72
It’s been exactly one month since my birthday as I’m writing this. One month of the highs and lows of life, and I’m grateful for all of them. These last few weeks have given me such a deep release of levity in my approach of life. As the days after my birthday continued on, my mind couldn’t help but ponder and dwell on mortality. Had my best days been left behind? What would be next at the grand age of 27 for me? Fortunately this shifting of my mood was turned into an optimistic and energetic experience. I have so much life to live and so much love to give as the days grow older. No reason to feel down as I continue on this journey with friends, relatives and lovers. That’s how visions of life should be for some; for most; for at least me.
I named this 72 to represent the inversion of my age. It expresses how every new year should be welcomed with my annual tool: self-reflection. The number also represents how an age is really nothing more than a measurement. That my life has no limitation at this age or 45 years from now. That my last 27 will only lay the foundation for the next 27 and the next 27.
In the spirit of more life, I thought some bargain bin beverages from Trader Joe’s would be helpful to make sure my next 27 is as financially pleasant as the last 27.
aperol spritz/lemon spritz/frozen marg
ingredients
aperol spritz
1c aperol
1 slice of orange
1 sprig of rosemary
3oz. prosecco (from Trader Joe’s—I preferred Ca’Belli)
club soda, top off
ice
optional: sprig of basil + orange slice for garnish
lemon spritz
2oz. lemon juice OR 1 juice of lemon (preferred)
3oz. prosecco (from Trader Joe’s—I preferred Ca’Belli)
club soda, top off
ice
optional: 1oz. mint simple syrup
optional: sprig of mint + lemon slice for garnish
frozen marg
1-2c margarita wine cocktail (from Trader Joe’s—I preferred La Vida Bonita)
1-1 1/2c ice
1/2c mint simple syrup
3oz. lime juice
optional: 1/2t kosher salt
optional: 1 basil leaf + lime slice for garnish
Helpful items:
blender
measuring cup
plastic wrap
recipe (aperol spritz):
In a measuring cup, add orange slice and rosemary. Cover with aperol ensuring herb and orange are completely submerged! Cover measuring cup with plastic wrap and set aside for 30 minutes.
In a wine glass, fill 3/4 with ice. Add enough aperol mix to cover 1/2 of the glass OR about 2oz. Add prosecco. Top with club soda and garnish with mint/orange slice. Enjoy!
recipe (lemon spritz):
In a wine glass, fill 3/4 with ice. Add lemon juice, prosecco and top off with club soda. Garnish with mint/lemon slice. Enjoy!
You can optionally some simple syrup to sweeten the drink. I prefer mine to have the essence of lemon.
recipe (frozen marg):
In a blender, add ice, margarita wine cocktail, simple syrup, lime juice and kosher salt. Blend until all ice is broken up OR until desired texture (I prefer mine to be smooth). Pour into cocktail glass and garnish with basil leaf/lime slice. Enjoy!
You can add more ice to have a more frozen texture or less ice to have a more on the rocks feel. I enjoy mine as a soft medium. If you did not add salt during the blend, you can add salt to the rim as tradition.
