As I reflect on the past eight months of writing my cocktail-centric column for The Augusta Press, I find myself a bit light-headed. No, this time it’s not from all my boozy samplings; this euphoria is a result of my overwhelming gratitude.
During pandemic and post-pandemic and back into pandemic times, I have marveled over the tenacity of our food and beverage establishments who ad nauseum have been asked to revamp protocols, retrain, reorganize and sterilize (and then sterilize again and maybe just once more) all while we patrons reaped the benefits of these efforts. Never once did I (nor will I) take the privilege of dining at your place of business — the brick and mortar of your livelihood — for granted.
I especially want to thank Augusta’s bartenders for their patience as I was a biweekly occupant of their coveted bar seats, bombarding them with demands and queries and requests to, “Hold on, will you pose for me just once more, please?” It all started with a feature about cocktails that would welcome Masters Tournament guests to town, and I never looked back.
Sometimes it was a feature about brunch-y cocktails such bloody marys or mimosas or boozy coffees or something altogether different. Other times, it was for articles featuring dessert cocktails or seasonal bevvies during summer or fall. Or maybe holiday drinks for Independence Day or Halloween or those that were tailgate-themed. The common denominator was always the same: the bartenders were always gracious.
Fun, gimmicky cocktails made their way into the queue, as did travels to off the beaten path establishments or beyond the walls of our fair city to Aiken for wine or an extensive whiskey selection. I found fun on tap and also covered events such as weekend wine tastings and elixir-specific features such as Old Fashioned Week or house specialty mules.
In my mind, writing about my one-on-one, face-to-face meetings with the cape-donning behind-the-bar heroes was the best job a gal could ask for. I am also beyond grateful that writers had the foresight to start an Augusta-focused publication and that my editor, Charmain Brackett, asked me to join The Augusta Press team. She recognized my love for our city and allowed me to shine a well-deserved spotlight on our bustling F+B scene, those responsible for keeping spirits bright.
So I turn my attention to you, fair readers: which drinks belongs on my must-try list for 2022? Where should my booze-driven adventures take me? Please chime in below. And in the meantime, when you patronize the establishments in our River Region, don’t forget to tell them nakedepicurean sent you. ????
Ann Beth Strelec is known around town as the Naked Epicurean, sampling the finest cocktails known to Augustans. Find out about adult beverages at The Augusta Press on the first and third Friday or on Instagram @NakedEpicurean
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