August Sipped Away Like a Bottle of Gin

By Christine Johnson

The month of August is finally here and thus marks the end of summer in the northern hemisphere. In Coronado, it begins the end of our busy tourist season where the island starts to become a little quieter. August is a time to sit back and celebrate the days we shared with family and friends, vacations, summer romances, and time away from work and school. August is also known as the harvest month – time to plant all you hope to grow and eat as fall approaches.

When I think about summertime growing up, I remember the vacations we took, people we met and exploring new places. We always had so much fun eating ice cream before dinner, swimming in a pool until sunset, going to concerts, and maybe even a summer romance like Danny and Sandy. We would head back to school after Labor Day (the way it should be) and share our adventures. I know I’m not the only person who reflects on the joys of being a kid without a care in the world. For all you “Swifties” out there, you know what I’m talking about. Even Taylor, who seems to have taken over summer 2023, has a song about August!

So, as we end the summer and prepare to move on to fall, it’s time to celebrate putting backpacks on your children and sending them on to the next grade level. Sorry kids –parents need to have a few things to look forward to – we still love you!

Here’s a little something pretty to take to the front porch and drink as the sun goes down. Let us all raise a glass to summer, our Fourth of July parade, Concerts in the Park, and the people who visit our island to make for a perfect vacation. Because, as Taylor Swift famously said, “August sipped away like a bottle of wine.” (Or in this case, gin!)

On a personal note: To my daughter who turns 21 this month and legally will be able to enjoy these drinks I call home (and buy me wine at Vons)…You make me proud to be your mama every day and I love you more than you will ever know. Please drink responsibly or not at all! Happy Birthday Sammy!

Mixology:

Fill a shaker with ice. Add the gin, cordials, pineapple and lime juice. Shake well till very cold. Pour strained cocktail into a stemmed cocktail or martini glass that has been chilled. Top with a dash of Prosecco and garnish with edible flowers.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Gin

• 1 ounce pear and elderflower cordial

• 1.5 ounces pineapple juice

• 1/2 ounce lime juice

• Prosecco

Photo by Hattie Foote