From time to time it is perhaps appropriate that we should relax a little the bonds that tether us to the straight and narrow. As we all know well,
A fitting apologia for a bit of indulgence and even overindulgence is found in Seneca, On Tranquillity of Mind, XVII, 8-9, (tr. Basore):
At times we ought to reach even the point of intoxication, not drowning ourselves in drink, yet succumbing to it; for it washes away troubles, and stirs the mind from its very depths and heals its sorrow just as it does certain ills of the body; and the inventor of wine is not called the Releaser [Liber, Bacchus] on account of the license it gives to the tongue, but because it frees the mind from bondage to cares and emancipates it and gives it new life and makes it bolder in all that it attempts. But, as in freedom, so in wine there is a wholesome moderation.
Sed ut libertatis ita vini salubris moderatio est.
Yet we ought not to do this often, for fear that the mind may contract an evil habit; nevertheless there are times when it must be drawn into rejoicing and freedom, and gloomy sobriety must be banished for a while……….. & while you do, some subject-suitable choons to enjoy:
(last orders please)
So, what’s your poison? Me, I’m presently deep into Whiskey Old Fashioned…
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 Sugar cube
- Few dashes tap water
Preparation:
- Place sugar cube in old fashioned glass and saturate with bitters
- Add a dash of plain water.
- Swirl until dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and add whiskey.
- Garnish with orange slice, and a cocktail cherry.
Served:
- poured over ice (always)
Here’s to us & those like us, there’s damn few left….
© DJM 2019
