Two Strong Legs

Zach McCabe

May 8, 2021

I’ve lived in Augusta for almost six years now. I’m hardly nomadic, but I’ve lived in quite a few places in the eastern United States: Pennsylvania, Virginia, Atlanta, Maryland. I’ve always thought that I could live anywhere. Big city, small town, whatever — as long as I have a friend or two and my amazing wife, I can make it work. Then I moved to Augusta. Maybe it is the friends we made, or the community, or the southern hospitality, but I fell in love with this town.

When Chris and David over at Drop Disgusta reached out to me about being on their podcast, I jumped at the opportunity. I think what they are doing absolutely rocks. They focus on what is great about this city. I know I mentioned my appearance on their show before, but if you haven’t found the time to subscribe to them in your podcast app of choice, you are missing out. Not only have they featured yours truly, but I was happy to be in the company of some amazing people like local artist April Henry King, Kicks 99’s Sean Cash, and Showpony’s Sean Mooney. The Two Strong Legs is one of the drinks I made for my appearance on their show. It’s bold, bitter, peachy, and a little sweet.

2 oz. 2nd City Bourbon
1/2 oz. Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
1/2 oz. Amaro Ciociaro
1/4 oz. Crème de Peche

Add everything to a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Other Ramblings

I didn’t really think much of it the first time I heard someone describe this city as “Disgusta.” I figured it was just somebody frustrated with his hometown. But it kept happening. Eventually I grew surprised by how many people talked about our town that way. Obviously, Augusta isn’t perfect, but I couldn’t figure out why so many people had such a casual disdain for it.

Fast forward to the Drop Disgusta guys asking me to create a drink or two for the show that would feature something Augustan. I couldn’t help myself. I brought them four drinks featuring local ingredients. The Two Strong Legs is my personal favorite of the bunch.

The name of this one comes from Georgia’s own Allman Brothers Band. I was jamming out on the way to work one day trying to figure out what to call this drink and the song “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” came on. The first verse sums up my thoughts about the whole Disgusta topic perfectly.

Last Sunday morning, the sunshine felt like rain

The week before, they all seemed the same

With the help of God and true friends, I’ve come to realize

I still have two strong legs, and even wings to fly

Even though you may not have the best opinion of our little town, all you need is a little nudge from a friend to help you understand how absolutely terrific it really is. Thankfully we have things like Drop Disgusta and Augusta Connection dedicated to just that. So dig in, listen/read/follow/subscribe, and just enjoy it, my friend.

Zach McCabe

Zach is a mixologist who first discovered the joy of making cocktails as a means of being hospitable when hosting new friends. Years later, he is now putting his knowledge and skills to use creating menus for local cocktail bars, teaching cocktail classes, curating spirits tasting flights, and bartending happy hours, special events, and parties. Zach is also a co-founder of Augusta Neat, Augusta’s very own whisk(e)y enthusiast club that meets monthly to taste and learn about what the world of whisk(e)y has to offer. Zach has years of mixology experience and holds a Level 2 certificate in spirits from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. Follow him on Instagram @all.equal.parts to see his latest creations, collaborations and upcoming events.

Zach McCabe

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