Sparkling Pineapple Rum Cocktail

I used to be the girl who preferred the shadows. I drew comfort from the anonymity, from the lack of attention, from the invisibility cloak I chose to wear around my shoulders. I shied away from conversations, preferring to observe rather than participate. While I often wished I could be the boisterous and reactive one in the room, it was enough for me to simply watch them. As an observer in the shadows, I learned of the nature of those around me. I pinpointed those who filled the lulls in conversation, afraid of the silence, afraid to be left with the sound of their thoughts. I identified with those who were quiet just as myself, knowing their minds were buzzing with unsaid thoughts and opinions.

Then one day I stepped out into the light.

It is hard to say when or why it happened. I certainly did not anticipate it coming. While debating dinner plans with friends, I noticed a quiet girl nearby listening, wearing the cloak of shadows I knew so well. I had seen her before, here and there, as we went about our days. This time, however, I felt an unfamiliar pull to talk to her, to invite her to join our dinner plans. And so I did. And so did she. I may never be the boisterous one in the room, but I am no longer afraid to expand my comfort zone to include new people and situations.

While I still retreat to the shadows now and then, I find the light brings a certain warmth.

In some ways, this cocktail reminds me of an unnoticed person, hiding in the shadows. It is not flashy or showy. It does not sparkle in the light like a glass of white wine or feature hundreds of fizzing bubbles like a flute of champagne. It does not have layers like a rainbow or feature bright, bold colors. It is a simple drink. A subtle drink. Pale yellow and opaque, it may not seem like much to the unaided eye.

To give it a hard look, to take a sip, opens your eyes to something you may not have considered before. You may even find it beautiful.

Sparkling Pineapple Rum Cocktail is a balanced, fizzy cocktail. Pineapple juice and ginger ale come together, effortlessly mixing together the sweetness of the soda and the tartness of the juice. With a shot (or two) of dark rum thrown in the mix, the cocktail can hold its ground. When I had my first sip, I was pleasantly surprised. The bright flavor drew me in and it truly felt like something special.

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Dark & Stormy (with Ginger Ale)

I have been drawn into the Olympics this summer. Traditionally, I've always enjoyed watching the competitions and learning about (and subsequently getting into) the drama surrounding individual athletes, always rooting for Team USA. However, this time around I am faced with finals week in graduate school; while my head should be buried in books, I find my eyes glued to the television instead. It would be easier to handle if the Olympics didn't make hours of my evening mysteriously disappear, as class notes lay scattered and neglected across my lap.

I just can't miss men's swimming or women's gymnastics.

Though I do enjoy the summer Olympics, the winter games will always steal my heart. I used to be a figure skater, doing jumps and spins on the ice at the local rink. I wore the expensive skates, the sequined uniforms, and dreaded performances as my nerves would find a way to get the best of me. Now I prefer to watch the world's best instead.

Men's figure skating is my favorite event. There is so much drama surrounding so few athletes and, as I follow their competitions through the years, I'm anxious to see how they match up against one another. During the winter games two years ago, I was so excited for the events I convinced my boyfriend (who knew nothing of men's figure skating or, really, skating in general) to brush up on a few years of history between the competitors before we watched the games together. Not only did he surprise me by recognizing the skaters' skill sets, he spouted off facts and figures even I didn't know.

Perhaps that's how you know you've picked a good one.

This year I held a little get together at my apartment to watch the opening ceremony. There was spaghetti, cupcakes, and these Dark & Stormy cocktails to go around. We watched the ceremony with countless millions from all over the world, united by a common force of good. I find something magical about the Olympic's ability to bring countries and people closer together.

We toasted to the games and ourselves, as my humble living room grew to accommodate a small part of the world.

Dark & Stormy cocktails are traditionally made with dark rum and ginger beer, but I prefer the clean fizzy flavor of a good ginger ale. The cocktail is simple to prepare, with three ingredients that do not need to be blended or mixed. With a lemon twist, this cocktail manages complex flavors while staying light and bright. Contrary to its namesake, Dark & Stormy cocktails may also be enjoyed on days that are sunny and golden, when friends and family are near.

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