Drinks For Votes

Closing out the last of the three presidential debates moderator Bob Schieffer said, "Gentlemen, thank you both so much. That brings an end to this year's debates and we want to thank Lynn University and its students for having us. As I always do at the end of these debates, I leave you with the words of my mom, who said: 'Go vote; it'll make you feel big and strong.'"

Words of wisdom from Mrs. Schieffer, particularly at a time when the polls, pre-debate, were showing the candidates in a dead heat; amusingly, each had 47 percent of the vote.

Both Obama supporters and those backing Romney had equal reason to moan, groan, and squirm throughout the evening, as foreign and domestic policy was argued in front of a strangely silent audience in Boca Raton, Fla. One thing was agreed upon by the candidates — no matter who the victor is in this race, which gets decided on Nov. 6, America needs more jobs and an economic stimulus.

Stepping in for the assist is the opening of Raleigh Denim, a new store in New York City that sells denim made in North Carolina's oldest denim factory.

Talk about putting America to work!

At www.insidefandb.com, we figured you could drink to that. And to that end we present to you the all-American inspired cocktails that are being served at Raleigh Denim's opening party and were created by Will Alphin and his partner Vince Whitehurst, the folks behind Raleigh, N.C.'s favorite spot for quality cocktails — Foundation. 

Blue Ridge Manhattan
2 ounces raisin-infused Carriage House apple brandy
1 ounce Foggy Ridge Pippin Black Dessert Cider
1 dash Escazu chocolate bitters
1 dash Regan's orange bitters
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass, stir for 10-15 seconds, strain into cocktail glass, garnish with orange or lemon twist.

Old North State
1 1/2 ounces Troy and Sons Moonshine
1 ounce muscadine juice
3/4 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce NC gallberry honey
Shake and strain into ice filled rocks glass, top with soda water.