Who knew so much sadness, despair, happiness and renewal could occur in one year? As 2020 staggers off into the history books, this New Year’s Eve will be like no other in the past hundred years.
First off, where are those flying cars and time travel that we were promised a few decades ago? Also, when did the word “Zoom” become a verb?
For the residents of Gateway Parks, located on the eastern side of the DFW Metroplex in Forney, New Year’s Eve celebrations will certainly be different from previous years. However, whether it is a group of a few friends, staying six feet apart, or dozens of friends and family members whooping it up on a Zoom call, the celebration MUST go on! Whatever it takes to get 2020 “on down the road,” we will all gladly do it, especially if it involves friends, a big smooch to bring in the new year and, of course, mouth-watering cocktails!
Interestingly, mixing alcohol with a wide range of other elements – resulting in a “cocktail”- may have come about as the unintended consequence of an act of Congress. The law was passed one hundred years ago, according to experts on the subject (would they be “spirit specialists” or “hooch historians?). On January 16, 1920, the 18th Amendment passed and the period known as “Prohibition” began.
This article notes that “Potions were mixed combining spirits, juices, syrups and a couple dashes of this or that. People found innovative ways to consume alcohol and “speakeasies” started popping up everywhere. Secret places, anywhere from basements to abandoned buildings had back entrances, secret passwords, special knocks and membership cards. Booze was limited and bartenders created cocktail recipes that have stood the test of time. Clearly they took their potions seriously.”
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, bartenders of the 1920’s!
Ten Ways to Wave 2020 “Bye Bye”
Whether by digital gatherings or with a limited number of friends in person, the New Year’s Eve parties will go on, and as a public service, here are ten tasty cocktails to whet the whistles of the celebrants. Just click on the cocktail name, and you’ll immediately be connected to the recipes. It is kind of like time travel, only not.
It’s pretty much against the law to have any kind of NYE party without serving champagne when the clock strikes midnight. This cocktail screams “I’m FESTIVE!”
Perfect for any party in the Southwest, this drink combines the “champagne food group” with the “margarita food group.” Be careful with this one. It tastes amazing but too much can lead to “hasta la vista, baby!”
How many peppermint canes do you have left over for the holidays? Waste not, want not. Here’s a great way to delight your guests with a very cool drink.
This is a classic cocktail from the speakeasy days. OMG. Poor Lisa is delicious. She packs a punch so take it easy when sipping this one!
This cocktail earns its name!
Do you have any friends who are sugar-a-holics? Do they also enjoy a great martini? Voila’!
Most likely, you still have your holiday decorations, including those sprigs of mistletoe, strategically hung around the house. The is the perfect cocktail for coordinating that New Year’s kiss.
Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Cocktail
The perfect way to ensure that every guest’s eyes are WIDE open at midnight.
Refreshing. Light. Cool. This one has everything you want 2021 to be!
Sparkling Cranberry-Orange Champagne Punch
This classic champagne punch is one of the easiest and most delicious of the bunch. It’s perfect for getting everyone in the mood to sing/mumble through the classic ode to the year just past
Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot
According to several sources, in 1788 the Scottish poet, Robert Burns sent the poem ‘Auld Lang Syne’ to the Scots Musical Museum, indicating that it was an ancient song but that he’d been the first to record it on paper. The phrase ‘auld lang syne’ roughly translates as ‘for old times’ sake’, and the song is all about preserving old friendships and looking back over the events of the year just passed.
Your friends at Gateway Parks, in Forney have been with you through the trials of 2020 and will be here for what promises to be the best year of your life – 2021.
We’ll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For days of auld lang syne.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMFnqj6aFwY
Happy New Year!
