This past Sunday we hosted Happy Hour in our home. It was a very special Happy Hour because we held it to honor my father’s memory.

My Dad would have been 88 this past Monday, if he’d been around. Sadly, he passed away at the end of January. Since my extended family is small and scattered across the country, holding a traditional memorial didn’t make much sense. Plus, that sort of thing wasn’t my father’s style. Happy Hour, however, was.

 

We poured martinis and noshed on my father’s homemade pickles and sauerkraut. We even toasted over Skype with my cousin who lives in Key West, Florida. Stories, memories and laughter brought some closure and levity to one of life’s most difficult transitions. In the company of the best of friends, we raised a glass toasted to good health and long life. L’chaim.

Classic Martini

• 2 oz. gin
• 1 oz. dry vermouth
• Ice cubes
• Mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer
• Martini glasses or short tumblers

Stir ingredients briskly with ice. Strain into a chilled glass. Drop in an olive or two or twist a small strip of lemon peel over the drink, or drop it in, if you prefer. Enjoy in the company of good friends!

 

Want to toast to deliciousness? Check out Wanderfood Wednesday!