The Mrs. is a simple mix of the sophisticated Lillet Blanc, tonic water, and grapefruit bitters. It's a crisp, refreshing, sexy Lillet Blanc cocktail.
Mr. Bliss and I dated for a long time before we got married. Eight years. And within those eight years, we took a few breaks of the Ross & Rachel variety. Except there were no random babies conceived during any of those breaks (that I know of).
Marriage is a big deal, and I always knew I wanted to have kids, but somewhere along the way I questioned the presence of marriage in my life. Did I really want to me someone's wife, some guys's Mrs. so-and-so? Why would I change my name? My name was my identity, and I clung to my independence and identity fiercely.
So when the Mister whisked me off to a wine country weekend, and asked me to be his wife, I didn't hesitate. I said yes. Because I had several years to contemplate the decision. Several years in which he and I were able to grow together, and individually. Several years in which we were able to define our own life goals and blend them into a life that combined joined interests and a balance of independence.
In March of 2001, I became a Mrs. It was, as they say, one of the best days of my life. Our wedding day was filled with friends and family from so many seasons of our lives - both apart and together. It was filled with hope, laughter, adventure, hilarious mishaps, and vows for more of the same.
So this Mixology Monday is a cheers to all of the Mrs. out there.
Mixology Monday: The Mrs. Cocktail
Are you a Mrs? There's something fantastically mysterious yet familiar, calming yet sizzling, sexy yet demure about being a Mrs.
It's like having a dual identity: me/me and me/you; complex and yet, not.
That's what this cocktail, The Mrs., is like. The leading lady is Lillet Blanc, it's equal partner - tonic water, and the unexpected splash of grapefruit bitters.
I use grapefruit bitters from Portland, Oregon-based and woman-owned The Bitter Housewife. It's made from pure ingredients and enhances the elegant finish of this lillet blanc cocktail, rather than giving it a sugary coating as other bitters can.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Lillet Blanc
- 3 oz tonic water
- 1 teaspoon Bitter Housewife grapefruit bitters
Instructions
- Pour ingredients into a champagne glass and stir.
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Are you a Mrs., and if so, was the decision to change your name an easy one for you? Do you plan to be a Mrs. someday or keep your last name?
If you're a Mr., you can enjoy this drink as well. After all, a name is just a name, right? ;)
More tasty cocktail and mocktail ideas
Thanks to The Bitter Housewife for sending me their trio of delicious bitters to try. I honestly love them all and can't wait to use them in more Mixology Monday posts in the future!
Tracy says
I felt like I waited so long for marriage to come along (I was willing to waiting for a good one!) that I was glad to take my husband's name. We've been married four years now. I'm still my own person and will always be (my husband would second that!) but I'm glad to be a Mrs.
Angie Agerter says
oh wow now this is different sounding, I like it!
beautiful pictures with it too.
Jenni says
Grapefruit Bitters... YES PLEASE. I've actually been really into having gingerale with bitters and a squeeze of lime lately. I think I'll have to try it with the Housewife Bitters or possibly a different pairing with maybe sparkling water and rosemary. Hmmm... this drink is beautiful! Love the name and your story.
As for names... I decided long ago that if I was published professionally under my maiden name I'd keep it. If not, I'd happy take my future husband's name. My husband just happened to catch me early enough in my career. ;)
Melanie Hernandez says
This is my first time visiting your website, it makes me feel instantly happy just like I'm sure a sip of the Mrs. would do to! This is a must try. I'm not married yet...so I might assume the drink experience could give me a few clues into what being a Mrs. is all about? (wink)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks for visiting, Melanie! Yes, I do believe this drink embodies a hint of what being a Mrs. is like ;-)
Aubrie LeGault says
I loved how you described things... "There’s something fantastically mysterious yet familiar, calming yet sizzling, sexy yet demure about being a Mrs." Awesome! And yes, I am a Mrs. :) Photos look great too.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks so much, Aubrie! I appreciate it! From one Mrs. to another ;)
Melinda says
Mmm, this sounds wonderful!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Melinda!
Dijana says
I love coming to your blog just to look at your photos. You have amazing eye! Thank you for sharing.
Partly I love keeping my individuality and I do think there is no need to be someone's Mrs., but after experiencing good and bad marriage can bring, if I ever choose to get married again - I don't want to be individual. I want to be proud Mrs. to Mr. I wish my relationship to be independent from outside world, and me and him can be partners and taking his last name would be something I am proud to have.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Dijana, thank you so much! That means a lot to me. And thanks for sharing your perspective on the Mrs. issue. Your experiences definitely add a different and very valuable perspective. Thank you!
Meredith {MarthaChartreuse} says
First, I love the Ross & Rachel reference!! Echoing the other comments about changing your name, at this point I do not plan on changing my name if I ever get married. If children came into the picture I would consider hyphenating it. Five years ago I would not have had that response.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Good ol' Ross & Rachel ;) Thanks, Meredith. Isn't it interesting how our opinion on matters change as we move through life? I love it! Thanks!
Erin says
Aww I love this post, Marlynn. I for some reason never questioned changing my name, but I totally understand the hesitation in doing so. I definitely agree that marriage should complement each person's independence and I'm so happy for you that you found that. You guys are great together. PS - this is a great sounding cocktail as always!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks so much, Erin! I think you'd like this cocktail! Cheers! :)
Pech says
I changed my name for practical reasons, since my last name was 16 letters and now it's only 6!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Ahh that is a practical and worthy reason indeed, Pech! I also dumped two whole parts of my birth name when I got married... my first name was hyphenated and I dropped my original middle name, so I totally understand the reasoning there! :)
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
I love this elegant cocktail Marlynn! I'm not a Mrs. yet, but have always thought that I would change my name... I hear it's a huge pain in the behind though!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Erin! And, don't let anyone fool you: it was SUPER EASY and very fast to change my name. I even got rid of part of my official first name and my given middle name, and everything was changed in about an hour, and then changing my name on cards, bills, etc. didn't take much longer.