Spring into Spirits

story by Anna McGauley Stockton

Spring is upon us and with this season comes garden parties, brunch on patios, and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle we did not get to enjoy during our three-day long Gulf Coast winter. So, while you get yourself adjusted to the time change, we have compiled a list of cocktails that will have you outside enjoying the warm breezes and putting a spring in your step in no time.

The Cherry Blossom

Ingredients:

2 ounces gin

1 ¼ oz 1800 Silver Tequila

1 oz lime juice

1 oz grapefruit juice

¼ oz grenadine

Fruit for garnish

Salt as needed

The Bluebonnet

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz tequila blanco

1 ½ oz fresh lime juice

¾ oz Cointreau

1 ½ oz simple syrup

Dash of blue curacao and grenadine

Directions: Pour all ingredients into shaker and shake away. Strain into a salt rimmed martini glass or serve over ice. Garnish with fruit.

Directions: Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Pour over ice into a glass and garnish with lemon wedge and jalapeno slice.

The Bee’s Knees

Ingredients:

2 ounces gin

¾ -ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

½ ounce honey syrup

Garnish with lemon twist if desired.

Directions:

Add the gin, lemon juice and honey syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Mint Julep

Ingredients:

2 sprigs of mint

½ oz simple syrup

2 oz bourbon

Crushed Ice

Directions:

In a julep cup (or a highball glass) muddle mint with the simple syrup. Fill cup 3/4 full with crushed ice. Add bourbon. Stir. Fill the remaining glass with crushed ice and a sprig of mint.

The Oaks Lily

Ingredients:

1 ½ ounces vodka

½ -ounce orange liqueur

3 ounces cranberry juice

½ -ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

½ -ounce simple syrup

Directions:

Add vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lemon juice and simple syrup into a glass, fill with ice and stir to combine. Garnish with blackberries or fruit of your choice.

Scenic Hills Country Club hosted the annual 21FOREVER Golf Classic on March 25. This marks the sixth year for this tournament, held in honor of the daughter of Rick and Kim Gorman.

The event was sponsored by the SHMGA Foundation and brought in over 150 golfers and numerous volunteers. With the sun shining and the perfect Florida weather, it was an ideal day to celebrate the life of the vivacious, sportsloving Samantha Gorman, as well as raising money for charity. Among the sea of purple worn by golfers and the convoy of golf carts, there was an obvious buzz of determination in the air as well. The golfers were treated to a day of fun complete with music, drinks, door prizes and raf es.

The 21FOREVER tournament bene ts NEP and the Miracle League of Pensacola, both are local programs that focus on ensuring Pensacola’s youth have access to sports programs, regardless of nancial or physical limitations. The fundraiser has grown with each passing year, all thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, and participants of this golf tournament.