Tonight, a Strong Gin (Martini) for Ginsburg
Let’s not drink to cope, but to celebrate the momentum RBG leaves behind
Some days you narrowly escape a car crash (my husband may beg to differ); other days you find yourself absorbing the reality that an icon is no longer with us. And some days, like me today, you might find yourself sitting with both. The passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is profound, not just for who she was but also what she stood for.
Role models and path-carvers like RBG are out there, but not always visible; especially not for a girl like me who grew up in the Middle East. I’m fortunate that my daughters and son will have her to look up to, and many others who are following in her path. Right now, there’s tremendous pain in our uncertain and volatile future but there is also hope — hope from the lessons this country must learn from and our ability to remain compassionate.
So, while I will hold out hope for tomorrow, I’ve held out long enough for a strong drink tonight.
To be clear, this is not a drink to cope with the vitriol that surrounds us (well, not entirely), but to celebrate the relentless force of change that we’ve just lost. This one’s for RBG, and the enduring momentum she leaves us with.
- Calming: Besides the obvious, gin’s origins are medicinal and it’s undertones have staying power — useful vibes for those of us who are particularly gutted these days.
- Spicy: Cinnamon and star anise give this drink the warm bite it deserves and some sassiness worth holding onto.
- Solid: While an apple sliced into matchsticks is a helpful metaphor, it also presents the opportunity to munch on some boozy apple bits while pondering the political zoo that’s upon us.
- Serious: A honey-based simple syrup contributes a subtle sweetness to the flavor profile of this drink. It’s sweet-leaning but serious, which is just the kind of drink I want right now.
Gin for Ginsburg: a martini
This one’s for RBG — the relentless force for change that we’ve lost and the momentum that will endure.
Makes: 2 drinks
Time: <5 minutes
GET:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp hot water
- 1/2 small apple, cut into matchsticks
- 1 stick cinnamon (or two small sticks)
- 2.5 oz good gin
- ice
DO:
- Make a simple syrup by mixing the honey with the hot water.
- Combine all ingredients (minus the apple matchsticks) into a shaker, add ice and shake.
- Pour this mixture into glasses over ice. Drink as needed.
— Recipe from The Hangry Arab.
