Holi-drinking

As the only boy in the family, my masculine father looked to me to carry on family traditions. When it became apparent that I was more likely to watch Priscilla Queen of the Desert than to follow in his football footsteps, he zeroed in on two traditions he was certain I could carry forth: homemade eggnog on Christmas eve and Oyster stew on Christmas day.

Being lactose intolerant and more inclined to drink vodka than whiskey, the homemade eggnog tradition fell to my sisters. And having a gluten allergy that prevents me from eating the saltine crackers involved in making the stew (not to mention my aversion to that horrendous fishy odor), oyster stew eventually fell off the radar.

Instead, several years ago, quite by chance, I began my own Christmas morning tradition that continues to live on. I leisurely wake up, swiftly follow my first morning cup of coffee with a cocktail, turn on an episode of Dynasty, and, with the giddy glee of a child opening the perfect present, order underwear online.

This year was no different. However, rather than pouring a glass of champagne Joan Collins would have approved of (as I had grown used to doing), I decided to invent my own cocktail. The recipe is as follows:

• 1 part St. Germain Elderflower liqueur (seriously, this stuff is the liquid version of deity-worthy ambrosia)
• 3 parts Titos Vodka (this vodka is low in price, high in quality, gluten free and made in my homestate of Texas – it’s pretty much the only clear spirit I serve to guests)
• 6 parts apple juice (the less sugar the better)
• 3 parts pear nectar
• lemon juice to cut the sweetness (about 1 tblsp per serving)
• topping it off with some soda for a bubbly effect is completely optional 

Not a seasonal beverage, this drink works perfectly in the winter and I can absolutely see myself sipping it poolside in the summer—if I can find anyone with a decent pool. It’s delicately sweet, intoxicating in every sense of the word, and has a complex flavor that you’d like to linger.

dramatic over-the-shoulder glances while sipping this drink are recommended

 

Seeing as Dynasty was on my television at the inauguration of this cocktail, I’ve christened it the Krystle Carrington. Any similarity in color between my drink and her frosted hair was purely coincidental. Maybe.