I have this post drafted up that I had planned to post today in response to the PR shit-storm that hit the interweb this week involving some former clients.

But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized there's enough dialogue going on out there without my two-cents. And, I'd rather just let you know where I stand in general:

I don't stand for hate. Or for those who view it as a sideline issue.

With that said, I do want to express some serious gratitude and love for my local community of entrepreneurs and consumers who have stood up and joined me in my on-going stance against the spreading of hate. I, for the first time maybe ever, am completely proud of being a Southerner. Our community, bullies aside, has warmed my heart.

Which, in a funny turn of events, is why I want to share today's Cocktail Hour post, instead of some ramblings and new facts regarding the local drama.

I've been impressed by small Southern businesses quite a bit as of late. Case in point: Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. I ran across their product a little over a year ago, and as a diehard G+T drinker, I knew I had to give it a whirl.

Jack Rudy is based in Charleston, SC, and they have a wonderful brand. Design, presence, product: it's all on point. And, to make it even cooler, they have launched creative projects with super-local Alabama Chanin (whose blue napkin is in the photo above), bringing it all home.

I've had it on my agenda to share my growing love of The South, and the creative awesomeness that is spewing forth for a while. Which is why, for our second Cocktail Hour shoot with Abraham Rowe Photography, this is the one I chose.

Because, reputation and slick spots aside, The South is winning my heart.

And so is Jack Rudy. Because anything that makes my G+T a gazillion times better (I will never buy traditional tonic ever again; this stuff has changed my life) gets all of my votes, every time.

So this summer, which will undoubtedly be another Summer of Gin, I'll be mixing up all of my G+Ts with Jack Rudy, and throw in some basil for good measure. I'm positive basil in cocktails makes The Southern Summer feel less hot.

And I will continue to allow myself to see all the good that is coming out of the region where I was born and raised, and where I don't think I could ever leave.

Photography by Abraham Rowe Photography

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