Cocktails in Cincinnati

In June, I visited my friend Sam in Cincinnati, Ohio. When I told her about my cocktail hobby, a new itinerary for my stay was formed - we were to visit Molly Wellmans three bars in the city (Japps, Neons and the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar) to try out her various cocktail menus. Every drink I had was better than the last. 

Imagine my sheer happiness, when a month later a new cocktail book peppered with recipes arrived at the store where I work written by Miss Molly Wellman herself. In the book she emphasizes making your own bitters and syrups, using freshly squeezed juice and high quality liquors to craft cocktails that are fresh with a nice balance between sweet and sour. Exactly my style. I love this book! It's got great recipes and an apparent love for Cincinnati shines through.  I truly came to appreciate this corner of Ohio while I was there and Molly's bars had a lot to do with it! 

This Before I die wall was right outside Japps. It would have been great if I'd written "go back to Japps". 

(Thanks Mike Morris for assisting with the cocktail photos!)

Wrapping up Summer

Fall is most definitely in the air tonight and I'm ready for it! It's been such an amazing summer. 

Life slowed down and I got to really enjoy the warmer months - I got to swim in lakes, visit the island, take trips, wine and dine, make pickles and relax with my loved ones! But I'm ready to buckle down and transition into fall. I just started a new job which is why things are sort of slow around here. I'm working for a company that I am really excited to be apart of and I feel nervous, excited and seriously under-slept! Wish me luck xx

Stay-Cation

Last Wednesday I went to the Toronto Island and now I'm hooked. Happily, I'll be going back tomorrow for a bonfire on the beach.

Despite the fact that I've been living downtown for two years where the island docks are just a bike ride away, I haven't made the short trip over once. I reasoned that it was a schlepp, not that fun, something I didn't have time for. I was wrong. Going to the island is so rewarding. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed and it's incredible to be in such a drastically different and beautiful environment without even having to leave the city. I came back to the city with the same feeling you get coming home from a great vacation. 

This wine is delicious! (And cheap!) 

                  

Gavin and I spent some time at the beach and then went over to the Island Cafe to see Matthew Bailey and Charlotte Cornfield play a show! It was so nice. Then I rushed off to the Cameron House to see Dear Sister, a band that I recently made a cocktail in honour of! 

It's always nice to have those days when you realize you are happy to be exactly where you are.

Getaway

Right before Lucas left for a six week tour, we were lucky to go up to his cottage for a short getaway. It was really nice to find that after seven months of a solid relationship, I could become even more bonded to him. These pictures were taken when we canoed over to the next lake. We spent the day sipping on beers from Muskoka Brewery, dipping our feet in the water, enjoying the heat on our shoulders, and just talking to each other.  Tomorrow I'm flying to Cincinnati to spend some time with my friend Sam and then I'll be taking a bus to Columbus, Ohio to catch one of Lucas' shows on the tour! I'm excited to see them play off of their third album, released last Tuesday. I'll be back on Monday with a new cocktail! Have a great week.