By Libbie Summers
Assisted by David Dempsey
Photography by Teresa Earnest Photography
It’s funny how people come in and out of your life at the perfect time. Brian Hart Hoffman is one of those people. I had lost touch with Brian for a few years (no fault of either of ours) and BAM, just like that, we’re both guests at a private dinner in Charleston that ALSO just happened to fall on his birthday (of which he didn’t let me forget)! It was such fun catching up and reconnecting. I’ve always loved Brian’s energy, his zest for life, his laugh and his beautiful blue eyes. I’ve admired the business acumen of not only he and his brother, but their mother,Phyllis Hoffman DePiano, who started the family business –Hoffman Media where Brian serves as president and chief creative officer of the business, overseeing the editorial planning and brand direction for all publications and books. He’s also been the driving force behind the launch of The Cottage Journal, Southern Home, Southern Cast Iron and my favorite, Bake from Scratch (check out their instagram feed…you’ll get lost down a beautiful baked rabbit hole). Here’s the fun part of reconnecting with Brian…he’s now a published author!!
The Coupe features signature recipes from the country’s best mixologists and barkeeps and embraces the mood and magic that comes from drinking a craft cocktail from this storied glass. Brian’s personal coupe collection inspired this book, and he offers tips for collecting coupes and styling the home bar.
The Coupe also features easy and elegant dessert recipes perfect for serving in coupes, a primer on citrus garnishes, and simple syrup recipes that add depth and
flavor to cocktails. I keep my signed copy right on my bar next to the only two coupe glasses I own. Brian has pressured me into getting more!
ENTER TO WIN A COPY: In honor of the release of Brian’s first book, he’s signing one for a lucky WINNER!!! Just head over to my instagram and enter to Win. For now, I took the challenge and came up with a coupe worthy cocktail of my own. Brian said it sounded delicious…I can’t wait to make it for him…maybe he’ll bring a glass.
1. Make Rosemary Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat add ½ cup water
and sugar. Cook just until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add 1 rosemary stem. Allow to sit until cooled (you can refrigerate for faster cooling). Remove stem after cooling. (you’ll have plenty of rosemary simple syrup for a few cocktails!)
2. Chill Coupe Glass: Pack a coupe glass with ice and pour water over. Set aside.
3. Make Cocktail: Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in 1ounce apple cider, 1
ounce vodka and splash of Rosemary Simple Syrup. SHAKE. SHAKE. SHAKE.
4.Pour out ice water from coupe glass. Run fresh rosemary stem around the rim of the glass. Strain cocktail from shaker into glass. Garnish with rosemary. Serve
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