#appleton's

"Money can't buy life." - B. Marley’s last words

    Bob Marley (1945-1981) should need no introduction, but in case you’ve been living under a rock, he was one of the pioneers of Reggae.  A Jamaican singer, songwriter, and musician whose music has touched the lives of millions. 

    As most of us do, a lot of my music taste and influence comes from hearing the music our parents or even grandparents played. Bob Marley was one of those early childhood memories. Specifically, ‘I Shot the Sheriff’. I was born in ‘83 and being raised in the Southern US, there’s a lot of cultures I was able to experience.  

    A decade ago, I had a friend that was from Jamaica who taught me more about this legendary musician, Bob Marley.  This friend would play Marley’s music at almost every gathering and because we worked together, we had frequent conversations of his life and what it was like in Jamaica.  In turn I would share stories and experiences I had growing up in the South.  Since that friendship had to end Marley does invoke a bit of nostalgia, it more ways than I realize. 

    Since Covid has closed dining rooms, so restaurants are resulted to delivery and take out there’s really no work for a bartender right now.  I’ve had to take a job from an old boss.  This is basically the same job I shared with that friend mentioned above. I’ve faced a lot of nostalgia lately. 

    Nostalgia is a funny thing as the word algia means the Nost inflicts pain. Remembering something and longing for it is inflicting pain upon yourself. There is an inevitable death and end to all things, even relationships.  I hope that Marley’s Legacy lasts and reaches as many people as it can.

    Bob Marley was an inspiring man and someone worth learning about and listening too.  There’s a line from a movie that stuck with me, from ‘I Am Legend’, a horror movie adapted from a comic book by the same title, “He[Bob Marley] had this idea. It was kind of a virologist idea. He believed that you could cure racism and hate... literally cure it, by injecting music and love into people's lives.” If you listen to Marley and just open your heart and mind, I think he’s onto something. 

    Put on some Bob Marley and if you’ve got the ingredients, make yourself the Bob Marley shot.  I think a more appropriate name for this would be, ‘One Love’. 

One Love

1oz Grenadine

1oz Galliano

½oz Crème de Menthe

½oz Appleton’s 151 Proof

Pour grenadine into chilled shot glass.

Carefully layer Galliano using barspoon, knife or preferred layering tool.

Mix in a separate glass the Appleton’s 151 and Crème de Menthe, then add this as the top layer carefully.

Carefully set the top aflame and serve.

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