Happy New Year’s Eve! I’m posting this fizzy pink cocktail far too late for you to make it tonight, I know. Please accept my apologies. Resolution No. 1: Start planning ahead. I can’t say I’m sad for the year to end because I’m busy looking forward to the year ahead. 2011 has been a year of growth. I learned how to get unstuck, if you will, by leaving an unfulfilling three-year-long relationship and quitting a miserable office job. I traveled as much as possible in search of a new city to call home. I cultivated friendships and tried to savor every moment in each season. I learned a lot of lessons in my 25th year—some invaluable and others, trivial. I started referring to myself as a woman rather than a girl. That’s something. I realized I’d rather snuggle with my dog than a jerk. I developed a serious appreciation for stretchy pants. Each little success on this blog has reinforced my belief that persistence and creative development will help me get to a better position in life, whatever that may be. I’m eager to discover what’s in store for 2012. My main goal is to get out of this town and make a new home elsewhere (Kansas City, here I come!). I also resolve to exercise and floss my teeth and wear sunscreen daily. See? I’m old.
These cocktails are a twist on the classic French 75 cocktail, which is made with gin, lemon, sugar and Champagne. Blood orange turns the drink into a beautiful hot pink sipper. If you’d like to make your own simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar (or honey) and water in a microwave-safe container or small saucepan. Warm them in the microwave or over the stovetop just until the sweetener fully dissolves in the water. Leftover simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to two weeks.
