There are two versions of the Tallulah and this one pays homage to our southern roots. For those of us a certain age and raised below the Mason-Dixon Line, RC Cola & Peanuts was a rite of passage. I watched and learned as grandpa took a swig and funneled the nuts into the bottle with his hand. That’s right, salty, crunchy and sweet all in one.

Thanks to Zak Kittle, bartender at Ollie and Irene’s in Birmingham we have a grown up version of that venerable refreshment. It’s smooth and nutty, enlivened with cola, whiskey and topped with the same salted nuts.

I love this drink for the taste and memories, but Yogi Berra said it best, “It’s deja vu all over again.”

Escher’s Market

Our neighborhood market was in a big old house with a veranda around two sides and a dirt basketball court behind. The Escher family lived upstairs and operated their store on the main level. They didn’t need a bell or buzzer because they easily heard the screen door bang every time someone entered.

We played basketball there until we were sweaty and filthy. When it was time for a break we sat on the veranda with a cold RC and a sleeve of peanuts.

The “Other” Tallulah

The London Ritz Hotel offers their own Tallulah and it’s the polar opposite of our humble drink. Reminiscent of the opulent Art Deco period, they serve it in a Christian Louboutin designed glass slipper. The inspiration comes from actress Tallulah Bankhead, who famously sipped a cocktail from her shoe upon arrival in London. Check it out here.