in life, and his search for someone to love him resulted in his murder. Now he's been dead for years, and he's lonelier than he ever was when he was alive. His physical problems might have vanished when his body ceased to live, but his spirit has to deal with the memories of the past. Jordan and Gideon are friends who share eager guys when they can find them, but being in a war zone hasn't allowed for that to happen often. One roadside stop puts an end to their lives. Jordan and Gideon are at a loss to understand what happens to them, why they stay behind when others go up into the light. Searching for answers, they head to Jordan's hometown—McKinton, Texas—but a hell of a lot of things have changed in the decade and a half since Jordan left. Namely, the arrival of one wicked, joyful spirit named Stefan.

There are enough skeletons in Felix's closet to fill up an entire calendar. Felix Apostolou is a rising star in the art world. His murals are quickly gaining him fame in the San Antonio art scene, and when he's featured in the Calendar Men charity calendar, he'll draw in even more attention. As it is, he's getting commission offers faster than he can process them. He takes on one mural that holds special meaning for him—one for Ezra Harrington, owner of Quantum, Inc., and close friend to the injured original photographer of the Calendar Men shoot. What Felix didn't count on was meeting a man who turned his world around and brought something other than art to focus for him. Tse Soto is intriguing, passionate, and open in ways Felix quickly comes to appreciate. But Felix's past isn't what he believed it to be, and what he learns about it could be more than he can handle.

Derrick Tovar thought posing for a calendar would be the most adventurous thing he'd ever do—boy, was he wrong! Derrick Tovar has always played it safe. He had a secure job, a retirement plan, five- and ten-year goals... When he agreed to pose in skimpy clothing for a charity calendar, he figured that was one daring, out-of-character thing for him to do. It wasn't that big a risk, really. Except it almost got him killed. He's having a little trouble dealing with that, but he soon meets a man who makes him want to dream big and take chances.

Summer fades into fall, but the heat isn't letting up for this calendar man. Enzo Mueller was glad to help out with the calendar shoot. His little sister, Nat, has been in remission for years and he'd do anything to help find a cure for childhood cancer—even if all he can do is pose for a charity event. That, and work three jobs so he can take care of her since their parents split a long time ago. But raising a teenager and having a personal life are two things he doesn't think can coexist. He's resigned himself to being alone, aside from Nat, until he gets her through college. After all, no man in his right mind would want to deal with Enzo's crazy work schedule. Tony met Enzo when he waited on their table. Ever since then, Tony's had Enzo on his mind, and when he runs into him again, something clicks between them. Tony's daughter, Ina, finished her last cancer treatments weeks ago and she's in remission. He's been focused on her since before she was born, but now, one man is making him wonder if it isn't possible to have more in life than he'd expected.