Happy Father’s Day, Dad! Can you believe that you’ve put up with me for a daughter as long as you have?! Me neither. Even though I’m not a parent yet myself, I can imagine that for every moment of joy you’ve felt, there have been five moments of frustration, exhaustion, worry and overwhelm.

But in spite of those moments, you’ve continued to guide me in the direction of a happy and fulfilling life. And even when you thought I wasn’t paying attention, I want you to know I was. The lessons you were imparting weren’t going in one ear and out the other, at least not entirely. If your words had been simply swept away with the wind as you spoke them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. So, Dad, I want you to know: This is what I heard when you thought I wasn’t listening.

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When you cheered me on through frightened tears learning to swim, I heard: Be brave; you can do this.

When you grounded me for the first time, I heard: Learn from your mistakes; don’t repeat the same ones twice.

When you introduced me to the big city, I heard: Never stop exploring; the culture around you is one of your greatest teachers.

When you coached me late night after late night as I drafted my college essays, I heard: Put in the hard work now and the rewards will follow.

When you encouraged me to keep a journal, to join the yearbook club, to pursue magazine publishing, to start this blog, I heard: You are more creative than you give yourself credit for; honor that creativity.

When you hugged me at the airport, as I was about to move to New York City alone, with only a hope and a prayer, I heard: Fly! Take risks, and live fearlessly.

When you sent me endless newspaper clippings about innovation and entrepreneurship, I heard: Think big, dream bigger. I believe in you.

When you visited me on the East Coast, and walked with me through the city, I heard: I’m proud of you for building a life you love.

When you gave Kyle your blessing of marriage, I heard: You’ve picked a man I trust to take care of you. I believe in the two of you.

When you say nothing at all, I hear: I’m here for you. Now and always.

Love you, Dad.

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For Father’s Day, my dad sent me a cocktail request (of course he did—as you may have gathered from the above, he likes to make his opinions known!). He wanted me to recreate one of his favorite childhood drinks, the Raspberry Lime Rickey. He grew up drinking these in old-school soda fountains around Boston, and has had a hankering for them ever since he moved to the West Coast, many years ago. He warned me to “Keep it simple! Don’t try anything fancy like those purees you use!” so I set out to adapt the original recipe in the most authentic way possible. Hope you like it, Dad!

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New England’s Famous Raspberry Lime Rickey
makes 1 cocktail; build each individually

• .5 oz raspberry syrup
• .5 oz raspberry liqueur – I used St. George’s but Chambord would work as well (No liqueur on hand? Feel free to double the syrup instead!)
• .75 oz gin
• 1.5 oz fresh lime juice
• soda water

Assembly

Fill a highball glass to the brim with ice. Pour the syrup, liqueur, gin and lime juice over the ice. Give a good stir, then fill with soda water. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Barware notes: The highball glasses are actually iced tea glasses from World Market, as is the glass bottle. The small cutting board is from IKEA. The fine mesh strainer can be found at most home stores or Amazon.