I can’t believe it’s September already! And even though we just finished Rafe’s Bachelor Dinner, September is Detective Garza’s birthday month. So for the next few weeks we’ll be attending his birthday party at a local Savannah restaurant. I knew Detective Garza would fuss over the attention, so Calum and I came up with a surprise party. I hope you’ll join us as Detective Garza and the men from the Deadly Forces series enjoy some downtime together. Because trust me, with the books that are already in the works, Garza and his boys will need it. Now I’m turning over the blog to the birthday boy (Garza really hates being called that!)
Detective Garza ~ “I’m not one to celebrate birthdays. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I had a birthday cake or received a present. I know it was before the Trenton Riots, before I met Evie, but that’s in the past now and I just want to do my job and forget everything that happened before I moved to Savannah. I was doing well with that too until Calum Prioleau asked me to meet him at some new hip and trendy bar after work.
Foolishly, I said yes. And now that I’m here, I’ve discovered that not only is this restaurant a hip and trendy new place that I don’t feel comfortable in, I’ve walked into a surprise birthday party. Now I’m here drinking something called a Blackberry Mint Julep and hanging out with my boys.
If you would’ve told me a year ago that I’d leave the Trenton, NJ Police Department and move to Savannah, GA where I’d meet Calum Prioleau aka the Richest Man in the South, arrest and release Rafe Montfort the infamous ex-Green Beret and Fianna Warrior, end up protecting an entire unit of dishonorably discharged Green Berets who have no understanding of the concept “No Public Disturbances”, that I’d see a real-life arms dealer, and have a Fianna warrior bow to me, I would’ve told you you were crazy.
But it’s all real and it all happened. And if you’re not sure what a Fianna warrior is, or why a bunch of Green Berets would be dishonorably discharged and living above the run-down Iron Rack’s Gym, ask Sharon. She’ll fill you in. Just ask her to do it in 10,000 words or less as her stories tend to run long.
Anyway, here I am in the bar with Calum, Rafe, Philip, Nate, Pete, Zack, Cain, and Ty drinking fruity bourbon drinks that are, surprisingly, really good. I’m glad you can join us for this month’s event and please ignore any cussing or gossip. Sometimes my boiiiis get out of control.”
Blackberry Mint Julep
I first had this drink at a wedding in Savannah, GA at the historic Kehoe House. It was the first time I can honestly say that I loved bourbon. It's best with fresh berries and mint and it's totally worth the calories. And I loved that it was served in pewter Jefferson cups!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 6 Tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups small ice cubes
- 1 pint fresh blackberries
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 4 sprigs fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
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Roughly chop the mint leaves.
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Puree the mint, blackberries, and sugar in a blender. Press through a fine sieve into a bowl and discard the seeds.
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Rinse the blender and return the puree to the blender. Add the bourbon and small ice cubes and blend just until smooth (don't ever mix!). Divide the mixture among 4 highball glasses. Garnish each drink with a mint sprig.
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If possible serve in Jefferson cups.
