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Shaking it up for Galentine's Day: ‘Tom’s Moms’ Toast to Friendship

By Karen Vine Fuller, Contributing writer | February 14, 2024

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Party attendees excited to learn how to make some Galentine’s cocktails from mixologist Michael Ford (center).

Some adventurous “Tom’s Moms,” a group of St. Thomas High School graduates’ moms – named after the STH mascot Tom Eagle – came to mix, mingle, and shake things up a bit for a Galentine’s party at the home of DeeDee Garcia.

A highlight of the evening included mixologist Michael Ford leading the group in creating Valentine’s Day-themed concoctions. Each bartender-in-training received a goody bag with a cocktail shaker, mini bottles of alcohol, and items needed to whip up unique libations like Love Potion, Cupid’s Arrow, and Flirty Fizz.

Sylvia Furnace, Elizabeth Lane, DeeDee Garcia, Alison Pohl, Tammy Arnold

From left: Sylvia Furnace, Elizabeth Lane, hostess DeeDee Garcia (holding the shaker), Alison Pohl, and Tammy Arnold are all smiles at the St. Thomas Moms Galentine's Day party.

Seen mixing it up for the Galentine’s get-together were: Amber Caver, Emily Guyre, Raeanne Walker, Candice Croker, Allison Pohl, Rebecca Jones, Stephanie Yankowsky, Shana Jones, Sylvia Spivey, Tammy Arnold, Frances Brooks, Dana Harris, Elizabeth Lane, Ursula Blanchard, Jessica Lightfoot, Stephanie Malain Bourg, Angie Clinton, Julie Perry, Beatriz Gunther, Erin Kimzey, Tanya Schneider, Sara Roberts, Jill Schroeder, Shawn Savarinos, Pam Castilla, Victoria Sheffield, EJ Myers, Melissa Rootes, Jen Sudduth, Xochitl Ljuboja, Catherine Chandler, Tammy Caldwell, Amy M. Huggins, Brooke Ernst, Betsy Drinkard, Sophia Furnace, Randa Banks, Gretchen Penny, Andrea Caver, and yours truly.

Special thanks to Michael Ford, chief mixologist of Liquid on Wheels, for sharing his recipes.

Love Potion
2 oz Vodka
1 oz Cranberry Juice
½ oz Lemon Juice
½ oz Raspberry Syrup

In your shaker add your ingredients. Fill shaker with ice and shake until ice cold. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime wedge and raspberries. Stir, sip, and enjoy!

Andrea Caver, Raeanne Walker, Catherine Chandler

Amber Caver, Raeanne Walker, and Catherine Chandler (pictured, from left) enjoying their edible-flower-garnished Cupid’s Arrow cocktails.

Cupid’s Arrow
2 oz Tequila
1 oz Lime Juice
½ oz Orange Liqueur
1 oz Rose Syrup

In your shaker add your ingredients. Fill shaker with ice and shake until ice cold. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with edible flower. Stir, sip, and enjoy!

Flirty Fizz Mocktail
1 ½ oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Lime Juice
½ oz Strawberry Syrup
Sprite
Pink rock candy stick for garnish

In a shaker add pineapple juice and lime juice. Fill shaker with ice and shake until ice cold. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Using the back of your bar spoon, slowly pour the strawberry syrup to layer the bottom of the drink. Top with Sprite. Garnish with pink rock candy stick. Stir, sip, and enjoy!