This warm refresher may be non-alcoholic, but the oddball key ingredient makes it noteworthy to Spirits. Leave to it chefs Joe Truex and wife Mihoko Obunai of Repast (620 N. Glen Iris Drive, Atlanta) to craft a drink out of kudzu. These are the same folks who brought Atlantans the haute dog, a version of the ballpark staple with ingredients including foie gras and sweetbreads. The kudzu, known as kuzu in Japanese, comes in organic, powdery form and communes with ingredients including organic rice syrup and grated ginger. For a high-octane version, the staff adds a shot of Hendrick's gin.

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A TASTY SHADE OF PINK

When you think Hard Rock Cafe (215 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta) and the word "pink," rockers like Pink Floyd and just plain old Pink come to mind. But pink drinks? Hard Rock's October campaign — that's Rocktober to you — attempts to raise breast cancer awareness with a batch of pink drinks. Proceeds from cocktails like the Blushing Peach (citrus vodka, white zinfandel and peach schnapps) and the Berry Blush Martini (raspberries, mint, berry vodka, raspberry syrup, and sweet and sour mix) benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. And the Hard Rock raises money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation with an Oct. 26 benefit featuring an acoustic performance by Aslyn and Zac Brown.

HOW ABOUT THEM APPLES?

This year, Ellijay celebrates its 36th annual Georgia Apple Festival on Oct. 13-14 and 20-21. In honor of the once forbidden fruit, Spirits pulled this recipe out of our e-mail inbox from the folks behind Tuaca, an Italian brandy-based liqueur. Pour 1 1/2 ounces of bourbon, 1/2 ounce of Tuaca, 2 ounces of apple juice, a shake of cinnamon powder and two cloves into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Get fancy and line the glass with a sugar and cinnamon mix beforehand. And garnish with a cinnamon stick.

— Jon Waterhouse

IN THE DRINK

Sweet Kuzu (Kudzu)

Ginger Lemonade

1 tsp. organic kudzu

2 tsp. cold spring or filtered water

1 cup filtered water

1-2 tbsp. organic rice syrup (or honey)

1 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice

Dilute the kudzu with 2 tsp. of cold spring or filtered water. Combine with rest of water and bring to a gentle boil. Stir constantly to prevent lumping. When kudzu thickens and becomes translucent, add sweetener, ginger and lemon juice and stir in well. Drink warm. For alcoholic version, add one shot of Hendrick's gin.