Happy Independence Day! This celebration of the 4th of July when our founding fathers, joined together to sign their names to a document that insured their deaths as traitors, if they failed. They did not fail. They fought and they died to craft a new country, based on a democratic idea that had never been attempted before, the great experiment. That’s worth celebrating, so join me as we stand and make the Firecracker. 

The core principle of that Declaration of Independence is a noble ideal, something so simple that it seems crazy to have to write it down, he even says that it is self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. We’ve been less than perfect in attaining this goal, but we are trying to be better. Here 244 years later we still battle with insuring that the “inalienable rights that we hold to be self evident” are guaranteed to all, regardless of sex, race, orientation or any other damn thing. Where some see unrest, I see growing pains, as we continue to struggle to create a more perfect union. 

Let’s make this one, grab your tins and pop in 2 ounces of tequila, I used Kah Añejo, in that sweet memento mori skull; 1/4 ounce of orange liqueur, I went with Cointreau; a barspoon of hot sauce, I went with Captain Rodney’s Prohibition Barrel-Aged; 2 slices of jalapeño pepper, 1 ounce of orange juice, 1/2 an ounce of agave nectar and 3/4 ounces of fresh squeezed lime juice. Add ice and shake hard to the beat of My Shot. Double strain into something interesting, garnish with a jalapeño and serve on a bed of liberty gold dollars. 

This one is nice, a little sweet, but with a great heat element. That spice really sets the flavor off. Perfect for a hot summer day, celebrate with a firecracker, that checks out. Oh and while you are doing it, preferably with proper social distance and your +3 mask of empathetic protection, remember the people who lived and fought and died to help bring this country closer to its ideals. But go further, don’t just honor them, do your part. Remember that freedom is also a responsibility. We best honor these ideals by protecting others freedoms. So take a minute and see if you can think of a way to help protect the lives of your fellow patriots. Maybe with a red, white and blue bandana, worn proudly across your face. What a wonderful way to defend life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Or don’t, that is your choice, isn’t it. You get the freedom, whether you take the responsibility or not. Anyway, I encourage you all to have a wonderful Independence Day and be sure to enjoy freedom, responsibly. Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay sane, my friends.