The currents trends on consumption of alcoholic beverages globally.

 ## Current Trends in Global Alcoholic Beverage Consumption

The consumption patterns of alcoholic beverages are evolving rapidly, influenced by a myriad of factors such as cultural shifts, health trends, economic conditions, and technological advancements. This article delves into the latest trends shaping the global alcohol market, providing insights into what consumers are drinking, how their preferences are changing, and what this means for the industry.

### 1. Rise of Low and No-Alcohol Beverages

Health consciousness is at an all-time high, with consumers increasingly mindful of their alcohol intake. This shift has given rise to a booming market for low and no-alcohol beverages. From alcohol-free beers to low-ABV (Alcohol By Volume) spirits, these products cater to those who want to enjoy the social aspects of drinking without the adverse effects. Major brands and craft producers alike are expanding their portfolios to include these options, driven by demand from younger, health-focused demographics.

### 2. Craft and Artisan Beverages

Craft beverages continue to be a significant trend globally, with consumers seeking unique and high-quality drinking experiences. The craft beer movement, which started in the United States, has now spread worldwide, inspiring a surge in craft spirits and wines. Artisanal production methods, local ingredients, and innovative flavors are key selling points, appealing to consumers' desire for authenticity and individuality.

### 3. Sustainable and Ethical Choices

Sustainability is becoming a crucial factor in consumers' purchasing decisions. Eco-conscious drinkers are looking for brands that prioritize environmental responsibility, from sourcing ingredients sustainably to using eco-friendly packaging. Ethical practices, such as fair trade and community support, also play a significant role. Brands that can demonstrate a commitment to these values are gaining favor among a growing segment of socially responsible consumers.

### 4. Premiumization and Luxury

Despite economic uncertainties, there is a noticeable trend towards premiumization in the alcohol market. Consumers are willing to spend more on high-quality, luxury alcoholic beverages. This trend is evident in the growing popularity of premium spirits, aged wines, and limited-edition releases. The focus on premium products reflects a desire for quality over quantity and an interest in the story and craftsmanship behind the beverage.

### 5. Experiential Drinking

Experiential drinking is a trend that emphasizes the overall experience of consuming alcohol, rather than just the beverage itself. This includes the rise of immersive bar experiences, mixology, and personalized cocktails. Virtual and augmented reality are also being used to enhance the drinking experience, offering consumers a unique and engaging way to enjoy their favorite beverages.

### 6. Diverse Flavors and Innovations

Flavor innovation is at the forefront of the alcohol industry. Consumers are eager to explore new and exotic flavors, leading to a proliferation of experimental products. From botanical-infused gins to fruit-flavored beers and cask-finished spirits, the industry is constantly pushing the boundaries of taste. This trend is particularly prominent among younger consumers, who are more adventurous and willing to try new things.

### 7. Digital and Direct-to-Consumer Sales

The digital transformation has significantly impacted the way alcoholic beverages are marketed and sold. E-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales channels have grown exponentially, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brands are leveraging digital platforms to reach consumers directly, offering convenience, personalization, and a broader range of products. Online tastings, virtual events, and subscription services are also becoming popular, enhancing the digital drinking experience.

### Conclusion

The global trends in alcoholic beverage consumption are a testament to the dynamic nature of the industry. As consumer preferences evolve, brands must stay agile and innovative to meet changing demands. From health-conscious choices and sustainability to premiumization and digital sales, these trends offer valuable insights for industry stakeholders looking to thrive in the ever-changing alcohol market.

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**Keywords**: global alcohol consumption trends, low and no-alcohol beverages, craft beverages, sustainable alcohol, premium alcoholic beverages, experiential drinking, flavor innovations, digital alcohol sales.

How to select a drink based on the climatic condition at the place of living?

 Selecting a drink based on climatic conditions can enhance your experience, making it more enjoyable and appropriate for the weather. Here are some general tips for choosing a drink according to the climate:

### Hot and Humid Climates

1. **Light Beers**: Refreshing lagers, pilsners, and wheat beers are great as they are light and often have a lower alcohol content.

2. **White Wines**: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling are crisp and refreshing.

3. **Rosé Wines**: Perfect for warm weather with their light and fruity profiles.

4. **Sparkling Wines**: Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava can be very refreshing and celebratory.

5. **Cocktails**: Try mojitos, margaritas, or gin and tonics which are light and often served with ice.

6. **Non-Alcoholic**: Lemonades, iced teas, and flavored sparkling waters are great non-alcoholic options.

### Cold and Dry Climates

1. **Red Wines**: Full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec can be warming.

2. **Whiskies and Bourbons**: These can be warming when enjoyed neat or in a hot toddy.

3. **Dark Beers**: Stouts and porters with their rich and robust flavors are great for colder weather.

4. **Hot Drinks**: Hot mulled wine, spiked hot chocolate, and Irish coffee can be very comforting.

5. **Liqueurs**: Creamy liqueurs like Baileys or Kahlúa can be enjoyed on their own or in warm drinks.

### Mild and Moderate Climates

1. **Medium-Bodied Red Wines**: Pinot Noir and Chianti are versatile and can be enjoyed in moderate weather.

2. **Medium-Bodied Beers**: Amber ales, IPAs, and Belgian ales provide a balance that suits mild climates.

3. **Cocktails**: Versatile drinks like old fashioneds and martinis can work well.

4. **Ciders**: Hard ciders offer a refreshing yet slightly warming option.

### Seasonal Considerations

1. **Spring**: Light and floral drinks like rosé, light beers, and cocktails with fresh herbs (e.g., mint julep).

2. **Summer**: Crisp, refreshing, and often lighter drinks as mentioned for hot climates.

3. **Autumn**: Earthy and spiced drinks such as pumpkin ales, spiced wines, and apple ciders.

4. **Winter**: Heavier and warming drinks as mentioned for cold climates.

Adjusting your drink choice based on the season and local climate can not only enhance your personal enjoyment but also pair better with seasonal foods and activities.

The manufacturing process of Liqueurs

 Liqueurs are alcoholic beverages made by infusing fruits, herbs, spices, flowers, or other flavorings into a distilled spirit base. The manufacturing process of liqueurs typically involves several key steps:

1. Base Spirit Selection: The first step is selecting a base spirit, usually a neutral spirit such as vodka, brandy, or rum. The choice of base spirit can significantly impact the final flavor profile of the liqueur.

2. Selection of Flavoring Ingredients: Once the base spirit is chosen, the next step is selecting the flavoring ingredients. This can include fruits, herbs, spices, nuts, flowers, or any combination thereof. The choice of ingredients depends on the desired flavor profile of the liqueur.

3. