Refreshing Vodka Mango Slushie – 5:00 Fridays TM

Since I’m knocked out from having three wisdom teeth out yesterday, my dear friend Corina is stepping up to guest post today. She’s a peach. Note that she used mango in her concoction, but to say “She’s a mango” would just be weird.

 

The first time I met Ilina, I forgot that this was, in fact, the first time we were meeting each other. We had known each other for over a year through this blog space. We shared emails about our political ideas, education, food (of course) and our families. We were instant friends. By the time we actually met each other, we had already had reached a point in our friendship most people take months, if not years, to cultivate.  

I don’t see Ilina often. I am lucky to have family close to her so I get to visit her a few times a year. My family has shared meals at her table (Everyone should get to experience that. She is an amazing cook and entertainer.). We have explored North Carolina together. But the most memorable times have been at conferences where we, and our dear friend Caroline at Morningsidemom, were able to connect and share all of our ideas and hopes, where we could let loose, be our true selves, and have a little fun. Caroline and Ilina both, whether they realize it or not, have been a big part of my life. They have helped me to overcome fears, in both small ways, like leading a group of women in a Michael Jackson’s “Bad” dance off  (there are pictures), to big life-changing things, like taking huge leaps with my writing and pursuing my more creative side. We have been called “the progressive trio”  and I like it that way. Unfortunately, circumstances have kept us apart from each other for the last few years (something that NEEDS to be rectified), but they are still a part of me, no matter how long it has been.

In thinking of a story I could tell to match the refreshing nature of this drink, I was reminded of a time that Ilina and I were together. We were in downtown Asheville North Carolina, walking through a center square where there was a drum circle in progress. We stopped, and watched, taking in the refreshing sight. People of all races and economic backgrounds were dancing and enjoying the music together, from businessmen in three piece suits, to skaters with purple hair. Everyone dropped all pretenses, all judgments and took in the beautiful summer evening enjoying each other’s company, if only for just that one moment in time. It was refreshing sight to see, in a time when our country is so polarized. We knew that we were witnessing something special, where people were celebrating people, despite our differences. We were witnessing exactly what we wanted for our country, for our children.  

This drink reminds me of that night, because it tastes like summer, cool and refreshing. As a complete non sequitur, it also reminds me of a new path I am on in earning my black belt. I just tested for my orange belt, (which happens to be the color of this drink) and have a new family in my classmates. My new close friend Jen, (who is a fantastic writer and runs a wonderful blog called Measure of Madness: Writing out My Demons where she posts writing prompts each Friday), helped me develop this recipe. I must honor her and thank her for being such an amazing friend on this new journey.  

Refreshing Vodka Mango Slushie  (there was going to be another name, but ….. long story) (makes 4 drinks)

3 oz  Rain or Skinny Girl Cucumber Vodka
3 oz of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice with a Hint of Lime (if you can’t find this, use a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lime juice)
1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
3 cups of ice
Mint leaves (for garnish)

Put all ingredients in a blender.  Puree until smooth.  Serve in a margarita or martini glass. Garnish with mint leaves. Enjoy!  

Corina Fiore is a writer, curriculum designer, photographer, teacher, and black belt in training. She can be found sharing her thoughts at She Acts.