Loveland, the sweetheart of Ohio, is home but I have a love of travel & adventure. You can find me outside with a coffee or cocktail, devouring my latest novel. I have a passion for cooking and baking, which I love to share with friends.

Cocktail Inspiration

3 seconds is a wave goodbye. It’s a hug. A breath cycle. A musical phrase. It takes 3 seconds for each of us to be fully present in the moment. And that’s when memories are made. Memories that, as the story is told and retold, take on a life of their own. ‘For 3 Seconds’ is inspired by my memories of a two-week visit to Italy. These stories of the past help to shape our future. My grandmother booked the trip, Milan to Capri – museums, churches, gelaterias, coffee bars and restaurants. As a young, uncouth American, after our first few dinners I eagerly asked for espresso, grappa, and limoncello – I couldn’t decide which I wanted, so I would sip back and forth between all three. The grappa was… an acquired taste. That espresso was my first introduction to coffee outside of the world of frappuccinos and extra sweet lattes – and I’ve never looked back. And the limoncello was love at first sip. Grandma Jo was excited to bring me and my brother to Italy for the first time – sharing stories about our great-grandparents and their journey from Naples to America, stories that we had never heard before. Every afternoon coffee break, waiting in line at a museum, and evenings after dinner, she would share more of her memories, bringing our great-grandparents to life. I left Italy with a vast appreciation for the history, beauty and culture of the country. But also with a better understanding of my grandparents, their journey, and the legacy of my family. ‘For 3 Seconds’ celebrates that legacy – with the sweet vanilla and citrus of Licor 43 blending harmoniously with the dried fruit and nutty notes of the Grappa. The Cold Brew introduces a champagne-esque acid – bright and lively, with a subtle sweetness and almost effervescent mouthfeel. The Limoncello brightens the citrus notes of the cocktail, with a peppery, floral pop of Cardamom from the bitters. A splash of Club Soda and an expression of Orange. For 3 Seconds – sit, sip, and savor the moment. Each moment.

Ingredients

• 37 Ml. Licor 43 Original
• 45 Ml. Cold Brew Coffee (Mom N Em Congratulations Roast)
• 22 Ml. Limoncello (Villa Massa)
• 15 Ml. Grappa (Italiana Caffo)
• 5 Drops Cardamom Bitters
• 45 Ml. Club Soda

Method

Cocktail Preparation

• In a shaker tin combine Licor 43, Cold Brew Coffee, Limoncello, Grappa, and Cardamom Bitters.
• Add ice and shake to chill and combine, about 12 seconds.
• Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with Club Soda.
• Express an Orange Peel over the glass, garnish with the manicured peel. Serve with Salted Dark Chocolate and Almond Bark.

Coffee Preparation

• 100 grams Mom N Em CONGRATULATIONS Coffee, Coarse Ground. Red and yellow varietals, and has undergone a 48 hour anaerobic fermentation, a 60 hour carbonic maceration fermentation. Both fermentations were inoculated champagne yeast.
• 600 grams Cold Filtered Water
• In a sealable container, combine Coffee and Water, stirring to ensure grounds are fully saturated.
• Let sit in refrigerator for 16 hours to steep. Pour through a coffee filter lined sieve. Store Cold Brew in a sealed container in refrigerator until ready to use.