Let's Raise a Glass to the End of 2023!
The world at large can be a bit of a dumpster fire. It’s easy to let the news of the world consume you. But sometimes you have to find ways to have a bit of joy – no matter how small. Just a few days ago, I found myself listening to music while setting up my reading journal for 2024. It was something I looked forward to the whole day. After paying bills, grocery shopping, and working on a freelance project – my reward for the day involved stickers, washi tape, stencils, markers, and colored pencils. And I loved every minute of it. Don’t ignore or let worries in your life or the world at large take over. Find some ways to have a bit of joy, a bit of peace.
As this year comes to a close, celebrate and raise a glass to the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. The cocktails/mocktails below lean toward summer, but I don’t care. I’m not too fond of most alcohol, so when I find things that I like I stick with them.
Strawberry, lemon, basil
Muddle (I used a spoon) fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and basil
Stir in sweetener of choice (I used agave syrup)
Add ice
Fill half the glass with coconut water
Fill the remaining half glass with seltzer or Moscato (For all of these I tried it both ways)
Verdict: I preferred the drink with Moscato, it had a little more kick than the seltzer.
Raspberry lemonade and mint
First, make a glass of lemonade. Muddle some raspberries, fresh lemon juice, and mint. Add sugar and water
Pour half of the lemonade mixture over ice
Fill the remaining half glass with seltzer or Rosé
Verdict: I preferred the seltzer. I don’t think I picked the best Rosé; it was a little more bitter than I was expecting.
Cranberry Mint
I made some fresh cranberry balsamic sauce for a savory dish. But I had a lot left (I still have some in my freezer). It came in handy for some pancakes too. So why not try it in a drink? Now, I’m the type of person to cook without a recipe (except for baked goods), but here is the quick and dirty version of how I made the sauce: boil cranberries, water, sugar, and balsamic vinegar until thick (I think it was 30-40 minutes for me). You will need to taste as it boils; fresh cranberries are bitter so you will need quite a bit of sugar. For savory dishes, serve this sauce hot….but for a drink let it cool. Now onto the drink.
Pour cooled cranberry mixture over mint and ice (half the glass)
Add seltzer or Moscato to the remaining half of the glass
Verdict: Moscato by a hair. The Moscato added a little extra sweetness that was missing from my cranberry mixture.
Lemon mint
Muddle some fresh lemon juice and mint
Add sweetener of choice (I used honey)
Add ice
Fill half the glass with coconut water
Fill the remaining half glass with seltzer or Moscato
Verdict: For this one, I have to go with seltzer. I was able to taste more of the mint and coconut water than with the Moscato.
Overall, my favorite is probably strawberry basil—just the perfect balance of sweetness and fresh herbs. Raise a glass with your favorite drink and have a Happy New Year!
Upcoming post
No post on Monday due to the holiday
Thursday: Let’s get back to Lost. Recaps for episodes nine and ten coming up!