This past Sunday we hosted Happy Hour in our home. It was a very special Happy Hour because we held it to honor my father’s memory.
My Dad would have been 88 this past Monday, if he’d been around. Sadly, he passed away at the end of January. Since my extended family is small and scattered across the country, holding a traditional memorial didn’t make much sense. Plus, that sort of thing wasn’t my father’s style. Happy Hour, however, was.
We poured martinis and noshed on my father’s homemade pickles and sauerkraut. We even toasted over Skype with my cousin who lives in Key West, Florida. Stories, memories and laughter brought some closure and levity to one of life’s most difficult transitions. In the company of the best of friends, we raised a glass toasted to good health and long life. L’chaim.
- 2 oz. gin
- 1 oz. dry vermouth
- Ice cubes
- Mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer
- Martini glasses or short tumblers
Stir ingredients briskly with ice. Strain into a chilled glass. Drop in an olive or two or twist a small strip of lemon peel over the drink, or drop it in, if you prefer. Enjoy in the company of good friends!
Want to toast to deliciousness? Check out Wanderfood Wednesday!
Nancy says
What a wonderfully appropriate way to celebrate your dad’s life, Beth! No doubt he would have heartily approved.
Beth Shepherd - Pampers and Pakhlava says
Thanks, Nancy. He would have loved every minute of it!
Marilyn Weissman says
A fitting tribute indeed! You were a special daughter for sure..
Lauren says
That is really lovely. And, I appreciate a good martini! Gin. Not Vodka. May the two never be confused.
Beth Shepherd - Pampers and Pakhlava says
Agreed (on the gin).
jill says
This makes me get all teary-eyed. I love, love, love this idea. What a wonderful tribute and I’m going to duplicate this one day I’m sure. And hears to the gin(!) martini!
Beth Shepherd - Pampers and Pakhlava says
Having a small cadre of people sitting around, noshing, schmoozing, and reminiscing was wonderful. I put the picture of my Dad – making the toast- on the “bar” and I could really feel him in the room with us.