The Chairman, possibly not on Election Day.
I’ve always felt it best to vote on an empty stomach. It makes me feel feisty. But this year I fear the lines will be long, hours may pass, and my feistiness may turn to impatience and then rage. That’s not good. My solution will be the before-voting cocktail. I’ll still be hungry, but I’ll be subtly lulled, just enough to allow me to stand with my neighbors for a prolonged period of time. I recommend it to everyone.
Something strong but vibrant seems best, a drink that sings but will let one stay grounded. I recommend the Limoncello Martini, made with the Southern Italian lemon liqueur limoncello. It’s a wonderful drink. It’s not a brooder’s drink, like a traditional martini. It’s a drink for optimists (and we’re all voting for hope, aren’t we?).
The Limoncello Martini
Chill a martini glass. Have ready chilled bottles of vodka and limoncello (I keep mine in the freezer).
Cut a long strip of lemon zest, and hold it under a lit match for a few seconds so it can release some of its beautiful sharp oils. Drop the lemon zest into your martini glass. Fill the glass with 2 shots of vodka. Add a tablespoon of limoncello (or a little less to taste). Stir briefly. Drink very cold.
Go out and vote.
Erica De Mane 
Totally inspired my dear. I will be passing this on to all my pals as a panacea against what is sure to be a frustrating experience at the polls.
xoxox
Salute, Erica!
Good idea!, except that in the case of SOME of us – like as in me – have to drive to the polls.
Oh well, what’s the point of voting if you don’t feel the risk?
C.
C,
Oh. I actually hadn’t thought of that. But it’s only one drink. That shouldn’t be a problem. Should it?
Erica from America
This is exactly what I was going to do while waiting for results. What are your proportions for a tasty drink? And how exactly do you do that thing with the match and the lemon peel?? mmmm…
Dear Amos,
What a night. I whipped up quite a few of these Limoncello martinis for friends while nervously watching election returns.
As far as the lemon peel thing goes, the easiest way to do it is over a candle. Just pass the peel over the flame quickly a few times. You just want to warm it. That’s enough to get the oils flowing. Try not to blacken any parts of the peel. That will really make your drink taste bad.
I have no set proportions for tasty drinks. I think just about any drink is tasty.
Best to you,
Erica
I’ll stick with my bitter drinks for pessimists. I’ll toast you all with an amaro when the new smiling face of the American empire opens his first bombing campaign. After all, after saying he wanted to expand the military budget, it would be sheer waste to not use all the expensive new capabilities.
Cheers!
That’s maybe the best limoncello martini recipe I’ve ever seen and I collect them. Just employing fire in the making of the drink is genius alone. Two thumbs up!
Mr. / Miss Limoncello,
Thanks. I love this drink. For me it’s the best vodka drink ever. Not too sweet, not too rough. And the slight bitterness from the warm peel gives it depth.
E