The Spirit of Georgia

Women in the Wild: Lacey Allmond of Triple W Hunt Club

Join us as we talk with Lacey Allmond of Triple W Hunt Club to discuss how she is taking a time honored southern tradition - hunting - and bringing women into the fold. Find Triple W Hunt Club on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/triple_w_hunt/ --------------------------------------------------------------- THE HUNTRESS COCKTAIL 2 oz 1861 Distillery Smoked Cherry Malt Bourbon 1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice 2 oz Cranberry juice 1 oz Maple syrup Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a rocks glass, and add ice.

Art, Outdoors, and Inclusion: A Conversation with Durrell and Ashley Smith

Welcome to Spirit of Georgia, the podcast where Southern culture, heritage, and stories take center stage. I’m Jill Higgins, and today, we’re diving into the beautiful intersection of art, nature, and community with two incredible guests, Durrell and Ashley Smith. Together, they’ve founded the Minority Outdoor Alliance, a movement dedicated to making outdoor spaces more inclusive and accessible to all. We’ll explore their inspiring work, Durrell’s journey blending art and the sporting life, and Ashley’s passion for connecting people through nature. So, grab your favorite drink and settle in for today’s story!

Bourbon & Blue Skies: Does the Southern Wedding Tradition Hold True?

In this episode of Spirit of Georgia, host Jill Higgins explores a uniquely Southern wedding tradition with guests Katelyn and Bryan. The couple recently buried a bottle of 1861 Distillery bourbon on their family land (and wedding site), following the old belief that it would ward off rain on their wedding day. Did the tradition hold true? Tune in to find out! Jill also dives deeper into their love story and wedding planning adventures. From cherished Southern traditions to personal anecdotes and a celebratory toast with 1861 Distillery’s Amaretto, this heartwarming episode celebrates love, family, and the rich culture of the South. Raise a glass with us, and don’t forget to subscribe for more Southern stories and spirits every week.

Sweet Tea Showdown: Steeped vs Syrup

In this episode of Spirit of Georgia, we dive into one of the South’s most beloved and debated traditions: sweet tea. Is the classic method of adding sugar to hot tea the true Southern way, or can adding simple syrup to unsweetened tea achieve the same iconic taste? Our guests, lifelong Georgians Dara and Tori, are here to put their taste buds to the test. Join us as we explore the origins of this sweet Southern staple, share personal stories, and finally settle the sweet tea showdown! Plus, you’ll get a delicious tea-inspired cocktail recipe to try at home. SEGMENT 1: DEEP SOUTH DISPATCH: Southern sweet tea is more than just a drink—it’s a tradition, a staple at every family gathering, and a source of comfort on a hot Georgia day. But the way it’s made often sparks a heated debate. Today, Tori and Dara will taste-test two versions of sweet tea. Which method will come out on top? Let’s find out! SEGMENT 2: PORCH TALK: Dara and Tori talk about their memories of growing up drinking sweet tea and what it means to them. SEGMENT 3: PEACH STATE PLACES: Dara and Tori discuss life in Quitman, Georgia. SEGMENT 4: POURING IT ALL TOGETHER: Before we close, we want to share our favorite sweet tea cocktail recipe with you. Here's what you'll need: * 1.5 oz of 1861 Distillery Vodka * 3 oz of your favorite sweet tea * ½ oz of lemon juice * ½ oz of simple syrup * 4-5 fresh mint leaves In a shaker, gently muddle 4-5 fresh mint leaves to release the flavors. Add 1.5 oz of 1861 Distillery Vodka, 3 oz of sweet tea, ½ oz of lemon juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup into the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel for a refreshing Southern touch. And if you’d like to make this refreshing cocktail at home, you can find the full recipe by visiting our website and looking under the vodka recipes section. Cheers! Thanks for spending a little time with us on Spirit of Georgia. We hope today’s stories brought you closer to the heart of our state and reminded you why we all love calling Georgia home. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow 1861 Distillery on social media for more glimpses of Southern life and the flavors that keep our traditions alive. Stay southern, y’all! * For classic Southern sweet tea, all you need is 3 family-sized black tea bags, a cup of sugar, and water. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, steep the tea bags for about 5 minutes, then dissolve the sugar. Pour it into a pitcher, add 3 more quarts of water, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Serve over ice, and for that extra touch, garnish with fresh mint or a lemon slice. * Add 3 more quarts of water to the tea base to make a gallon of sweet tea and stir to combine. * Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. * Pour the sweet tea into ice-filled glasses. Add a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon to each, if desired!