Porch Sitting.
On a recent trip to “the Carolinas” (our niece Rachel hates when North and South Carolina are smushed together like that), we spent some time in Charleston, South Carolina, with my friend Jerry, a classmate from the Eastman School of Music, and his husband Stephen. After that, we headed north to Wilmington, North Carolina, where Mark’s brother David and sister-in-law Becky moved just about three years ago (and where their daughter Rachel and her family live).
This entire Southeast region was completely new to me, offering great beauty and so much to do. Naturally, I looked forward to the culinary delights that awaited me once there. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but knew that seafood would feature prominently.
I enjoyed the creamiest oyster stew, overstuffed shrimp rolls, crunchy fried green tomatoes, shrimp and creamy grits, Calabash-style oysters, she-crab soup, fried calamari with fried pickled peppers, the sweetest scallops I have ever tasted… This tour of seafood did not disappoint! Soon I will be sharing some recipes inspired by the meals we had.
In Charleston, we spent a lot of time on our hosts’ porch — early mornings with coffee and cocoa, lazy afternoons reading, pre-dinner cocktails, followed by the meal itself, and then gabbing into the night. The weather was picture perfect. While we were cruising around the second day, Jerry told me he would make me his favorite cocktail for that evening’s porch time. What a delight! I requested the recipe and he was more than happy to share. Here it is just in time for your summer porch sitting.
~ David
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Carolyne
July 8, 2023 at 4:59 amCheers to good friends and a great cocktail 🍸
Cocoa & Lavender
July 8, 2023 at 1:17 pmThere truly is nothing like good friends! No matter the time or distance, they are always there. And if they have a cocktail in hand? Well, all the better.
Karen (Back Road Journal)
July 8, 2023 at 5:54 amI know all about porch sitting, we used to do the same thing when we would stay with our friends during their summers in Nantucket. The “jerry” does sound like a refreshing summer cocktail. Their porch looks like a really great place to hang out.
Cocoa & Lavender
July 8, 2023 at 1:18 pmWhile I have never been to Nantucket, I have sat on porches on Block Island, and Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s such a pleasure. But, no matter where you are, if your friends are with you… sitting on the porch with them is the best thing in the world.
Ellen
July 8, 2023 at 7:39 amThat cocktail sounds great as does your visit with our mutual classmate! I’m going to get some ruby grapefruit and make a batch of Jerry’s tonight in your (all y’all’s) honor!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 8, 2023 at 1:18 pmThanks, Ellen — I really hope you enjoy it. Jerry, Stephen, Mark, and I are thrilled to have you make it in our honor.
Mad Dog
July 8, 2023 at 9:01 amThat sounds delightful! I think I’d like that cocktail – I’m very fond of tequila with grapefruit, but I’m not supposed to drink it these days. It’s very humid here so I plan to open a bottle of Pastis, to drink with iced water this evening.
Cocoa & Lavender
July 8, 2023 at 1:19 pmI haven’t had a glass of pasties with water in a long time! Actually, I can tell you exactly when it was… It was on my 50th birthday in Provence in the town of Lourmarin… in 2008.
Mimi Rippee
July 8, 2023 at 12:24 pmThis sounds good – and not too strong. Is that the porch with the red chairs? Gorgeous!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 8, 2023 at 1:20 pmThat photo is, indeed, their porch. Such a pleasant place to sit and enjoy chatting and sipping.
Eha
July 8, 2023 at 5:14 pmLove the photo but shall try the drink when 100 km gales no longer threaten the house! In Oz we are more intto straight wine and spirits but yours has that inviting look . . . meanwhile enjoy one for me 🙂 !
Cocoa & Lavender
July 12, 2023 at 2:11 pmYes, this is definitely a drink to enjoy in the summer with a gentle zephyr… You have a ways to go!
Kate Jensen
July 8, 2023 at 6:08 pmOh I want this please!!!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 12, 2023 at 2:12 pmWell, since it doesn’t in court berries, I can’t bring it to the next FOB, but we will have it soon!
Ronit Penso
July 9, 2023 at 10:35 amI really like the simplicity of this cocktail. Less is more! 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
July 12, 2023 at 2:12 pmBless is always more! Thanks, Ronit!
sherry
July 9, 2023 at 5:17 pmooh yes please. This cocktail sounds so delicious David. And I am wanting a prawn roll right now for my late breakfast. If only …
Cocoa & Lavender
July 12, 2023 at 2:13 pmThis would be her beautifully with a prawn roll, Sherry! Great idea.
Valentina
July 11, 2023 at 10:08 pmSounds like such a relaxing, lovely time. I really like the sound of this cocktail. I would order this in a heartbeat on a menu, and I think I’ll serve this the next time we have guests. Perfect for summer and dining al fresco. 🙂 For me, drinks are the hardest thing to photograph, and your photos are gorgeous! Cheers! ~Valentina
Cocoa & Lavender
July 12, 2023 at 2:13 pmIt’s really easy to make a full pitcher of this cocktail for serving to guests, Valentina. I plan to do it this summer!
angiesrecipes
July 12, 2023 at 10:52 amCheers to porch time and friendship! This sounds like a wonderful drink, David, but I love that seafood feast even more 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
July 12, 2023 at 2:14 pmOh, the seafood was fabulous, Angie! I do have to work on a couple of those recipes for the blog, don’t I?
Raymund Macaala
July 12, 2023 at 6:40 pmIt sounds like you had an amazing trip exploring the Carolinas and indulging in the culinary delights of the region! The array of seafood dishes you mentioned, from creamy oyster stew to overstuffed shrimp rolls and sweet scallops, has my mouth watering. I can only imagine the flavors and freshness of the seafood you enjoyed during your time there.
Cocoa & Lavender
July 15, 2023 at 6:27 amThe seafood was truly phenomenal, Raymund — I really should get my recipes ready to go online. But, truly, the best part of visiting was being with family and friends. Isn’t that always the case?
Frank | Memorie di Angelina
July 15, 2023 at 7:39 amSounds like a fun —and delicious— trip. Hope it wasn’t too hot… But even if so I guess that drink would provide refreshment!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
July 17, 2023 at 4:16 pmI’m not a huge fan of vodka and vodka cocktails, but this one actually sounds quite delightful and delicate. Loving the addition of grapefruit juice and particularly elderflower liqueur.
Cocoa & Lavender
July 21, 2023 at 2:51 pmI’m with you on that, Ben. Not a fan of vodka based cocktails, either. And I’m really not a fan of martinis. However, this one was so smooth and wonderful… I hope you can try it.
2pots2cook
July 18, 2023 at 2:44 amIt seems everything just fell into it’s place for you! So glad you had great time!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 21, 2023 at 2:47 pmIt was a truly lovely visit, Davorka. Thanks!
Christina Conte
July 23, 2023 at 9:29 pmGrapefruit and elderflower? What a combo, as I love both! I’m still stuck in the 80s and love a Seabreeze, so will have to change it up and try this! Thanks, David! Will have to have in the courtyard instead of the porch though! 🙂