Oliver’s Drop: July
Celebrate Local
July is a month made for gathering, grilling, and raising a glass with friends and neighbors. This month’s Drop is all about celebrating what makes Georgia—and summer—so special: local flavors, hometown pride, and time well spent with the people you love. Whether you're firing up the grill for the Fourth of July, planning backyard BBQs, or exploring local flavors, we’re here to help you do it in style. Let’s make this summer one to remember, one local bite, sip, and get-together at a time.
Local Sips
This month’s featured cocktail is the Peachy Basil Smash, made with Atlanta’s own Old Fourth Distillery vodka. Ripe Georgia peaches and fragrant basil turn this drink into a backyard classic—bright, herbaceous, and dangerously sippable.
Ingredients for 2 drinks:
4 oz Old Fourth Distillery Vodka
1 ripe Georgia peach, diced (plus extra slices for garnish)
6–8 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup (or honey syrup for added Southern flair)
Club soda to top
In a shaker, muddle diced peach and basil with lemon juice and syrup. Add vodka and fill with ice. Shake well. Strain into two glasses filled with crushed ice. Top with a splash of club soda, garnish with peach slices and basil sprigs, and enjoy.
Fired-Up Flavors
For the grill, nothing beats a classic Smash Burger—thin, crispy-edged beef patties layered with melty cheese and served with all your favorite fixings. Pair it with Herbed Potato Salad tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with crunchy veg and fresh dill. These easy-to-love staples were made for lazy summer afternoons with friends, ice-cold drinks, and good conversation.
Smash Burgers
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
Kosher salt and black pepper
½ sweet onion, finely sliced or mandolined
8 slices American or cheddar cheese
4 potato or brioche burger buns
special sauce (ketchup, mustard, mayo, and sweet relish, mixed to taste)
Sliced pickles, lettuce, tomato
Divide beef into 8 loose balls. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Place four small piles of onion on the hot pan, top each with a beef ball, then smash flat with a sturdy spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until edges are crispy, flip, add cheese, and cook another minute. Repeat with remaining 4 servings, make stacks of two patties, and serve on toasted buns with special sauce and your favorite toppings.
Herbed Potato Salad
2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes
3 hard-boiled eggs, separated, whites roughly chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp yellow mustard
3 tbsp sweet relish
½ red onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper
Smoked paprika, a handful of fresh dill, and 3 scallions roughly chopped for garnish
Peel potatoes and boil until tender. Cool potatoes and cut into bite-sized chunks. In a large bowl, mash egg yolks, then mix in mayo, mustards, and relish. Fold in onion and celery, and add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in potatoes and egg whites until coated. Chill for at least two hours, then add garnishes just before serving.
Sun-Soaked Spaces
From backyard patios to light-filled interiors, we’re showcasing top Atlanta homes that make entertaining a breeze. Think big porches, inviting pools, and room for everyone to gather—because the best summer memories are made at home. Whether you're dreaming of casual BBQ nights or full-on backyard bashes, these listings are ready for good times:
The July Playlist:
Party in the USA
No party is complete without the perfect soundtrack. This month’s playlist is all red, white, and you—patriotic tunes and feel-good summer hits to set the vibe for your Fourth of July (and every sunny day after). Listen here.
Whether you’re grilling out, raising a glass, or just enjoying time with friends and neighbors, I hope this month’s Drop inspires you to celebrate the people, places, and flavors that make Georgia home and encourage you to love where you live.
— Oliver