National Liqueur Day ./ National Sports Day / National Bosses Day

donm · October 2019

National Liqueur Day on October 16th annually celebrates the myriad classes and flavors of liqueur.

The word liqueur comes from the Latin liquifacere, which means to liquefy. A liqueur is an alcoholic beverage made from a distilled spirit. Distillers flavor the spirit with fruit, cream, herbs, spices, flowers, or nuts. Next, they bottle it with added sugar or other sweeteners. While liqueurs are typically considerably sweet, distillers do not usually age their product long. They do, however, allow a resting period during production, which allows the flavors to marry.

With the broad selection of spirits available in seasonal, fragrant, and often curious flavors (vodkas and rums in particular), there is often confusion of liqueurs and liquors. In the United States and Canada, spirits are frequently called liquor. The most reliable rule of thumb to follow suggests that liqueurs comprise a sweeter, syrupy consistency, while liquors do not. Most of the liqueurs have a lower alcohol content than spirits. However, some do contain as much as 55% ABV.

In parts of the United States, liqueurs may also be called cordials or schnapps.

Historically, liqueurs descend from herbal medicines prepared by monks in Italy as early as the 13th century. These often bitter herbs were steeped and sweetened with sugar to make them more palatable to the monks’ ailing patients. The curative’s potency received a restful boost from its alcohol content as well.

What's your favorite liqueur ?

National Boss’s Day on October 16th recognizes the hardworking boss overseeing the workplace. Employees across the United States show appreciation and thankfulness to their bosses. They remember their boss’s kindness and fairness throughout the year, too. (If the 16th of October falls on a weekend, then this day is celebrated on the closest working day.)

Many leaders carry heavy loads. They oversee many employees and guide their careers, too. While their position holds them responsible for a department, business or organization and leading it to success, their list of responsibilities are multifaceted.

Some bosses have bosses themselves. Depending on the size on an organization, they answer to someone else. And even if the boss is owner, they still answer to the tax man, the customers and their merchants. Keeping a business running smoothly with outstanding employees requires balance. What's you boss like ? Do you like her/him?

National Sports Day.

On October 16th, the fans, families, and athletes of all the sports converging on the month come together to celebrate their favorite athletic events. All disciplines of a sport take the field, from the youngest to the seasoned professional.

While golfers hit the links to get at least nine more holes before the snow flies, hoopsters gear up for the season ahead. The puck hits center ice early in October, while baseball aims for the bleachers and clears the bases.

Football is heating up with tackles, kicks, and offsides. Don’t forget, volleyball digs midseason, too. Runners in most of the country love October. Events like 5k, half, and full marathons throughout the nation feature opportunities to enjoy the fall weather and beautifully changing landscapes. In the Western Hemisphere, families gather to watch soccer’s final kickoff. The intensity builds, and every game ends with memories of wicked kicks or the goalie’s best save.

From a young age, family road trips took many to cheer on siblings in a variety of sports. We hauled our gear from place to place, and the team knew the season was drawing to a close when the duffle bags began to smell.

Gather your friends to enjoy watching your favorite team. Get out and play, too. No matter your skill level, relishing the challenge and physical activity will be worth it.

AnotherDawg · October 2019

I've never been a fan of liqueurs, but my old man loved Drambuie (golden-colored, 40% alcohol, made from Scotch whiskey, honey, herbs and spices.)