IWD - Intoxicated While Dbasing

"Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow is Monday" is not exactly a Jewish concept, but this is one holiday where we are told go out and get smashed. Many reasons are given. One relates to the message that you are to let yourself go totally, showing trust in no one but God. Another reminds us that during the Feast of Ahasuerus many Jews took part, getting plastered with all that followed.

A final, more ethical concept is that there are no absolutes in this world other than God. Everything can be used for good and evil. So too we celebrate our salvation from Haman by showing that even intoxication can be used to elevate one's soul. In order to do so you can either buy a pint of what my grandfather used to call "My favorite mother-in-law (Old Crow)" or you can try one of my tried and true recipes. So here goes, drink up, have a Lechayim on me and don't drive!

Eli's Israeli Orange Brandy

3 large oranges with thick skins
1 cup honey
1 bottle brandy

Wash the oranges carefully and dry. Using a vegetable peeler carefully peel the outer layer of the orange, being careful not to take any of the white stuff which is bitter. Put all the peels in the orange brandy and let it sit for a minimum of three weeks. Drain the whiskey into a large jar. Pour in one cup of honey or a little less if you want it less sweet. I usually warm the honey slightly so that it dissolves more easily. Shake the jar very well and leave for a few days until it has settled and the ambrosia is clear.

Slowly decant - bottoms up!

This article belongs to the following subjects:

Judaism » Holidays with a Twist » Purim

Judaism » Jewish Food