According to Ronda Rich, one of my favorite southern authors, Southern Charm is more than a drawl, ya'll!
Charm is part innate warmth and part cultivated art of making people feel good about themselves and about you. And it's a part of the foundation for living a charmed life. It takes a little practice, but it feels go-ood.
In the South, we are taught from the time we are knee-high to a grasshopper to say yes 'am and yessir. We learn to smile, wink subtlely, wink exaggerated, flutter, flatter, flirt, bedazzle, and sparkle. We bless each others hearts. We call lots of folks darlin' and sweetie, and we intentionally practice radiating warmth like mid-morning sunshine.
In fact if you want to cultivate these talents in your own life, practice creating warmth wherever you go. Notice everyone around you and speak. It establishes instant rapport. Treat everyone (tellers, waiters, bellman, bankers, lawyers, indian chiefs) with equal kindness and respect. And above all be utterly feminine or gentlemanly. Who can resist a Southern Lady or Gentleman, darlin'?
So go ahead, spray on a little honeysuckle or magnolia blossom parfum, drop those ending g's, mix yo'sef a mint julip or a mint sweet tea, curl up in the porch swing and practice. Let me know how your style develops... ya'll.
Mint Julep or Mint Sweet Tea
mint leaves (mint grows like a weed in the south. To grow your own, I recommend starting it in a clay pot, even if you plant the pot in the ground)
sugar
water
crushed ice
bourbon whiskey or strong steeped tea
Bring water to a boil, remove from heat and add sugar to taste to make a simple syrup. Bruise mint leaves to release the oils and add to the warm syrup to steep.
To assemble the drink, choose a silver cup and fill with crushed ice. Add bourbon to taste OR a strongly steeped tea. Top it off with the mint flavored simple syrup. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Start practicing now. The Derby is less than two months away.
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