Dec. 22 Carol of the Beach
It seems to happen every year; I'm listening to some cheerful Christmas songs, and I'm feeling all of the holiday spirit flowing through me. Then all of a sudden, some terrifying chanting begins, and I worry that I have the wrong playlist. "Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells!" Yes, I'm talking about the goth-chant classic of "Carol of the Bells."
Welcome back, my thirsty readers, young and old. We all hear certain song, and we immediately associate them with a memory. This could be an event, a time of year, or even a holiday. Even though "Carol of the Bells" uses the word Christmas eight times, most people don't even know the lyrics are particularly about the holiday, but instead, they remember the song for it's eerie melody.
First penned by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych, "Carol of the Bells" was based on the Ukrainian folk chant "Shchedryk." The English lyrics weren't based on the original, which was a New Year's song, and they didn't come to be until 1936. Whether be like it or not, "Carol of the Bells" is now a staple in the canon of Christmas Carols, kinda like the creepy dark side of Christmas.
If there's anything that weird old song makes me want to do, it's be somewhere tropical, where all your cares and fears just melt away. I like those tones, but there is something a bit dark about them. It just feels a bit cold, at a time when we're already freezing. I'm seriously thinking about planning a tropical vacation for next Christmas far in advance. The only issue with that would be that we still don't know what next year is going to look like. We don't even know how things will be next month.
I had some bad news today, and pursuing my happiness came to my mind, like it was my purpose. One of my colleagues passed away today, and it was very unexpected. Things like this just really make you think about how short our time is on this planet. What do you want to leave behind? Do you want to be remembered for the pain you bring or the joy? After the year we've all had, I think we could all use some joy, and a vacation sure wouldn't hurt.
Carol of the Beach
.75oz Aged Puerto Rican Rum
.75oz Aged Jamaican Rum
.75oz 151 Proof Guyanese Rum
.5oz Don's Spices #2
.5oz Grenadin
.5oz Passion Fruit Syrup
.75oz Lime Juice
.75oz Pineapple Juice
Pearl Diver Glass
Whip shake and pour unstrained.
Top with crushed ice.
Garnish with mint sprigs, parasol, Christmas present candies, grated nutmeg, and powdered sugar.
I'm going to wrap this up short today. We only have a few days left, and as we inch closer and closer to Christmas, I'm reminded how much we really need to start being better to one another. 2020 has been the ultimate illustration of how selfish mankind can truly be. I know I'd like to be remembered more as "Joy to the World," than someone's "Carol of the Bells."We deserve better, and we can do better. Keep shaking.