Food | Nature

Lowcountry Pastimes: Cozy Creekside Bonfires

As the daylight hours begin to lengthen, the hours to capitalize on a Lowcountry winter sunset increase. Golden rays linger along the creek’s horizon, inviting a slower-paced evening filled with story swapping and stargazing beside a cozy bonfire. With friends and family side by side, creekside bonfires serve as the Lowcountry’s gentle reminder to exhale and embrace the cooler temperatures while in season.

At Kiawah River, the air carries a hint of salt and smoke, punctuated by quiet moments where the only sounds are the fire’s gentle crackle and pop and the softly moving creek in the distance.

With the Kiawah River marsh as your backdrop and the illuminated night sky overhead, these fireside gatherings tend to feel like an evening tradition quietly unfolding. Elevate your cozy creek-side ritual with Garden & Gun’s Hot Chocotini, a charming twist on hot chocolate that’s served cold and perfectly suited for slow-burning conversations under the stars.

Follow the recipe below to craft the perfect Hot Chocotini, and don’t forget the finishing touch: a toasted marshmallow garnish.

Hot Chocotini
Yields one drink
½ oz. Tanteo tequila
1 oz. Corazon tequila (or substitute the tequila blend for 1½ oz. of any silver tequila of your choice)
1 oz. chocolate syrup
½ oz. kahlúa
½ oz. half-and-half
½ oz. simple syrup
3 dash Aztec Chocolate Bitters
Garnish: shaved chocolate, toasted marshmallow

Preparation
Add all ingredients, except for the garnishes, into a shaker with ice and shake well.
Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with shaved chocolate and a toasted marshmallow.