Moonshine and History in the Mountain State

The Mountain State is where we’re headed this week. Back when I was in school, I remember one of my teachers saying that West Virginia split from Virginia because of the mountainous region that went through the state. She said that there was very little interaction between the two populations, so they decided to create another state. I decided to test the theory. What I found is that though the mountains do create a separation demographically, there was no evidence of that in research. Nonetheless, the Mountain State is filled with a rich history of its own. 

Let’s Eat…in! 

• Moongarita! | One of the major activities in past history, though illegal, was the moonshine industry. In homage to that, I’ve linked to several cocktails featuring moonshine, but of course I’m going to make the Moongarita for my girlfriends (it’s the third one on the page.) Did someone say “tequila”?!

Created by H&M Moonshine, the recipe used to make Hatfield & McCoy Moonshine is as authentic and original as the mountains and streams that bear the family names. The original recipe belongs to Devil Anse Hatfield (of that famous feud), and is currently produced in small, handmade batches, six days a week, in the micro-distillery in Gilbert, WV, on original Hatfield land. This Moongarita recipe uses H&M Moonshine Cointreau (though Triple Sec or Patron Orange liqueur will do the job). 

Ingredients for 1 | Multiply by degree of thirst, divide by number of girlfriends!

                          (does it get any easier than that?)

Ingredients

• 1/2 ounce tequila

• 1.5 ounces H&M Moonshine Contreau (or Triple Sec or Patron Orange liqueur)

• Squirt of lime juice

• 3 ounces sour mix

• Lime wedge as garnish

• Salt or sugar to rim the glass (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. 

Step 2

Shake well.

Step 3

Salt the rim of a chilled margarita/martini glass (optional, but a great touch).

Step 4

Pour contents, with ice, into the glass.

Step 5

Garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!

Let’s Eat…out! 

Looking for a place to gather with girlfriends for a meal? Here two great options when planning your next girlfriend gathering in WV:

• Hale House | Hale House is a bourbon style bistro in downtown Charleston Historic District. Upon entry, you’re immediately embraced with an atmosphere reminiscent of another place and time. The natural wood tones and materials used throughout the décor help create a relaxed, yet refined mood. The mostly made-from-scratch and locally sourced menu is bolstered by a spirit list containing more than 200 choices (170 of which are bourbons and whiskeys)! 

The inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and premium spirits all come together in a harmonious blend with top-notch service to bring you a 5-star dining experience. Owner-operator, Vincente Cruz is a well-known local restaurateur and entrepreneur with a vision for Hale House to be a quality food establishment with high-end whiskeys (notice a pattern here?).

Starting with a cocktail, whether the Moongarita or one of the many whiskeys or bourbons, feasting on a dinner of two bone-in French center-cut pork chops and my choice of side works for me.

• Lot 12 | Lot 12 restaurant is situated in a beautifully restored house built in 1913, where you have the choice of dining on the porch during pleasant weather or in their warm and inviting dining room. Nestled in beautiful downtown Berkeley Springs (the country’s first spa—fun girlfriend day spa?), just a few minute’s walk from Berkeley Springs State Park, many bed and breakfasts, spa facilities, and even a vintage 1940s movie theater sounds wonderful for a My Girlfriendships® road trip! Lot 12 strives to be more than just a good restaurant, offering great food, spirits and service. They pay close attention to the little details making the restaurant “a dining destination.”

A visit to Lot 12 is the ultimate getaway evening for everyone, whether they be local or visiting from out of town.

After a day of sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the history of Berkeley Springs, I’ll be ready for the pan-seared scallops with spinach parmesan risotto, prosciutto, sage, mozzarella, marsala demi-glace.

Recipe source

https://www.drinkofthedevilmoonshine.com/gallery

Photo credit:

Pan Seared Scallops