The Sgt. Pepper’s Old Fashioned cocktail gets its name and flavor from the Black Pepper & Thyme infused honey syrup, which always merits a second drink.

Just The Drink: Sgt. Pepper’s Old Fashioned Cocktail

This drink was inspired by my favorite cocktail at Meat & Potatoes, a Pittsburgh restaurant where I have celebrated so many birthdays, anniversaries and just simply, days of the week. The key component is the Thyme & Black Pepper Infused Honey Simple Syrup, which combines to create a bright and almost citrusy flavor. Pair that with the oaky bite of whiskey, and I teeter past my drinking limit every time. It’s that good!

The Personal:

I started a new ritual, a prayer of sorts but not to any god in particular. I simply pause and express my gratitude out loud before a meal. When I say, “I’m grateful for my friends and family,” I picture them in my mind and wish them contentment and wellness.

When I say, “Everything I have is a gift. May I remember to celebrate,” I picture dancing with my friend Nina, both of us with our heads thrown back in pure joy. We’ve danced all over – at shows, at bars, at weird Christmas light displays in Los Angeles, but my favorite is when we’re just in a living room or at a traffic light and daaancing.

I always say extra thanks for Julep because I really can’t fathom my life, especially a socially-distant life, without her. Where would I be wihtout her lessons of unconditional love?

At last, I say santé, and I take a sip of whatever beverage accompanies my meal, coffee for breakfast, or perhaps this chilled Sgt. Pepper’s Old Fashioned cocktail with dinner. Then, I taste the drink. I really take in the aroma and flavor of what I’m sipping. This practice helps prevent me from slipping into autopilot.

Santé, literally “health,” is what the French say for cheers, not unlike English speakers toasting “to your health.” I chose this word versus amen because it conjures my time in France. It feels so spiritedly conclusive while also reminding me that health is one of the greatest gifts, that my body is a great gift worthy of love and respect, not negative self-talk.

Saying santé reminds me to take that first sip mindfully, to appreciate the farmers, vintners, whiskey-makers and all the folks who enabled me to take that sip, to enjoy my meal and restore my spirit.

So to you, my friend, santé!

Julep’s Corner:

Don’t forget, we’ll actually be hanging in Julep’s Corner and can toast digitally this Friday, May 29th as part of The Salon’s #SalonSlowDown. We can chat food and business, cooking during COVID-19, the making of a cookbook, or just gush about dogs. You know I love gushing about dogs.

The Salon Slow Down
Friday, May 29 | 4:30 – 5 pm EST
RSVP here

The #SalonSlowDown is a way to close out the week with “a leading womxn from the world of culinary, drinks, a creative or just a down right fun-loving gal!” I’m pretty honored to kick it off.

You Might Also Like:

If you’re a bourbon-loving guy or gal with a sweet tooth and a penchant for dogs, then you are definitely my people. You, my dear new friend, might also like the Derby Day Mint Julep Cake from my book, The Gluten-Free Grains Cookbook. The recipe was inspired by my desire to attend those decadent hat parties as well as my favorite drink and my dog’s namesake.  This recipe features layers of gluten-free, mint-chocolate cake and bourbon-whipped cream.