It’s October. Are you as surprised as I am?
Fall is my favorite season. I know a lot of you feel the same way. What is it about fall? I think it has something to do with childhood memories and the start of a new school year. The most significant events of my life all happened in the fall. And as each fall rolls around, I feel like magic can happen.
That said, this fall has been less than magical. Fires raging through California weigh heavily on my mind. We’re not directly affected but watch helplessly as our friends, former neighbors and co-workers are forced to flee their homes (again). Wonderful wineries, restaurants, hotels and other businesses that hold cherished memories are threatened and have burned to the ground.
The entire Bay Area is again choked by smoke and if that’s not enough temperatures soared into the triple digits. Watching fire crews in their heavy, protective gear in this blistering heat, breaks my heart. And, I wonder … how do these men and women summon the courage and fortitude to get out there day after day. Thank goodness they do … they’re certainly are made of stronger stuff and we’re grateful.
So, it’s Friday … the weekend … and I feel like all this heavy talk calls for a more substantial cocktail. Which brings me to the Bourbon Spritz.
A fall cocktail for challenging times.
If you’re looking for something lighter, try my favorite fall cocktail, the Aperol Spritz or my year-round favorite, the Classic White Wine Spritzer.
Without further ado …
The Bourbon Spritz
Isn’t it pretty? Here’s the recipe from Maker’s Mark:
Bourbon Spritz
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces Marker's Mark Bourbon
- 1 ounce Aperol
- 3/4 ounce Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
- Splash Simple Syrup
- Prosecco
- Orange Wedge
Instructions
- Fill a classic tumbler with ice
- Add Marker's Mark Bourbon
- Add Aperol
- Add lemon juice
- Add simple syrup and stir
- Top with Prosecco
- Garnish with orange wedge
This week at Snowberry our landscaping project made serious headway. Our backyard fire pit and water feature are working. So is our BBQ. I can’t wait to show you. Our niece brought us a marinated tri-tip from Swingle Meat Company in Jackson, California. She swears it will be a life changing experience. We’ll find out on Saturday night when Jim fires up the BBQ for its inaugural run.
Last month I went shopping to pick up a few new things for Snowberry’s fall decor and wandered into Anthropology. They have an incredible array of seasonal home decor … including live plants … and adorable clothes too. Am I the last person to know about this? Anyway, I fell in love with their navy, print dress. It’s so comfortable and a great summer-to-fall transition piece. I’ve been living in floaty dresses lately. The Covid-15, Covid Cushion … whatever you want to call it … is responsible for this shift. These cute, nude slip-on sandals came from my nieces online shop, Stock Boutique. I’ve been wearing them non-stop … even without a pedicure. Good news on that front. Nail salons have reopened in our area. Next week will be my first professional mani pedi since February. I can’t wait!
As always, I appreciate your visit and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Until then, Cheers from Snowberry!
Photos in this post by Monica Vargas Photography
I love the navy dress and the cocktail looks yummy! A nice treat after a less than perfect week!
Thanks, Jane … aren’t you happy this week finally came to a close. Are you a fan of our Anthropology store? I’m only just truly discovering it! xo
I watched your video on this drink……….MUST GIVE IT A GO!
I noticed too you wearing long MAXI dresses A LOT!I ADORE THAT LOOK………….
ANTHRO is a GOOD SPOT for YOU TO SHOP!
WE stayed in JACKSON for NEW YEARS EVE ONE YEAR!Let me know how the meat turned out!
THE GARDEN…………..OHHHHHHH……….THE GARDEN!!!!
THE DOGWOODS were not put in when I was there!
Richard did that on my STREET with a neighbors house I need to point out to YOU!Second house on the RIGHT as you come up the street.I LOVE THAT GARDEN TOO!One day I may take the PLUNGE and have him do ours but I have too many FURRY PETS buried in the FRONT YARD!!!!!I cannot get over the idea of DISTURBING THEM.
I’m ODD in that way……….XX
Thank you, Contessa! I thought this week called for a more substantial cocktail. Right?! I’m intrigued to see your neighbors garden. Anything Richard and Shari touch turns to garden gold. I didn’t know this about your pets … you’re not odd at all! I’m very sentimental our former four legged family member and now that we’re settled permanently I’m going to find a spot for them in our garden or hillside. Loving the dogwoods … this is my first experience with them after admiring them from afar. Happy weekend and cheers! xo
YES!!!!!
I AGREE………!!!!!
Juliet you look so pretty! The cocktail is pretty too! Hope the wildfires peter out soon. Keeping those affected in my thoughts.
Thanks, Marie. You’ve probably been inundated with smoke too. From the Portland fires. Ugh. xo
You’re welcome 🙂 Yes, thankfully the rain came & washed away the smoke. Some of our family near Santa Cruz had to evacuate but they are safe & were able to return home.
Thank goodness for that. The Santa Cruz fire was dreadful. We have rain in the forecast this Friday (it was nearly 100 again today) and I hope it’s true. Of course, I was planning on photographing our new gardens that day. But, I’ll take the rain! xo
Hi Juliet,
Your dress and drink seem perfect for these early fall, hot days! Can’t wait to see more of your garden, you’ve had so much done and I know it is fabulous. Wait til next year when things have grown in! So fun planting things and watching them grow!
Hope your air has cleared up and you get some relief from the heat soon.
XO Heidi
Heidi – thank you! This dress was one of those things where I saw it, loved it AND it fit! The stars aligned! I almost can’t wait for next spring to see how the garden matures … it’s been a long journey and we’re thrilled to be enjoying the yard. Wish it wasn’t quite so hot … but we’ll take it. Our air has been a lot clearer today. Hope yours is as well. I saw an report that the fire in your area is now 100% contained! What a scare you went through.xo
Maker’s Mark is my favorite! I need to get the Aperol and make some of this! it sounds delicious!
I think you’re going to like it! Let me know! xo
The fires are so sad. We were getting smoke all the way in Arizona. The areas have definitely been in my prayers! This drink looks delicious.
All the way in Arizona?! Unbelievable. Thanks for stopping by, Danielle! xo
I feel so horribly for everyone affected by the fires out there. I saw the saddest story of a beautiful Napa family winery burning down; it’s so scary and unimaginable!
It’s just heartbreaking, isn’t it. The Napa/Sonoma fires is now under control thank goodness. But we’re having another high fire danger week. Hoping for the best. xo
I love your outdoor space. It looks amazing. Nice cocktail too.
Thanks, Carol … our outdoor landscape project is just finishing up and we love it. Hoping to spend a lot of time out there this fall. xo
Your cocktail looks so pretty! The slice of orange is fitting for Fall! The dress is adorable, too!
Thanks so much, Kim. Dress from Anthropology! xo
Has anyone else mentioned how amazing your blog is? If not, let me be the first. 🙂
Happy day friend!
KariAnne
KA … you are the sweetest and appreciate you, friend! xo