Though generally not a huge fan of stringent all or nothing approaches, I do like experiments in hiatuses from things as they create space to get curious and particular about what it is about something we appreciate and enjoy, can and can’t do without. Participating in Dry January is providing just such an opportunity. I love a cocktail, but turns out that most of what I love has less to do with the booze and more to do with what’s listed below:
Flavor: Bracing, strong, sharp. Think ginger, mint, dark dark chocolate over flan, creme brulee, and vanilla cake. Thai food over French. Spice over sweet. A strong cocktail fits the bill in its flavor edge and punch.
Ritual: I love the process of making a cocktail, of doing something in a particular way. Like morning coffee, a ritual is one of the great small joys of life. I love the steps, I love the care, I love the attention to the way things feel in your hand, how it looks, the ingredients. Taking the time and making the effort to create something a smidge special.
Making: While there are an ever growing number of canned cocktails on the market, it isn’t how I cocktail. For me, the point is not first and foremost the drinking or how quickly and efficiently I can get to it. So much of the pleasure is in the creating, by hand, with a sense of play, for myself and even more so for others. A friend over for dinner commented that she felt like her request for a dealer’s choice NA beverage was a gift and she wasn’t wrong.
Sociability: A cocktail signals a gear shift. Putting down the task orientation and moving toward something sociable, spacious, conversational, possibly festive. It is a way of saying “I’m ready to hang out” and taking action to back that up.
In taking the cocktail off the table for the last two weeks, I’ve had to find other ways to get what I love about the cocktail just without the alcohol. I love Athletic’s Hazy IPA. I’ve been having fun complexifying my usual shrub and seltzer with additional ingredients, beautiful garnishes, and fancy glasses. I’ve signaled the end of the work day with yoga or a longer dog walk. It feels empowering, actually, to have a whole array of things to choose from to get to what I love about the cocktail. We hope you are discovering new ways to get doses of what you love this January, and would love to hear about them if you are willing to share.
xo Jill