We’re celebrating seven years of Brooklyn Supper with classic red wine spritzers made with fresh lime and bitters. Jump to recipe.
I used to teach drawing at a small Staten Island college. Like all drawing teachers, I knew the funny truth that if you ask the class to make the best possible drawings followed by the worst possible ones, the so-called worst drawings will be superior every time. The lesson, which I’ve somehow failed to take to heart, is that our creative minds don’t respond well to pressure. The idea that we need to make something good opens the door for our analytic minds to jump in and make really terrible decisions.
Brooklyn Supper is now seven years old. Sitting down to write this post, I thought “let me sum up what writing this blog for seven years has meant. Let me tell everyone how it’s all culminated in this really great year. Let me write something brilliant and moving.” But like my students trying to make the best-ever drawing, my urge to make this the best possible marker of a milestone was turning it into a terrible one.
So I’m stepping back from all that to simply say thank you to everyone who reads. I’ve been gushing a little bit lately, but it’s because I’m just really thankful that you’re here. It wasn’t necessarily clear from the first poorly photographed, rambling post that this blog would go anywhere (though Brian’s post on chicken and Just the Ten of Us is promising.). Even for the first few years, we never knew that this blog would go anywhere. But in writing Brooklyn Supper, Brian and I stumbled in to something we’re passionate about; along the way, you’ve joined us in this world of seasons and weather and life and simple, fresh food.
Your feedback, your kind, thoughtful comments, and support are everything to us. Few things make my day like getting a message that you loved something of ours that you made. I’m grateful that you trust us enough to invite us into your kitchen, buy ingredients, and follow these recipes. I’m also grateful for the community of bloggers and kindred spirits – it’s thrilling to be part of such a vibrant group, brimming with talent and ideas and really good food.
Now, let’s celebrate with a drink. In our house, Brian was the first to embrace the red wine spritzer. I was doubtful (and pretty snooty about it), but then it got, like, really hot out, and the idea of a refreshing, icy, wine-based sip seemed like a really good one. It was. A red wine spritzer can be made simply by combining a sweet, fizzy soda and wine over ice, but ours has a little more finesse. Fresh lime, simple syrup, and Fee Brothers Bitters make for a balanced, not-too-sweet beverage. Keep things cool with plenty of ice and make sure your seltzer is really fizzy – cans are an ideal solution. As for the wine, go with whatever red makes you happy.
For the completists out there (and hope for beginning photographers everywhere), here our posts from our first, second, there’s no third – we did this instead, fourth, fifth, and sixth anniversaries.
- 4 ounces red wine
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice , plus several lime wedges
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup (any 1 to 1 syrup will do; here, we used Glossop's Hibiscus Ginger Syrup or you could make your own)
- 2 ounces seltzer
- several dashes bitters (we used Fee Brothers Old Fashioned Aromatic)
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Fill a hi-ball with ice. Add wine, lime juice, and syrup. Stir. Top of with seltzer and bitters, and garnish with 2 lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Hurrah for 7 years of Brooklyn Supper! It’s been such a joy to see your blog grow over the past few years and the accolades which you’re getting – nobody deserves it more. Here’s to many more years of deliciousness.
Thank you so much, Kathryn! Your kind words made me smile – I so appreciate your friendship and support. One of these days, I hope to meet you in person!
Three cheers for lucky number seven! So glad you guys are here and ever inspiring.
Thank you, Aimee! I feel the exact same way about your beautiful site.
Congratulations on 7 years (!!!), Elizabeth! These photos are lovely, and I’m looking forward to following along on Brooklyn Supper over the next few years. <3
Thanks Abby! So glad you like the imagery. And cheers to looking ahead – I can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
We have a blog anniversary in and around the same time! Maybe we’ve talked about this before? Anyway, I was struggling to say something sorta poignant/filled with DEEPLY MOVING gratitude this week, but my brain is pretty much fried from the cookbook at this point. Less pressure tends to yield better results on my end for sure.
You HAVE been having an awesome year and you can totally gush all you want. All the recognition is so well deserved.
I had a white wine spritzer for the first time in a loooong time at a retirement party last weekend (!!) and to my own surprise, enjoyed it quite a bit because of the heat. Yours sounds a little more interesting and to my taste though 😉 xo
Hi Laura, Yes! I think we have talked about our blog anniversaries before and decided we must have both been inspired by all the good produce this time of year. We put so much pressure on ourselves sometimes, it can be tough to step away and just let the writing happen.
Thanks so much for the kind words about this big year. I feel like things are happening in leaps and bounds, and it’s a little tough to keep up. But for sure, it’s exciting stuff.
Spritzers forever! xo
What a huge milestone Elizabeth! So excited for you and this blog-space. You are in inspiration, woman. And I love your lesson you thought your students, totally taking note of that truth! A big cheers to you <3
Thank you kindly, Jessie! I’m similarly inspired by YOU! Cheers to all that, and hopes that our paths cross again soon.
Seven years is quite impressive, and I’d say you’re having one hell of year to celebrate all of your hard-earned and well deserved accomplishments, Own it girl, xo!!! White wine spritzers I don’t generally enjoy, but red is definitely more my speed. It reminds me of this really ridiculous drink I used to have after working long bar shifts with my co-workers where we mixed red wine and coca cola. It was surprisingly amazing. And, I love how you through a little Glossops in there, I need to crack mine open already! All my love, all the time.
Congratulations on seven years of blogging! I always love coming by here and seeing your beautiful photos + recipes. 🙂
This cocktail sounds just perfect for celebrating 7 years, congratulations! I’ve been reading your blog for years now and love every single post. Keep up the great work!
7 years. What a milestone. I’m so glad to have met you (in person) and followed along on your gorgeous site for so many years. And what a year it’s been for you!
Congratulations! Now, go drink some more spritzers (isn’t that the best word ever?)!
Which Fee Bros bitter did you use? Aromatic?
Hi North, Yes! Old Fashioned Aromatic. I’ll update the recipe.
I used black box Malbec red wine and lime “La Croix” water or lime “bubbly” water it was refreshingly good!