In the latest installment of “Hello, Sugar,” we’re having Courtney Whitmore, author, tabletop and food content creator, and blogger behind Pizzazzeire, take over.
So sit back, relax, and let this Nashville gal show you all things pretty and polished.
Hi, y’all! I’m tickled pink to be back on the Love, Reese blog to share some exciting news and one of my absolute favorite recipes.
First, the big news! I just released my newest book Pizzazzerie: Entertain in Style, and I’m about to head out on a five-city book tour with stops at all three Draper James locations!
Nashville Book Launch Party (RSVP here)
August 17th | 5:30-7:30pm
Draper James, 2608 12th Ave S.
Lexington Book Signing Party (RSVP here)
August 22nd | 5:30-7:30pm
Draper James, 120 Summit at Fritz Farm, Suite 170
Dallas Book Signing Party (RSVP here)
August 31st | 5:30-7:30pm
Draper James, 6 Highland Park Village
We’ll have sparkling rosé to sip, delicious bites to eat, and fabulous gifts to take home, so grab your girlfriends and come on by!
I wanted to give you an exclusive sneak peek into the pages of the book with a few sample photos and my Frozen Mint Julep Punch recipe! I’m so excited to share a sample recipe with you, and it’s one of my favorites.
We mostly only think of mint juleps around the Derby, but I’m here to tell you this cocktail is a fine choice for all occasions, especially down South in this summer heat!
Frozen Mint Julep Punch Recipe
Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed and undiluted
1 (12-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed and undiluted
1 cup Mint Simple Syrup (below)
2 cups water
2 cups bourbon
Directions
Combine ingredients and stir well.
Freeze in a large container and scoop into mint julep cups to serve.
Mint Simple Syrup Recipe
20 stalks of mint
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Directions
Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Pour over the mint and let set, refrigerated, in a jug for 24 hours.
Pour this solution through a strainer and refrigerate in an airtight container until needed.
More about the book:
Follow one party to a tee, or mix-and-match elements to create a unique affair all your own.
The book provides how-to instructions for more than a dozen occasions (from simple backyard gatherings to special celebrations), each complemented with full tablescape details; decor tips; and recipes for each party covering appetizers, desserts, and drinks.
Ring in the new year with a glitzy New Year’s Day Brunch; savor a bit of Parisian culture with a Crepe Cake and Sparkling Raspberry Cocktails; enjoy Spinach Tea Sandwiches and Lavender Fizz Cocktails at a Jane Austen-inspired Book Club Gathering; celebrate your favorite guy with Bacon and Pecan S’mores and Sriracha and Bourbon Wings; and don your best black-and-white apparel to enjoy Red Velvet Brownie Truffle Cakes and White Chocolate Martinis at a Black and White Masquerade Party.
Absolute beginner hosts will find tons of tips and how-tos as they’re walked through practical steps to creating fabulous parties on a realistic budget. The seasoned host will discover unique details and new recipes to enhance their tablescapes all year long.
I hope to see you at Draper James in Nashville, Lexington, and Dallas!
Xo, Courtney
