Shirley You Jest for St. Val's
Namesake Shirley Temple hated 'em but millions adore the colorful concoction
En route to husband number six — or was it seven — Lady Arabella is not averse to wooing via fabulous concoctions. Any candidate would have to display an appreciation for fun and sheer prettiness. “Else why even waste my precious platinum years?” Lady Arabella exclaims. “And, yes, of course, darling, I do know that gold is trading much higher. Yet ‘golden years’ is so freighted, n’est-ce pas with visions of recliners, sensible shoes and,” she shudders visibly, “taking it easy.”
That the selected Valentine concoction is to be a Shirley Temple seems counter-intuitive to a social milieu featuring ancient Scotch meted out in short pours in heavy tumblers or French bubbly poured lavishly from dusty magnums fetched up from a private cellar. Why a drink named after a sassy tot, a beverage favored by noisy munchkins wanting to feel all-grown-up while out on the town with parents?
“Never, never, never grow old!” Lady Arabella cries. “Inner Child and all that. Romantic love should feel like the springtime of your life, no matter your chrono-years. So sweet and sentimental you can scarcely tolerate it. Colorful! At least at the start. Later we can be soigné, serious and heading inexorably toward Ennui Alley.”
Shirley You Jest, Clean & Dirty
Per person
12 ounces ginger ale, Sprite or Seven-up (diet or regular)
2 Tablespoons pomegranate juice
1 tablet Cherry-Lime flavor Nuun hydration tablet
For “dirty” an additional 1.5 ounces vodka
Optional: maraschino or fresh cherries
Pour half the carbonated beverage of choice into fancy glass of choice. Add hydration tablet and allow it to fizz itself out. Add pomegranate juice and remainder of carbonated beverage. If having “dirty” version, add vodka now. Stir together ‘til well combined. Option to add ice cubes. Option to garnish with maraschino or fresh cherries. Bottoms up! Overwhelming cheerfulness and hugs may ensue. Management is not responsible if you choose to tap-dance irresponsibly.
