Blood Orange Mint Negroni

Shall we end the year with a cocktail? Okay! This Blood Orange Mint Negroni is so delicious. And so, so easy. Gin and juice, plus Campari and sweet vermouth. With equal parts of each ingredient, it requires only the tiniest bit of preparation. All you need is a shot glass, a shaker full of ice, and a heart ready for adventure.

I developed this recipe while reflecting on my happiest moment of 2018, which happened in Italy, the birthplace of this classic cocktail. I wanted to do something a little different, and this season’s blood oranges have been so good. Their raspberry-hued juice is deeply flavorful, and the mint adds a fragrant, holiday-esque twist. Even my husband, who doesn’t like most mixed drinks, took a sip and then sat down and asked for his own glass. I think it’s the perfect New Year’s Eve drink.

So while we’re sipping, I have to ask: do you make New Year’s resolutions? I don’t. I tend to rebel against being told, even by myself, that I have to do something (you’re not the boss of me, self).

What I prefer to do is set intentions, which focus on a feeling rather than a hard goal. How do I want to feel in six months, a year? Physically healthier? Stronger? Professionally successful? There are lots of ways to get there, wherever there is, and lots of different metrics by which to measure success. If I end the year unsure of how the hell all that happened, but knowing that I stayed true to my intentions? Winning.

My intentions for last year were to be the best partner and mom I could be, to pursue adventure, and to explore professional avenues that both intrigued and scared me. And reflecting on everything that went down, I’m feeling pretty darn happy with the results:

• I married my best friend and love in Italy and continue to build a healthy, happy life with him.
• I worked daily on helping my son feel supported, independent, resilient, and loved – and he is thriving.
• My family trekked through the Andes mountains and experienced the magic of Machu Picchu and the Peruvian culture.
• I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training and emerged with not only knowledge and experience, but some fabulous friends and sisters.
• I continued developing recipes and writing about them here and have been totally delighted to see Butter & Air grow and spread beyond my inner circle of friends and family.

I couldn’t have predicted what this year would actually look like, and it certainly wasn’t without its challenges. But I was legitimately blown away by the realization that all I really had to do was to be clear about my intentions. The rest organically, naturally, fell into place. Easy? Not always. But directionally speaking, it wasn’t hard to make choices. Intention creates its own energy and action.

I’m still working on my intentions for 2019, and they may not be totally clear by January 1 (because I tend to rebel against deadlines, too). I know they will involve avoiding things and people that leave me feeling depleted or anxious, and investing time in the things that inspire joy, positive energy, and giggles.

Most certainly, they will also involve a deep focus on gratitude for all that brings me joy, which includes my family, my friends, and you, who have taken the time to click your way over here and read what I have to say, try some of my recipes, and even take the time to give me your feedback (I love that). I appreciate you more than you know, every day.

Let’s toast to that. Happiest of intentions to you!

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