Boy, was this a week for a drink!  With the COVID-19/coronavirus stressing out and scaring the bejeezus out of everyone, I say it’s high time for us to gather our bearings, gain some perspective, count our blessings and take a moment to exhale.

Most of us are on coronalock-down and some of us are beginning to go a little stir-crazy. By now many of us know someone that has been touched by this horrible pandemic in some way. And for those that have lost a friend or loved one, I am deeply sorry. My prayers are with you.

Although an adult beverage won’t solve the ills COVID-19 is wrecking on the entire world, it may momentarily help put a bit of mental distance between us and the insanity that has been upon visited us.  Let’s just call it a temporary respite to kind of even out recent unsettling times.

Raise a Glass in Thanks

Also while we are reflecting, let’s raise a glass and express our sincere gratitude for those essential workers that, day in and day out, continue to serve and protect us. Workers that provide critical healthcare services, food to the needy and hungry, and deliver our mail deserve our thanks. Along with every one of the workers who, unlike many of us, are employed in jobs where they cannot just walk inside and safely close the door against the virus until it goes away. We appreciate you. Thank you and sip slow (just not on the job).

If you like a fruity, slightly sweet drink, this one is for you.  It pairs well with a savory dish like crab cake beignets. It is so deliciously refreshing, if you’re not careful, it can sneak up on you!

Ingredients:

3 large strawberries
4 large mint leaves
1 TBSP simple syrup
2-½ jiggers of vodka
⅛ lemon
4 ice cubes

Slice and place strawberries, lemon, and lemon in a cocktail shaker.  Using a muddler, muddle fruit and mint being careful not to mash the mint to a pulp. If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the handle of a wooden spoon. 

Add vodka, simple syrup and ice cubes. Shake until cocktail shaker is cold.  Strain into a glass pouring over a couple of ice cubes or crushed ice, if desired. Garnish with a lemon wheel, strawberry and or mint sprig.