Americanna State of Mind

Holidays are always culturally and politically divisive. What’s a happy childhood memory of Christmas morning for some is a source of social ostracism for others. Though the Fourth of July doesn’t marginalize Americans along religious denominations, it can be difficult to rally behind the meaning of Independence Day in the U.S. But most years, we can celebrate our nation’s virtues like diversity, free speech and cannabis reform, without getting too bogged down by the dark realities of historical racism and global warming. No one wants to be a wet blanket at a parade. But in 2017, wildly unexpected changes in our political climate make the Fourth of July particularly paradoxical this year. Given that the most offensive and unqualified, misogynistic princes of capitalism is currently at the helm of our great nation’s future – do we just BBQ and drink Budweiser as per usual?

I say nay. Fourth of July has never sat well with me. Each summer, fireworks terrify my sweet, old dog into an anxiety-crazed stupor and, hey, she never did anything to anybody. Neither did the thousands upon of thousands of American Indians who died bravely defending our nation’s natural beauty and continue to endure the highest rates of poverty in the U.S. Neither did the millions upon millions of low-income Americans who will soon watch their access to basic healthcare disappear. Neither did the countless women, people of color or medical cannabis patients who feel misrepresented and threatened by our current administration. How can we enjoy this most American of holidays this year, while holding tight to our beliefs about what it means to be American? The easy answer is not a classic cocktail recipe, but a commitment to standing up for your community, your country and yourself. This includes taking holidays off to enjoy quality time with family and friends. This July, honor everything that was already great in America.

Dead simple to make, The Americano is a classic cocktail that pays homage to a better time in American history. Named for it’s popularity among ex-pats living abroad in Europe, The Americanna is the perfect cocktail to infuse with medicinal cannabis for a cheek in tongue celebration. A bright, cheery color thanks to refreshingly bitter Campari, the cocktail caters to the American palate by balancing the bracing orange liqueur with equal parts sweet vermouth. Perfect for enduring hot July temperatures and keeping your cool, The Americano is a low-alcohol drink that will quench your thirst without over-imbibing. Skip the red, white and blue propaganda this July and drink to the America of our future, where a citizenry of empowered and educated Americans are truly free. Cheers!