Plus, make two gin-forward cocktails.
 
12.04.2023 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

51º | Cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:25 a.m. | Sunset 5:17 p.m.
 

🥃 Celebrate a decade of Durham Distillery

Durham Distillery celebrates 10 spirited years
Durham Distillery products displayed on a shelf with a sign reading "Cheers to 10 Years."
Durham Distillery’s tasting room opened in 2015. | Photo by RALtoday
City Editor Cat here. Allie and I ventured to our neighboring friends in Durham to celebrate Durham Distillery’s 10th anniversary with a spirited night at Corpse Reviver Cocktail Bar & Lounge.

Founded in 2013 by Melissa and Lee Katrincic, this gin-centric craft distillery — and its head science-driven distillers — consistently receive top honors. For example, its Conniption Navy Strength Gin has won the best Navy Strength Gin in the US for four consecutive years.

Melissa, who studied physics and astrophysics at Bryn Mawr College + The University of Edinburgh, trailblazed her way into the industry as the first US female distiller to be inducted into The Gin Guild, a major industry honor.

A copper distill.

Learn how spirits are made during a behind-the-scenes distillery tour.

|

Photo by RALtoday

You can say they have it down to a science — along with producing award-winning gin, cold-distilled vodka, and liqueurs, the couple has created a booming business including Durham Distillery and its adjoined Corpse Reviver Cocktail Bar.

We tried a few festive cocktails featuring a mix of the distillery’s tried-and-true spirits such as the juniper-hued Conniption Kinship Gin and specialty features like Conniption Barrel Aged Gin.

The swanky downtown spot is dressed for the season, outfitted in holiday decor featuring tinsel, twinkling lights, garland, drinks served in cheerful mugs, and a faux crackling fireplace to complete the cozy vibes.

Must-try sips of the season: Not The Gumdrop Buttons sip complete with a gingerbread man treat and the Bah-Hum Beer frozen butterscotch cocktail served in a nostalgic Santa mug.

Time-tested classic cocktails: Martinez + Corpse Reviver (of course)

RAL-CorpseReviverCocktail-Dec23

Try the Bah-Hum-Beer (left) and Not the Gum Drop Buttoms (right).

|

Photo by RALtoday

Pro tip: On Wednesday starting at 4 p.m., you can order spirits + sweets from a specialty pairing menu featuring items like spiked warm cider coupled with an apple streusel cheesecake from Durham’s Little Barb’s Bakery.

After we savored every sip from our festive bevs, we headed to the distillery to see where the magic happens. There, we met Gertrude, the team’s esteemed still. Did you know? Every bottle from the distillery is hand-filled with care.

I highly recommend booking a behind-the-scenes tour to better appreciate and understand the art + science behind these famed spirits, while tasting along the way.

Keep reading for two cocktail recipes.
 
Events
Monday, Dec. 4
  • Holiday Charcuterie Design with Raleigh Cheesy | Monday, Dec. 4 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co., 131 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | $76 | Learn how to craft a festive charcuterie board with Courtney Bowman from Raleigh Cheesy — tickets also include two unique holiday cocktails with instructions to make at home.
Tuesday, Dec. 5
  • Real Friends & Knuckle Puck | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 6 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh | $30-$35 | Listen to these pop and rock bands bring the house down.
  • Virginia Kantra — “The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale” | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 7-8 p.m. | Quail Ridge Books, 4209-100 Lassiter Mill Rd., Raleigh | $0-$18 | Listen to the author of this novel inspired by “The Wizard of Oz” speak about the book in conversation with Raleigh romance author Sarah Grunder Ruiz.
Wednesday, Dec. 6
  • Let’s Play Trivia | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Green Monkey, 215 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | Free | Test your knowledge of all things and compete to win prizes.
Thursday, Dec. 7
  • City of Raleigh Museum’s 30th Anniversary Fundraising Gala | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 6-11 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | $50-$400 | There will be a silent auction including items like an NC Chinese Lantern Festival gift bundle, a semi-formal dinner, drinks, and a fashion show.
Friday, Dec. 8
  • Figulina: Pasta + Provisions Popup Dinner | Friday, Dec. 8 | 5-8 p.m. | The Raleigh Wine Shop, 317 S. Bloodworth St., Raleigh | Price of purchase | Get a first taste of Figulina Pasta + Provisions, headed by former Poole’s Chef David Ellis, before opening in the former Humble Pie space.
Pack your week with fun events
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Tech

Cut holiday spammers off at the source
Incogni-paper-airplane.png
This service protects your personal data not only from targeted ads, but also from scammers and identity thieves. | Image by Incogni
The best way to cut down on all those holiday spam emails, texts, and calls? Cut marketers off at the source by removing your personal information from data brokers — aka companies that sell contact info to spammers (and scammers).

