12-15 rosemary leaves

pinch of salt

1/2 ounce pure maple syrup

2 ounces Polish vodka (of course)

2 1/2 ounces pink grapefruit juice

Muddle rosemary, salt, and syrup lightly in the bottom of a rocks glass. Add vodka, juice, ice, and a sprig of rosemary.

Today I raise my glass in honor of my late father, my beloved Tata. I was playing Polish Christmas carols as I cooked– I miss hearing him sing. And yes, he did have rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes and a belly that shook when he laughed. It’s no wonder he loved Christmas.