So, April is Jazz Appreciation Month. Did you know this?  Jazz Appreciation month is what makes this particular post so special – there’s a theme.  Since moving to Chattanooga, there’s been lots of cool events and activities happening throughout the city and because April is Jazz Appreciation Month, naturally, there’s something cool happening in our city.  During the entire month of April, Chattanooga has been honored to have a jazz festival: Jazzanooga.  Jazzanooga has presented such a variety of events throughout the city. Some of those events have been perfect for date night, family-friendly or embraces our beautiful outdoor scene.

One particular event that prompted this post and that I’m most excited about happens this Thursday.  Jazzanooga is hosting an evening with culinary historian, Michael Twitty.  Michael Twitty will present a lecture and cooking demonstration on edible jazz and the importance of tradition, nature and the availability of ingredients in African-American and southern culture.  So, I thought I would showcase a jazzy cocktail named after a popular and talented musician, Dizzy Gillespie.

Ingredients needed for the Izze Gillespie
tequila (1oz)
rosemary simple syrup (.5oz)
dashes of bitters
Izze sparkling clementine soda
rosemary sprig for garnish

Take tequila and the simple syrup and pour into a cocktail shaker with ice – shake, shake, shake.

Pour tequila into a cold glass, add a couple of dashes of bitters, ice and top with clementine soda. 

Complete the cocktail by adding fresh rosemary!

Take a listen to Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia:

 Interested in attending Michael Twitty’s lecture? Click here to purchase tickets.