Still on the lookout for refreshing summer cocktails? Today Lt. Dan’s got an amazing lemon apricot bourbon cocktail for sultry summer evenings, and a message that touches us all.

"Indian Summer" Bourbon Cocktail | ASpicyPerspective.com #cocktails #summer #recipe

A word from Lt. Dan…

I tend to be a pretty light-hearted guy, not too serious very often. Given the choice, I’d rather watch Happy Gilmore or Caddyshack instead of a super intense drama. I’m more about cocktails on a boat than aged port and political conversation in the study. But there are times when it is necessary to get a little serious, maybe a bit emotional – especially when it relates to matters of the heart. With that in mind, today’s slightly more serious cocktail post is going to discuss the nasty C-word – Cancer.

I am convinced cancer touches all of us. It has become so ubiquitous that we all have a story of personal battle or a loved one, who is, or has battled. There are stories of great triumph; even miracles. And there are stories of hard fought battles lost. Mrs. Spicy and I have experienced both extremes with loved ones in our lives.

How to make "Indian Summer" Bourbon Cocktail | ASpicyPerspective.com #cocktails #summer #recipe

The most extreme example is my beautiful niece O’neal. “Baby O” left us to be with the Lord just one month before my daughter Ava was born over 10 years ago. She fought a very aggressive form of brain cancer from the age of 9 months to 18 months. She was lovely – and I am proud that my daughter carries O’neal as her middle name, a lifetime honor to her cousin. Over 2500 people showed up for Baby O’s funeral and we have heard many stories years later of how her strength touched people’s lives. She passed that strength to all of us who knew her and loved her.

A very close friend of ours was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

I am relieved to say that it was detected early, she has had surgery and is currently undergoing radiation, and by all accounts looks to be on track for a full recovery. It’s been a scary few months, but she is going to be fine. Thank you Lord and Duke Medical! Hoorah!!!

How to make a bourbon cocktail

The final example is the purpose for this post. I have had the great privilege of getting to know Jason and Ashley Crosby over the past several months.

The Crosby’s moved to Asheville about 2 years ago, with Jason working as the head mixologist and bar manager of one of our favorite restaurants in town, The Junction. Jason had been a very successful spirits distributor, wine connoisseur, and mixologist throughout different parts of the country including Colorado and Hilton Head. He moved his family to Asheville in order to “slow down” and begin to enjoy life, family and the lifestyle Asheville has to offer.

the Crosby family

By all accounts, the Crosby’s were doing great in Asheville – their young daughter Gianna was acclimating well and Ashley became pregnant with their second child (Salem was born in May). And then, like many of you reading have experienced personally or through a loved one, news came. For Jason, it was February of this year. Stage 4-pancreatic cancer and a 60 day window of life.

No insurance. No warning. No idea what to do next.

 Bourbon Cocktail | ASpicyPerspective.com #cocktails #summer #recipe

Writing those words, I am forced to sit back and let that sink in again. The enormity of that reality is very difficult to wrap my brain around. A 40-year-old healthy man with a wife, a daughter and a newborn due in 3 months – given an almost sure death sentence.

Fast-forward to today and the Crosby’s are fighting like crazy. They have become my heroes in a sense. Jason’s body has rejected Chemo, but he is fighting in other holistic ways – especially with diet. The cancer at this point does not seem to have gotten worse and they still have extreme Faith and Hope.

Every day is a battle – but one worth fighting. The Crosby’s have awesome plans for the future, and have every intention of getting to them.

Indian Summer Cocktails | ASpicyPerspective.com #summer #cocktails #recipe

I tell this story for several reasons.

First, I want to help the Crosby family. Their medical and living expenses are extreme just trying to fight. We have done a few fund-raiser’s and Asheville has embraced them as one of their own. So now I am reaching out to the ASP family of readers. If you can help the Crosby Cancer Fund, Link Here. Every penny goes to the family. Your donations and prayers are needed and greatly appreciated!

The Crosby Family

Second, as stated above, cancer affects all of us in some way.

My hope is that these stories, especially the story about the Crosby family will help us to remember someone who is fighting this awful disease. Maybe it will encourage you to take part in or start a fund-raiser yourself. Maybe these stories will help us appreciate today and the loved ones in our lives a little more. Maybe it’s just good sometimes, to remember that there are good people around us going through very difficult times, and a prayer or kind word could go a long way…

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Or… You could make them a batch of these AWESOME Indian Summer cocktails (there is a cocktail today).

Jason Crosby has so kindly shared his personal concoction with us today. These babies can go a long way to make anyone’s day better!

BTW: Some people are not comfortable giving to people they don’t know. So if you’re not comfortable giving to Jason and his family – please consider sending a donation to another great cancer fighting cause. My favorite (other than the Crosby Cancer Fund) is the Jimmy V Foundation.

Cheers!

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Indian Summer Bourbon Cocktail

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
An amazing lemon apricot bourbon cocktail for sultry summer evenings.
Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces good bourbon
  • 1/4 ounce limoncello
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apricot jam heaping
  • 8-12 fresh sage leaves

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill the shaker with ice. Cover and shake vigorously 12-15 times.
  • Fill a small tumbler with ice and double-strain into the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a fresh sage leaf.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail, Calories: 209kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 9mg, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin C: 7.3mg
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Author: Sommer Collier
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