The Tomato Water Bloody Mary is a serious upgrade from the classic recipe. It makes perfect use of the highlight of summer produce: fresh tomatoes. The tomato water is light in color—but surprisingly flavorful. The freshness is rounded out with citrus, lemon grass, onions and chile pepper.

You do need to start the tomato water a day ahead, but it is not a fussy recipe. The process is reminiscent of making farmer’s cheese. And the results are more than worth the extra planning. It stands alone as a delicious drink, and can be used in sauces, soups and salad dressings.

Tomato Water Bloody Mary
Adapted from a Food 52 Genius Recipes
Yields 4 cocktails Read more…

If you are planning to entertain, our Summer Rum Punch is perfect for a party. This drink is pretty, tart and tangy with a lovely flavor.

And, it is good any time of year. Just adjust the garnishes to match the season. (Float apples and cranberries in the fall, more citrus in the winter, berries in the spring…)

Summer Rum Punch
Yields 16 1-cup servings Read more…

The Killer Bee is a delicious and spicy summertime cocktail. Great for a picnic on the beach or a backyard barbecue.

The Killer Bee
Yields 1 cocktail
Our favorite ginger beer is Bundaberg, and for the rye, we recommend Bulleit. Read more…

Bastille Day is the common name for the French National Day, la Fête nationale. It commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 during the French Revolution. Celebrations are held throughout France including Europe’s oldest and largest military parade held on the morning of 14 July, on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Here, we tend to celebrate French culture rather than military victories. And, at Piedmont Grocery we are lifting our classes with this classic, The French Connection.

Happy Bastille Day!

The French Connection Cocktail
The simple two-ingredient French Connection is one of the best ways to enjoy a young cognac. Read more…