Back in the 1970s when my husband and I were still newlyweds, we moved to a quaint fishing village so that I could take a nearby teaching job. Finally we had a large enough space to stock a small bar, and we researched the names of a few basic cocktails and the ingredients we would need to make them. I remember the cocktail list was composed of the classics such Martini, Old Fashioned, and Manhattan. We kept the liquor and fixings, as well as a secondhand paperback bartending book, in a small, old cabinet that had belonged to my grandmother.
Yesterday our son and I enjoyed dinner out and the movie Taken 3 in honor of my husband’s birthday. As a tribute to our early newlywed years, I decided to order a Manhattan cocktail. Son and I were going to a restaurant near the theater, and I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but most cocktails listed on menus these days are fruity and frou frou. Those are pretty can be delicious, but I had my heart set on a traditional Manhattan. I called ahead and was told the bartender could make one, no problem. After the waiter gave me a blank look at the mention of a Manhattan and asked me what was in it, I started to have a sinking feeling about my chances of getting one. I told him 
bourbon (as opposed to rye whiskey), sweet vermouth, and bitters, garnished with orange and cherry, and he said he’d ask the bartender. Though that didn’t bode well, the mixologist actually came through fine.
The Manhattan complemented my tasty bourbon pork chop, while son enjoyed shrimp and a brew. After that, Taken 3 proved interesting, with accurate weapons handling and krav maga routines. I miss my husband something fierce, and it was a night he would have enjoyed. I’m sure he was right there with us for his birthday amid all the loving vibes. I have to share this picture of an Icelandic coffee toasted ale our son 
came up with in honor of his father the following day.
I’ve included the recipe for a classic Manhattan, in case you want to try one yourself.
Manhattan Cocktail on the Rocks
Ingredients:
2 ½ ounces bourbon whiskey
¾ ounce sweet vermouth
1 dash bitters
Twist of orange and two maraschino cherries
Directions:
Place the bourbon, vermouth, and bitters in a glass and stir gently. Pour the mixture over the cherries and into an “on the rocks” whiskey glass with three ice cubes. Garnish with the cherries and twist of orange on a cocktail pick.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Oh, Flossie, I’m sure your husband was with you and your son all along the celebration. I think he may have taken a sip of your Manhattan. I do believe in life after death. There must be something after our journey here. Otherwise, why the bother and all suffering?
Interesting recipe of Manhattan. If you say it’s tasty I believe it is. Until then, I’ll raise a cup of my favorite drink, coffee, as homage to your husband.
I think so too, Carmen. Thank you for raising your cup of coffee. I love coffee and am having a cup right now of dark roast Sumatran Reserve.
I’m sure he was with you. I don’t believe we die. We either live on in spirit form or reincarnate.
I do too, Liza. Thank you for your comment.
Flossie, it’s so lovely that you and your son could celebrate your husband’s birthday this way, and I’m sure he was smiling down on you both. I truly believe God gives us eternal life. As for that Manhattan, I remember my parents having drinks like that, I always thought they had a bit of Old Hollywood glamour. 🙂
Thanks, Mae. Yes, there is a glamour aspect to a Manhattan and the other classic cocktails. It’s part of my tugging away to keep the vintage aspects of our culture fresh and alive.
Flossie, thank you so much for that touching story. I love the details of the drinks and feeling your excitement together as you built those happy everyday moments together. Also, my brother-in-law’s favorite drink is a Manhattan. And you reminded me I want to go to Iceland.
Most of all, I agree: what a wonderful way to honor your husband’s birthday. Cheers to you both and may memories like these uplift and sustain you.
Thank you, Jennifer! I love it when I read something that reminds me of something, as with your brother-in-law liking a Manhattan and you wanting to go to Iceland. Cheers to you as well with your wonderful Mercy of the Moon.
The Icelandic coffee looks interesting. I’m glad you celebrated R’s day and that A celebrated with you.
Thank you, Loretta. Here’s a toast to you and W as well!