Save yourself the manual work and get your data off 180+ data brokers and people search sites automatically with Incogni.

Bonus: Sign up for a one year subscription with code 6AM60 and get 60% off.
Snag 60% off for a limited time
News Notes
Open
  • Sodabox held its grand opening over the weekend at 1008 Raleigh Blvd. near Lions Park. The NC-based fizzy biz makes concoctions with soda, sparkling water, and lemonade mixed with fancy flavored syrup + other add-ons.
Community
  • The Wake County Animal Center will resume cat adoption services today and dog adoptions this Wednesday, Dec. 6 by appointment only. Animals have been quarantined, due to a recent outbreak of canine influenza, since Oct. 6. However, no new cases of the disease have been reported since Nov. 13.
Coming Soon
  • The Westin hotel, located in Brier Creek near RDU, is opening a traditional Brazilian steakhouse on the bottom floor. This will be Estampa Gaucha’s third and largest location spanning 6,200 sqft. With construction nearly complete, patrons can look forward to a unique dining experience featuring 10 tableside chefs. (Triangle Business Journal)
Civic
  • Dozens of new laws went into effect over the weekend. The News & Observer broke down several new regulations for elections, medications, and veterinary practices. Read on for more.
Listen
  • Curious as to what’s playing in Raleghites earbuds? Well, Spotify is listening and reported that Raleigh’s top artists are Taylor Swift, Drake, Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan, and 21 Savage. In case you’re wondering, “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen was played the most by City of Oaks Spotify listeners. (Axios Raleigh)
History
  • Opening Thursday, Dec. 7, the NC Museum of History’s new exhibit, Moonshine and Motorsports Trail, will highlight NC’s bootleg whiskey and stock car racing history. The trail will include a variety of itineraries between historic locations, natural areas, and racetracks across the state.
Shop
  • Exclusive giveaways, gifts with every purchase, and champagne to sip on while you shop? You’ll find all that and more at the Let it Glow Synergy Social + Savings event tomorrow, Dec. 5, at Synergy Face + Body. Drop in at any location to snag special deals and share in holiday fun.*
Featured Home
  • Luxury living climbs to new heights at The Eastern Residences – recently named the High-Rise Grand Winner in the nationwide Multifamily Executive Awards. This exquisite collection of apartment homes, ranging from studios to penthouses, comes brimming with curated amenities + exceptional service to seamlessly integrate luxury into your daily life.*
Seasonal
  • Tis’ the season of giving. If you give a charitable donation this year, Stressless furniture wants to reward you. Until Jan. 15, every $50 donation made to charity comes with generous discounts on some of the world’s comfiest recliners, motion sofas, dining chairs, and more.*
Finance
  • Masterworks is a platform that helps you invest in multi-million dollar art by names like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso, for just thousands – not millions. When Masterworks sells a painting, like the 16 it’s already sold, investors can get a return. 6AM City readers can skip the waitlist to join.**
**Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures and aggregate advisory performance masterworks.com/cd.
 
Try This

🍸 Shaken, not stirred

Make two Durham Distillery cocktails from home
Two cocktails: The Corpse Reviver 2 and Barrel Aged Martinez.
Make these classic sips at home, or have Corpse Reviver’s bartenders mix them up for you at the bar. | Photo by RALtoday
During Allie + I’s visit to Durham Distillery, Corpse Reviver’s head bartender Taylor McClintock sent us home with two classic recipes for our readers to recreate at home.

Corpse Reviver 2

  • 1 oz Conniption American Dry Gin
  • .5 oz Cointreau
  • 1 oz Cocchi Americano
  • .5 oz Grand Marnier
  • One to two drops absinthe
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • Shake ingredients with ice
  • Serve in a small coupe glass

Barrel Aged Martinez

  • 1.5 oz Conniption Barrel Aged Gin
  • 1.5 oz sweet vermouth
  • .5 oz Luxardo
  • Two dashes of orange bitters
  • Shake ingredients with ice
  • Serve in a martini glass with an orange twist
If you’re in the mood for holiday cocktails, check out recipes from the distillery’s annual 12 Days of Cocktails competition.
The Buy

The Buy 12.04.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A fun and useful gift that’s sure to get the holiday party started: a margarita machine.
Share RALtoday
 
ReferralGIF1-RAL.gif

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_21}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_21}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
 
The Wrap
 
Cat George in a black turtleneck sweater

Today’s edition by:
Cat
From the editor
Last week, Allie and I had the chance to preview Hummingbird’s holiday bites, bevs, and decked halls. My favorite sip of the night was the It’s a Wonderful Life bubbly cocktail.

If you’re looking for family fun, check out Who-Ville Holiday this Sunday, Dec. 10 featuring cookie decorating, a holiday market, and the Grinch himself. Plus, bring a toy to donate to the Raleigh Dream Center.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Become a Member     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY