Today would have been my mother’s 98th birthday. We lost her–well, we lost her physical presence with us here on Earth but I still hear her voice in my head every day–in April of this year. My sister and I were convinced that Mama was stubborn enough to hold on until her 100th birthday, but Mama was tired.

I’ve been thinking about her longevity, and wondering if I could be happy with thirty-plus years of being retired. If my health and my money last, maybe I could be. And I should probably re-evaluate some of my current life-style choices, like eating too much ice cream and having too many cocktails.

Mama rarely drank alcohol, but when she did, she liked sweet cordials and fruity wines. She also enjoyed meads made in Poland (known as miód pitny, “honey drinkable” in direct translation) which would come in glazed brown ceramic karafes that she would save to decorate the kitchen.

Today’s cocktail, therefore, uses spiced mead made locally (Black Heath Meadery in Richmond), since I wouldn’t know where to find the Polish product. In the prettiest glass you have, combine 1 teaspoon honey with 1 ounce rye whiskey. Stir until honey is mostly dissolved. Add 2 1/2 ounces of spiced mead, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon slice and maybe a chunk of candied ginger. No ice is needed, because it’s almost winter and cold drinks will give you a chill that may get you sick, as Mama would say.

I asked my children to write a few words about my mom, and this is part of what my daughter wrote: “Between our connection of art and your influence on our Polish culture, you helped shape me into the woman I am today, and I am forever grateful for that. Your presence will never be forgotten, and I’m proud to have called you my grandmother. May you live in eternal peace! Love you so much!” Perfect. Happy Birthday, Mama.