The Whitney Houston

Not much to say at this point, except it’s sad when anyone dies suddenly, especially when they have made some kind of impact on your life. Death can’t take her voice from us, luckily, or our memories of slow skating to “I Will Always Love You.” I remember watching the above video when I would ride the bus home from high school and sneak a few minutes in front of MTV. I can also honestly say that I tried my hardest to dress like her through college (that leather trenchcoat! that hair!). While in all honesty I certainly am not the world’s biggest Whitney Houston fan, I sure am a fan of music, and she recorded some great songs.

This drink is in her honor. Ok, ok, I know it’s like Monday and everything, and you might not want to drink this tonight, but try it the next time you need a little pick-me-up. The gingery kick and the smoky richness of the brown sugar will cure what ails you. Sweet, spicy, and sassy, like every woman I look up to, and with just a hint of bitterness. Life isn’t perfect, but sometimes a cocktail is.

The Whitney Houston

Makes 1 drink.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon peeled and chopped fresh ginger
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 ½ oz rye whiskey
1 ½ – 3 oz soda water, as desired
3 ice cubes
Lemon twist

Method:

Muddle the ginger and sugar together in the bottom of a rocks glass until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Add the rye and stir gently to combine. Strain into another glass over the ice, top with soda and garnish with a lemon twist.