An ode to mimosas in the time of coronavirus

Photo by Sabel Blanco from Pexels

I don't really have a favorite cocktail, although I suppose I've had a long-term love affair with the classic gin and tonic. It's my trusty, go-to beverage of choice, especially for social contexts where drinks are DIY. (After all, who besides the truly committed can remember the detailed measurements for a complicated 10-ingredient specialty drink?)

But one drink more than any other makes me happy -- and it has nothing to do with its taste or hipness. It's the mimosa.

Of course, mimosas do have a lovely, bright and crisp taste -- at least if the champagne has been well-chosen and the orange juice is freshly squeezed.

However, the reason mimosas make me happy is that I only ever drink them in the morning (actually, does anyone drink them anytime besides the morning??). Sure, I will occasionally have some other brunch cocktail. For instance, a Bloody Mary. But, as the name suggests, it's the kind of morning cocktail you opt for after a night of heavy binge drinking. Really it's a hangover drink, isn't it? So, like Pavlov's dog, I've been conditioned to associate feeling bad with Bloody Marys.

In contrast, mimosas are feel-good, day-time drinks -- like "Sunday brunch with friends" drinks. Mimosas are light and airy, like laughter and good times. Truly, a refreshing experience.

In this time of COVID-19 lock down though, I haven't had a mimosa. I've had plenty of boxed wine and gin... with some occasional tequila or rum to change things up. What makes me sad though is not the absence of juicy champagne (after all, I could just make one...) but the lack of context in which to enjoy such a drink.

Going through the ritual of having a mimosa, but minus the atmosphere and emotion of relaxation among loved ones and friends out on holiday (even if just a regular weekend), well, it just isn't the same. It would feel like I was trying too hard to create the right sentiment; it would feel fake, I fear.

Rather than fake my fun times with mimosas, I'll keep on waiting for the real thing. In the meantime, I've enjoyed this little reverie, although it really isn't better than the real thing. [Queue up U2 here!]