towel

Today is not only Towel Day (the annual tribute to that hoopy frood, Douglas Adams) but  also the 35th anniversary of our first visit to that galaxy far, far, away.

It’s hard to overstate how much influence The Hitchkiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Star Wars have had on not just in geekdom but in transforming pop culture and the way we think about science fiction. Certainly I wouldn’t be the same person without the important lessons these two universes taught me about living life.

1) Don’t Panic (also, Don’t Forget your Towel), and

2) Do, or do not. There is no try.*

(Okay, that might be three life lessons…)

In any event, following Rules #1 and #2 have gotten me pretty far. Sure, they are kind of catch-phrasey, bumper-stickery bits of wisdom, but I think Megadodo Publications on Ursa Minor Beta and Yoda from Dagobah are worth listening to here.

So, in honor of these seminal works of science fiction, I’d like to raise a glass–or two.

(I didn’t have time to develop any original drink recipes on short notice, so I’ve filed some serial numbers off a couple of my favorite cocktails. I think Ford and Yoda would understand.)

The Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster

• 3 oz. dry gin
• 1 oz. vodka
• 1/2 oz. Lillet Blanc

Shake with cracked ice, garnish with a swathe of lemon peel.

Long-time readers will notice this is actually the Vesper Martini which I’ve written about before. The first time I ever made a Vesper upon sipping it I declared “This is probably the closest thing on Earth to drinking a Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster.” It is potent and will smash your brains out with a lemon-wrapped brick if you’re not careful. No wonder it was drink of choice of everyone’s favorite killer for Queen and Country — Mr. Bond.

The Smuggler

• 1 oz. Corellian Rye
• 1 oz.  House of Alderaan Dry Vermouth
• 1/4 oz. lemon juice
• 1 dash grenadine
• 1-2 dash orange bitters

Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with orange twist. 

The Smuggler is actually the classic Scoff Law cocktail, a very popular Prohibition-era concoction. I based my recipe on one by Robert Hess. I think Captain Solo would approve. If you can’t get the House of Alderaan vermouth (it’s hard to find these days) you might try one of the Naboo brands…

Have a great weekend, everyone.

*Actually a quote from The Empire Strikes Back, which is NOT celebrating a 35th Anniversary today, but close enough…