Drink In The Colors Of The Season

By CHRISTINE JOHNSON

Welcome to November, the true beginning of the fall season. The air turns crisp, the leaves change color, and the holiday season begins.

This November, I am reminded of the importance of examining gratitude. One should examine those that are important to oneself and spend time with them. This mindset should always be present, but sometimes, it takes getting away from one’s daily routine to see the world differently.

Spending time in several countries has allowed me to relax and remember what is near and dear to me. Visiting Europe with my recent college graduate daughter, her best friend since kindergarten, and her mom enabled us to laugh, smile, and explore new landscapes without interruption. We had planned this trip for so many months. We watched our children grow up before our eyes, and this vacation was part of their success and outlook toward their futures. It was an opportunity to see them explore things not on their cell phones.

This was not just a trip to visit Europe and buy souvenirs. It celebrated people and cultures and how they welcomed others into their homes. Was there a language barrier? (YES—everywhere!) There were also time differences, tea instead of coffee, and travel variations.

But none of it seemed to matter. I sat back in awe as I watched us navigate through so many places, and still, every person smiled, wished us well, and wanted to make our time in their home better.

Thanksgiving in the U.S. brings that same kind of warm and loving feeling—a time to bring family and friends together from various places into one home. The feast is prepared, and we sit down to enjoy one another and concentrate on what we are thankful for. Maybe everyone doesn’t like the same food or have the same views or beliefs, but the time together is the only thing that matters. Life is a short and unforgiving process sometimes, and we should be thrilled to embrace the time we spend together — no matter where we are.

The drink for November is most likely familiar to everyone, given its popularity at home and abroad. While in Italy, it occurred to me that even though this drink seems to have gained “tourist” status, it brings people from different places to the same place to celebrate and even has the colors of fall.

Be thankful for your family and friends, remember to honor our Veterans for all they sacrifice for our freedoms, and welcome in the fresh autumn air with an Aperol Spritz in hand!

Aperol Spritz

INGREDIENTS

(per cocktail)

Ice

3 ounces Aperol

3 ounces dry Prosecco

1 ounce (a splash) club soda or unflavored sparkling water

Orange slice for garnish

MIXOLOGY

Pour the prosecco and club soda in a tall wine glass over ice.

Top with Aperol, then garnish with orange slice.