July 11, 2025

THE GOLDEN GROVE

The Golden Grove is a vibrant cocktail that bridges the comforting warmth of classic liqueurs with fresh, garden-inspired brightness. I created this cocktail after discovering that many people still enjoy Amaretto, and not just Amaretto Stone Sours. Built on a foundation of amaretto, this drink layers fresh lemon and orange juices with a touch of simple syrup, delivering a tangy-sweet profile balanced by subtle spice. A rosemary sprig, gently muddled and used as a garnish, infuses herbal complexity and a natural aroma that elevates the entire experience. Served in a coupe glass and topped optionally with sparkling water, The Golden Grove is as inviting in appearance as it is in flavor—sunlit gold in hue and delicately garnished for a touch of elegance.

What Is Amaretto

Amaretto, the core of the cocktail, is an Italian almond-flavored liqueur with a story as rich as its taste. Traditionally made from apricot kernels, almond oil, or a blend of both, it carries a sweet, nutty profile with hints of vanilla and spice. The most well-known brand, Disaronno, traces its roots to Saronno, Italy, in the 16th century, with a romantic origin story involving a painter, a muse, and a secret family recipe. Amaretto rose to international popularity in the mid-20th century, especially in the 1970s and ’80s, when it featured prominently in popular drinks like the Amaretto Sour and Godfather.

The Golden Grove honors that tradition while evolving it—eschewing heavy sweetness for more natural, citrus-forward flavors and herbal depth. It’s ideal as an aperitif or a brunch companion, appealing to those who enjoy cocktails with a balance of sweetness, acidity, and botanical flair. Whether you’re sipping in spring, fall, or the glowing hours of golden hour, this cocktail feels both timeless and fresh—just like its namesake. It’s a modern ode to Italian warmth, citrus groves, and the art of refined refreshment.

Mr. Sam

The Golden Grove Cocktail

The Golden Grove is a vibrant cocktail that bridges the comforting warmth of classic liqueurs with fresh, garden-inspired brightness. Built on a foundation of amaretto, this drink layers fresh lemon and orange juices with a touch of simple syrup.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings: 1 Serving

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 Ounces Amaretto
1 Sprig Rosemary
3/4 Ounce Lemon Juice
1/2 Ounce Orange Juice
1 Ouce Simple Syrup
3 Dashes Orange Bitters
Club Soda For topping off. Sparkling water also works.
1 Sprig Rosemary Garnish.
1 Slice Orange Garnish.

Method

Muddle a small rosemary sprig gently in a shaker (just to release the oils, not pulverize it).
Add the amaretto, lemon juice, orange juice, simple syrup, and orange bitters to the shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass with ice.
Optional: Top with a splash of sparkling water for a lighter variation.
Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and an orange slice.

Notes

I created this recipe and welcome any changes you want to make. Like all cocktails, variations are created over time. Enjoy.

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Author: Mr. Sam

Filed Under: Cocktails

Tags: amaretto, citrusy, holiday cocktail, Refreshing

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THE SOUTHERN BELLE SMASH

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Halloween is one of the most enchanting nights of the year, full of glowing jack-o’-lanterns, playful scares, and creative costumes. Celebrated every October 31st, it’s a time when children race through neighborhoods trick-or-treating, adults gather for costume parties, and homes are decorated with cobwebs, skeletons, and flickering candlelight. But behind all the fun and festivity lies a fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. The holiday began with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a harvest celebration marking the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31st, the boundary between the living and the spirit world grew thin. Ghosts and other supernatural beings were thought to walk among the living. To protect themselves, people lit bonfires, wore disguises to confuse wandering spirits, and left out offerings of food. These traditions were meant to keep danger at bay, while also honoring loved ones who had passed away. As Christianity spread through Europe, the church blended Samhain with its own holy days. November 1st became All Saints’ Day (also called All Hallows’ Day), and October 31st became All Hallows’ Eve, later shortened to Halloween. Over time, the customs grew and shifted. In medieval Europe, people practiced “souling,” where they went door to door, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. This was one of the earliest versions of what we now know as trick-or-treating. When Irish and Scottish immigrants brought these traditions to America in the 1800s, Halloween began to take on its modern form. Pumpkins replaced turnips as the lantern of choice, thanks to their size and abundance. Communities embraced costume parades, neighborhood parties, and eventually candy-giving as central features of the holiday. By the 20th century, Halloween had transformed into the colorful, playful celebration we know today. Now, Halloween is as much about creativity and fun as it is about spookiness. From haunted houses and ghost stories to caramel apples and carved pumpkins, it’s a holiday that mixes mystery with merriment. At its heart, Halloween is about imagination—becoming someone (or something) else for a night, while celebrating the thrill of the eerie and the joy of community.