Anyone who knows me knows I hardly ever drink, so I don’t have a signature recipe to offer for the Manhattan Club’s finest. But what I do have is something just as meaningful—a heartfelt New Year’s Toast. Let’s raise a glass, not just to the drinks, but to the memories, the laughter, and the unforgettable moments that made each New Year’s Eve at the club so special.
A German Hungarian Toast to the Drinks of Days Gone By
Here’s to the youth of the United German Hungarian crew,
Where friendships flourished and traditions grew.
From dances to laughter, we lived it all,
With drinks in hand at every ball.
On special nights, we’d sneak in the main bar,
Feeling grown-up, like we reached a new star.
A wink, a laugh, a daring feat,
Making memories, bittersweet.
We loved our wine spritzers, light and pale,
Mixed with club soda or ginger ale.
A bubbly twist, so crisp and sweet,
The perfect refreshment, a timeless treat!
Highballs fizz with a classic flair,
Bubbles rising, light as air.
A touch of bitters, a whiskey glow,
Timeless drinks that steal the show.
Pink Ladies swirled in the club’s dim light,
A creamy blush drink for a dance-filled night.
In chiffon and heels, they twirled with ease,
Sipping cocktails as soft as a breeze.
Grasshoppers, green and silky sweet,
A minty treat we couldn’t beat.
Crème de menthe and a creamy pour,
A dessert in a glass we all adored.
Fruity schnapps, sweet and bright,
A sip of summer on a frosty night.
Peach or apple, so easy to share,
A sugar-kissed memory we all bear.
Sloe gin fizzes with their ruby hue,
Shaken and poured, a ’70s brew.
Sticky counters, a telltale stain,
But every spill was worth the gain.
And when New Year’s came, with glitter and strummers,
We cheered and danced to the Golden Four or the Mummers.
Feathers and sequins, a colorful parade,
Traditions cherished, memories made.
All-nighters spent in laughter and song,
To after-parties where we all belonged.
As dawn approached, we’d gather round,
For breakfast spreads, the best in town.
We raised our glasses to times gone past,
A bond so strong, built to last.
So here’s to us, to old and new,
To friendship, laughter, and memories true.
Prosit !
Submitted by, Betty Wagner
Inspired by Joe Reiter’s ever-present Manhattan, we have invited our members to share their favorite recipe for the whiskey cocktail or whatever beverage wets their whistle.
