A KISS to Start a New Year

The long-standing tradition of taking a few moments at the beginning of every year to define areas within our lifestyle where improvements can be made is a laudable exercise. More often than not, shortly after this personal evaluation, those positive-purpose sentiments and best-of-intention actions disappear faster than a just-passed Carnival parade, but we all mean well. And that’s the important fact. 

As the pace of life seemingly picks up speed with each moment, and complications force an endless series of compromises, maybe we should consider another avenue to self-improvement, KISS. Keep It Simple, Stupid. If you wish, dropping the last word from the directive is just fine. 

Simplification in a complicated era may be the best personal answer to the insanity that seems to surround modern life.    

The same approach can be applied to our selection of adult beverages. Eliminate the ingredients that take time and increase the span between making a good cocktail and enjoying a good cocktail. KISS. 

The Polo Lounge at The Windsor Court Hotel has created and features the perfect few-ingredient respite from the external pressures we all experience just by getting through the day. The Nicole is straightforward, simple, delicious, and quickly prepared. Here is the ideal KISS cocktail. 

The Nicole

0.5 oz lemon juice

1.5 oz vodka

0.75 oz Lillet blanc

0.75 oz Elderflower syrup

Combine all ingredients over ice in a shaker. Shake well. Serve in a martini glass. Garnish with edible flower.

The Windsor Court Hotel Polo Lounge, 300 Gravier St., 523-6000, Windsorcourthotel.com.