June Is For The Dads (And The Whisky)

By Christine Johnson

When I think of the month of June, I immediately revert to being in school knowing that was when we were out for summer! In the good ol’ days, we had three full months of vacation and went back to classes in September. Now the education calendars are different everywhere, and parents spend their time scrambling to schedule trips around strange times. However, June is not just for summer vacations away from reality. JUNE IS FOR DADS! June brings us the nationally celebrated day to honor fathers and father figures each year on the third Sunday of the month. Yes, the day is filled with cards, dinners, and gifts, but it’s also a time to show true love and appreciation for these people in our lives. In my family, Father’s Day was always a special day. My daughter and I spent weeks trying to create the perfect day filled with surprises and laughter for Dad. It was never lost on us how much we looked forward to the simple fact that we were together and given time to honor Dad and Husband. We look back on those times now with such love and sincere appreciation for all my husband did for us and the void in our lives now that he is gone. Once the sadness clears and we look at memories with more happiness, our family sees the incredible gifts he left. My daughter lives her life with strength, dedication and love through her dad. I live mine with the courage to raise my daughter without him, all the while knowing his love is guiding me along the way. After all, this is what dads do. They bring essential teaching, guidance, motivation and love to our hearts and souls, then send us out into the world ready for anything.

We are grateful for our dads and all they have contributed to the lives we live today. They are wise, caring, and strong and we love them in June and always. Fathers deserve a special drink this month. One that is traditional… a true man’s drink. For the fathers who sometimes just need a drink (not just on Father’s Day), I give you the Whiskey Smash.

3 lemon wedges

2 ounces Bourbon

¾ ounce simple syrup

4 mint leaves

Garnish: mint sprig

Muddle the lemon wedges in a shaker

Add Bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves and ice

Shake till chilled

Strain into a rocks glass over ice

Garnish with mint sprig