Time To Celebrate 2023

By Christine Johnson

As the new year approaches, we have so much to be thankful for. We’ve made it through some tough times over the past two years. It’s time to put the shelter in-place rules aside and go out the front door to see the world again.

Approaching any January first, we feel pressured to make promises and changes to our lives. While that can be a good thing, it can also make us feel the pressure to take on too much and add items to our list that may be impossible. I am guilty of that every day not just at the beginning of a new year! Our health and well-being are way more vital than giving up all vices and being at the gym seven days a week. These things can be taken in small doses and still make a difference.

Time to make a pact. After the wrapping paper and endless decorations are placed back in the garage and the calendar flips to January, let’s make time for ourselves. Many of us are parents, grandparents, caretakers, or answer the call of duty. These profiles can cause a never-ending cycle of burning the candle at both ends. While it is impractical to ignore responsibility, we can try and choose a few small things that allow us to breathe and put a smile on our faces. Read a book. Sit on your porch for 10 minutes without anyone calling your name. Walk around the block alone or with your dog. Take a long, hot bath. Light a candle and turn out the lights while you watch a movie. Finish a crossword puzzle. I am guilty of doing some of these things and none of these things. But I notice when I ignore all of them, I am talking to myself in the kitchen with no one around.

The gift of happiness and the celebration of the new year with family and friends is such a valuable contribution to all of us. As we know from experience, the world changes in a moment and we wish for the things we didn’t take the time to do.

I am going to make my first contribution to myself and to you in 2023. This special drink brings bubbles, bright colors, and great flavors to your New Year’s festivity. A kid-friendly version is included so the whole family can watch the clock strike midnight with their special drink.

We only turn 2023 once, so cheers to the special people that we are and this wonderful place we call home.

Colletti Royale

Ingredients

1 ½ ounces tequila

1/2 ounce Cointreau

1/2 ounce St.-Germain

1/2 ounce blood orange juice (fresh is best)

1/2 ounce lime juice (fresh is best)

2 dashes of orange bitters

3 ounces rose champagne (chilled)

Garnish with blood orange slice

Ice

Mixology

Add tequila, Cointreau, St.-Germain, blood orange juice, lime juice, and bitters to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled

Strain (no ice) into a champagne flute

Top off the glass with the rose champagne

Garnish with a blood orange slice into the glass

(If you would like a non-alcoholic version: fill a champagne glass with Martinellis Sparkling Blush Cider and blood orange juice, then add the blood orange slice for garnish!)