Meet Bathtub Gin
Bathtub Gin is an artisanal fruit spread business born from two sisters’ passion for homemade jam and a love of all things related to the 1920s and 30s.
From 1920 until 1933, the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution banned the sale, manufacture or transportation of alcohol. During this time, those who desired something to wet their whistle were forced to produce liquor in secret and less than ideal conditions (including amateur distilling in their bathtubs) which often led to the production of rather unpleasant tasting alcohol. In order to help disguise the taste of these poorer-grade liquors, many individuals and bartenders at speakeasies started mixing their bootleg liquor with fruit juices and voilá – a cocktail emerged.

The Facts
Bathtub Gin uses organic ingredients and all products are prepared in our licensed and inspected kitchen. We do not use preservatives or additives in any of our products.

The Goods

• Strawberry Limoncello - This flavor combination is teeming with cheek-puckering citrus that captures the heart of any true lemon fan, but is tempered nicely by the sweet, syrupy juices released by sun-ripened strawberries. This inspired pairing is further enhanced by the addition of one of Italy’s finest liqueurs – limoncello. Part of the appeal of Italian limoncello is its pure simplicity – it is made from lemon peel, liquor, sugar and water. This Southern Italian after-dinner drink has earned fans worldwide as a digestivo and as a popular ingredient in cocktails as it lends the citrus zing of lemon without any bitterness.
• Coconut Rum Pineapple
• Chardonnay Strawberry
• Rum Raisin Mission Fig - The velvety rich mixture of Rum Raisin and Mission fig is stewed with the zest of lemons and oranges, fresh squeezed juice, our handmade candied citrus peels and a blend of spices that create an intoxicating aroma and an intense flavor that delights your taste buds. This other worldly concoction makes you believe you are reliving the glory days of the Manhattan nightclubs with tales of bootleg liquor and late-night raids when nightlife thrived and Duke Ellington and his orchestra wailed into the wee hours.

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Thank you to those who braved mother nature this past saturday for our first market! We had a great turn out despite the rain. Many of our neighbors left with bundles of fresh onions, lettuce, strawberries, eggs and meat. What did you make with your fresh and local food from this past weekend?

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By now you have probably had a chance to meet Skip, your local Alfresco Pasta vendor. Skip is always willing to take a few minutes to explain the craftsmanship that goes behind making the best pasta in Nashville. Yes, you read that correctly, the BEST pasta in Nashville! Not only am I a big pasta snob, made my own homemade pasta, and tasted some of the best pasta from around the US, and Italy, I can say with assurance, this pasta is phenomenal. I also love the fact that they use local seasonal ingredients for their products. Alfresco Pasta makes their pasta with local farm eggs, local meat, local cheese and local vegetables. Each week they showcase pasta with items that are in season and at their peak.  When you walk by their booth next week you will be amazed at the bright colors of their pastas, but do not be fooled- they only use natural coloring from plants and herbs. To top off their high quality product, they do not use any preservatives in their pasta or sauces. Each week you can choose from their seasonal ravioli, tortellini, potato gnocchi, fettuccine, and gourmet pasta sauces to complete your dish.  President and Executive Chef Chris Grisson says “Our passion is combining the Old World quality of small batch production and hands-on manufacturing with a broad and innovative product line to give you menu items that will excite our customers.” This is why I buy local, because small vendors take the time to create a piece of art in what we eat and have a passion for locally sourced ingredients, no preservatives and flavor that will knock your socks off. Check out Alfresco Pasta this week at the Woodbine Farmers’ Market.

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When I think of street vendors, especially icy ones, the first thing that comes to mind is shaved ice with high fructose corn syrup in electric blue drizzled on the top. However, Italian Ice is not a snow cone. It’s a non-dairy frozen dessert that’s made from real fruit. They start with fresh fruit, which they either squeeze or puree. Then, after using their own (top secret!) all-natural recipes, they process it in an Italian ice machine. It then must be maintained at 16° to get that smooth texture, which is vital to real Italian Ice. Izzie’s Ice is all natural, no preservatives or dyes and it’s real fruit. Last week I got Tuti Fruiti and the week before I had Watermelon, both delicious flavors.  Not only was it refreshing, but you could really taste the fresh fruit! Of course, you can see why this is a perfect fit for the Farmers’ Market. Make sure to grab one of their delicious flavors each Tuesday at the Woodbine Farmers’ Market. You can also visit their permanent location at 1000 Riverside Drive in East Nashville.

“One great reason to try Izzie’s, particularly for families: A small (roughly 5-ounce) serving is $2, a large (roughly 8-ounce) serving is $3. And in an era when a trip to the frozen yogurt shop can run you $7 or $8 per kid by the time they load on the toppings, Izzie’s is a steal.” Nashville Scene.

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It’s always hard to gauge how spicy to make a dish. Some people like it mild, some medium and some hot. As a native of New Orleans, Ben Smythe has always been disappointed with the spicy food in Nashville. “I recently went to the Hot Chicken Festival in Nashville and was sorely disappointed with the amount of heat people considered hot.” He recently embarked on a mission to make not only a true hot sauce, but one that was equally flavorful. Enter, Banjamin’s Elixer- a smoky hot sauce that is made from an Indian pepper known as the Ghost Pepper.  Ben’s product line features a Season-All sauce (2 oz./ 4oz), a Dry Rub (2 oz.), and for the brave,  a 100% pure pulverised Ghost Pepper (.5 oz.).  You can now get this delicious sauce at the Woodbine Farmers’ Market.

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