Star Spangled Adult Beverage

Nothing beats fireworks on the Fourth. I remember when I was just a kid my parents would pack me and my brothers in the back of our beat up old Ford station-wagon and drive to the high school where they held the annual fireworks display. We’d stake out a spot, spreading our blanket on the lush green lawn at the base of the big hill. I can still picture the awe inspiring spectacle. We’d lie on our backs and watch the amazing explosion of colors paint the sky. And my favorite part was the concussive boom each rocket made as it reached its zenith and belched out a sparkling array of shimmering beauty.

So, last year, my wife and I decided to go to our local fireworks show, instead of watching from our roof or a neighbor’s yard. I thought it would be fun to share the excitement with our fellow community members. I was a little surprised to see that the age of the kids went down to nearly newborn,  and there sure were a lot of dogs. I mean who brings their dog to the local fireworks display? Whatever, I thought. That was, until the rockets started soaring and the explosions started popping, and I was suddenly surrounded by a sea of whimpering dogs, accompanied by a chorus of terrified wailing babies. The aural celebration was rounded out by the arguing of stressed-out parents. Talk about needing a drink!

I can’t quite decide if things have changed since I was a kid, or if I was just so mesmerized by the fireworks that I never noticed the chaos around me. All I can say is, we’re watching from home this year and celebrating our patriotism with this tasty cocktail.

Star Spangled Medley

Ingredients

• 1 oz Vodka
• 2 oz Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz Blue Curaçao
• 1/2 oz Grenadine
• Splash of Simple Syrup (or agave)

Prep

1. Pour half the grenadine into the bottom of an empty martini glass.
2. Gently pour half the Curaçao over spoon to layer over grenadine.
3. Make simple syrup, which is one part sugar to one part water. Stir well until it dissolves.
4. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to taste.
5. Shake well.
6. Gently pour half the shaker’s worth down the inside of the glass to prevent stirring up the bottom two layers. Serve, sit back and look up!  (Makes two drinks.)

David Pitlik is a corporate writer by day, a comedy writer from a previous life, and a lover of great food, wonderful drink and sparkling banter with good friends.