They say a war for supremacy burns between Savannah and Charleston. These southern cities have a mostly good-natured rivalry to be considered the most beautiful and charming and therefore, the best bang for your tourist dollars. Really? There’s a contest? We don’t see it…

Charleston is the epitome of southern style, grace, and timeless beauty. From the waterfront to the French Quarter to the City Market, I was enchanted by her. She is an intoxicating mix of English elegance, French joue de vivre, a breath of Italian architecture and strong dose of American independence. She’s a jewel.

So many stunning homes

Pineapple Fountain

Lovely Parks

Charleston City Market

Now, for all you Savannah lovers, that party girl did give me a lasting gift and what is more suited to her than a drink recipe! At Belford’s restaurant in the City Market I had a delicious cocktail called Dixie Lemonade. Not too sweet, not too sour, and for some reason, it packs a punch. I promptly created a low cal version for the upcoming summer. The recipe below is for one drink but you can increase the dosage for more people or make a big batch in advance. I usually tweak as I go but this is pretty close:

Nixie Lemonade Recipe

• 1 shot vodka
• Dash of Couintreu or Triple Sec
• Juice from 1/4 of a lemon
• 4 slices of muddled cucumbers
• Chrystal Light lemonade powder to taste to sweeten the deal
• Splash of lemon lime soda
• Lots of ice

Y’all come back now, ya hear? We’re headed to Bald Head Island near Southport, North Carolina…