Cathead Vodka

Cathead Vodka is based in Jackson, Mississippi and is the first legal liquor produced in the state since 1907. Richard Patrick and Austin Evans, who were college friends at the University of Alabama, began the company in 2010 to showcase a love for their Southern roots. Their stylishly packaged vodka, which comes in regular and Honeysuckle, is corn based and crafted in small batches. 

Richard and Austin chose the name Cathead as cats is a common blues singer slang for musicians. Their logo was inspired by cat artwork that Delta blues musicians made to supplement their income. What I love most, besides their homage to the Mississippi blues, is that a dollar from each 750ml bottle sold goes to support live music in the Jackson area. 

I recently got together with my friend Wendy Binns from the Atlanta Intown Paper to prepare a couple of Cathead cocktails. I particularly like Cathead's concoction called Blues Cat, where the first step is to muddle together 10-15 blueberries. 

Add to the muddled berries 3 oz Cathead Vodka, 1 oz. fresh lemon juice, 1 oz. simple syrup and 5 basil leaves, muddled. Shake well then strain. 

Add ice then garnish with blueberries and a basil leaf. So good... 

I love the idea of Honeysuckle Vodka and Richard and Austin are the first distillery to attempt this combo. Honeysuckle is a Southern vine, growing plentiful in Florida, southern Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. The Cathead brand is all about Southern roots, afterall...

To make a pitcher of Honeysuckle Lemonade, mix together 4 cups of Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (5-6 lemons), 1 cup basil simple syrup and 4 cups of water. 

Pour your lemonade into 8 oz mason jars filled with cracked ice, then garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wheel. And then may I suggest sipping this tasty beverage on your front porch with a little music playing in the background. Blues music, of course...

Learn more about Cathead Vodka and the Mississippi Blues, here.

Photos and Content: Sweet Peach   2nd Pic: Clarion-Ledger

Celebrating Poplarville, Mississippi

Kyle White likes the charm of the South, specifically the small town of Poplarville, Mississippi- just a stone's throw away from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he attended. 

I think it's fair to say he got a good education. Kyle designed these postcard sets for the city of Poplarville and has accrued an impressive portfolio over the years, now living and working in New York City as a graphic designer. Kyle shares that "these postcards were intended to reflect the town's relaxed atmosphere and landscape." 

I like how Kyle pays homage to Mississippi's state bird and the popular Blueberry Jubilee that takes place in Poplarville every June. I think I need to go to a blueberry jubilee. That sounds fun...

Poplarville is not very populated. With just over 2600 residents, it has small town appeal. It certainly left a mark on Kyle, now it leaves a mark on us.

Photos: Kyle White Design    Content: Sweet Peach

Amelia

I love a good shop. Which is the best way to describe Amelia in Oxford, Mississippi. This lovely, charming and beautifully designed home goods and gift store is what's needed in every town in America. It's one of those places that just make you happy to be there, surrounded by pretty, thoughtful things. 

My favorite shops are always the ones that surprise me with products I've never seen before. Owner, Erin Austen Abbott shares her winning philosophy, "As a child it bothered me when someone else had the same shoes or shirt as myself. I didn't feel as special. I try to get items in smaller quantities so that you too can stand out from the rest and have that unique style all your own." 

I love this tote bag that is a map of Oxford with an arrow pointing towards Amelia. Great design and what a smart and creative way to promote the shop.

I tend to love any design items that cater to mother nature so I was happy to see that Erin stocks an array of prints, cards, books and art that celebrate the natural world. 

I've been seeing these fabulous Forage bowties in the press lately. All are handmade using vintage fabrics and offer a unique look for the modern man. I mean, at the end of the day, who can resist a nice guy in a stylish tie?  

Erin also carries a variety of colorful, charming stamps. I'm particularly fond of the rainy day stamp set...

This may be my favorite offering at the Amelia shop- these beautifully designed floral coasters by Rifle Paper Co. I just love the color combinations and want to design a whole room around them. Too pretty...

Photos: Amelia    Content: Sweet Peach