Alabama-born LeNell Smothers defines herself first and foremost as a bartender, but she's been called many things -- most recently, the proprietress of LeNell's liquor store. She's owned her own whiskey label called Red Hook Rye and been recognized by her home state as an honorary Colonel. Other interests include gin, sin and men.Rock and Rye is an American classic. Rye whiskey sweetened with rock candy and flavored with pieces of fruit and sometimes horehound was among the remedies used to treat colds in the early part of the 20th century. As we roll into June, most of us have avoided swine flu but not "the crud," a seasonal-change head cold or some other lurgy.
My own Rock and Rye recipe is after the jump.











