The Spirit of Georgia

1861 Distillery
The Spirit of Georgia

Spirit of Georgia is more than a podcast—it’s a celebration of our state’s rich culture, heritage, and traditions, brought to you by 1861 Distillery. Each episode takes you on a journey through the stories that define Georgia. From spirited debates like the best way to make sweet tea to uncovering the origins of quirky customs like burying bourbon bottles before weddings, we dive deep into the heart of what makes Georgia unique. Join us as we sip and savor conversations with local experts, historians, and passionate Georgians. We’ll explore the state’s hidden gems, cultural quirks, and the timeless traditions that inspire our spirits at 1861 Distillery. Whether you’re a native, a newcomer, or simply curious about Southern life, you’ll find something to love in every episode. Grab your favorite 1861 Distillery cocktail, get comfortable, and hit play to discover the stories that capture the true spirit of Georgia. Follow us to stay connected, and let’s toast to the tales that make Georgia great!

Episodes

  1. Sweet Tea Showdown: Steeped vs Syrup

    OCT 21

    Sweet Tea Showdown: Steeped vs Syrup

    In this episode of Spirit of Georgia, we dive into one of the South’s most beloved and debated traditions: sweet tea. Is the classic method of adding sugar to hot tea the true Southern way, or can adding simple syrup to unsweetened tea achieve the same iconic taste? Our guests, lifelong Georgians Dara and Tori, are here to put their taste buds to the test. Join us as we explore the origins of this sweet Southern staple, share personal stories, and finally settle the sweet tea showdown! Plus, you’ll get a delicious tea-inspired cocktail recipe to try at home. SEGMENT 1: DEEP SOUTH DISPATCH: Southern sweet tea is more than just a drink—it’s a tradition, a staple at every family gathering, and a source of comfort on a hot Georgia day. But the way it’s made often sparks a heated debate. Today, Tori and Dara will taste-test two versions of sweet tea. Which method will come out on top? Let’s find out! SEGMENT 2: PORCH TALK: Dara and Tori talk about their memories of growing up drinking sweet tea and what it means to them. SEGMENT 3: PEACH STATE PLACES: Dara and Tori discuss life in Quitman, Georgia. SEGMENT 4: POURING IT ALL TOGETHER: Before we close, we want to share our favorite sweet tea cocktail recipe with you. Here's what you'll need: 1.5 oz of 1861 Distillery Vodka3 oz of your favorite sweet tea½ oz of lemon juice½ oz of simple syrup4-5 fresh mint leaves In a shaker, gently muddle 4-5 fresh mint leaves to release the flavors. Add 1.5 oz of 1861 Distillery Vodka, 3 oz of sweet tea, ½ oz of lemon juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup into the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel for a refreshing Southern touch. And if you’d like to make this refreshing cocktail at home, you can find the full recipe by visiting our website and looking under the vodka recipes section. Cheers! Thanks for spending a little time with us on Spirit of Georgia. We hope today’s stories brought you closer to the heart of our state and reminded you why we all love calling Georgia home. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow 1861 Distillery on social media for more glimpses of Southern life and the flavors that keep our traditions alive. Stay southern, y’all! For classic Southern sweet tea, all you need is 3 family-sized black tea bags, a cup of sugar, and water. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, steep the tea bags for about 5 minutes, then dissolve the sugar. Pour it into a pitcher, add 3 more quarts of water, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Serve over ice, and for that extra touch, garnish with fresh mint or a lemon slice.Add 3 more quarts of water to the tea base to make a gallon of sweet tea and stir to combine.Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight.Pour the sweet tea into ice-filled glasses. Add a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon to each, if desired!

    15 min

About

Spirit of Georgia is more than a podcast—it’s a celebration of our state’s rich culture, heritage, and traditions, brought to you by 1861 Distillery. Each episode takes you on a journey through the stories that define Georgia. From spirited debates like the best way to make sweet tea to uncovering the origins of quirky customs like burying bourbon bottles before weddings, we dive deep into the heart of what makes Georgia unique. Join us as we sip and savor conversations with local experts, historians, and passionate Georgians. We’ll explore the state’s hidden gems, cultural quirks, and the timeless traditions that inspire our spirits at 1861 Distillery. Whether you’re a native, a newcomer, or simply curious about Southern life, you’ll find something to love in every episode. Grab your favorite 1861 Distillery cocktail, get comfortable, and hit play to discover the stories that capture the true spirit of Georgia. Follow us to stay connected, and let’s toast to the tales that make Georgia great!

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