Saturday, July 4, 2020

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Happy Independence Day!

When I looked at my Facebook memories for the past ten or so July 4s, almost all of the entries were about gatherings with friends and family at picnics, breweries, baseball games, and firework displays. This year’s holiday will be different for most of us. Fortunately, our deck is large enough for physical distancing, so a handful of neighbors will be coming over to sit and sip for a few hours. We will raise a glass to freedom!

Another highlight of the weekend for many of us is the premiere of the Broadway hit, Hamilton, on Disney+. Yes, I caved in and bought a monthly subscription, because I love Broadway shows, and because I was a political science major.

I still have my college copy of the Federalist Papers–with highlighting and notes in the margins–on my bookshelf. Hamilton wrote 51 of the essays, and I probably analyzed them during at least one final exam. Hamilton’s ideas were incorporated into the US Constitution; the Federalist Papers help us to remember our Founding Fathers’ intentions while drafting this remarkable document, one which has withstood over 200 years.

I often wonder what Hamilton would say about our current leaders and their interpretations of the powers afforded to them by the Constitution.

So, rise up, my fellow Americans, and don’t throw away your shot to vote.

Today’s drink is my version of Hamilton‘s Founder’s Fizz, the official cocktail of the musical, which was available for purchase in the theater lobby.

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 1 1/2 ounces gin (I used gin from Cactoctin Creek, a Virginia distillery, so I am keeping a colonial theme here), 1 ounce simple syrup, and 1/4 ounce fresh lime juice. Shake and strain into a glass, add ice, and top with club soda. (I poured mine into a Jefferson Cup!)

Remember to drink responsibly!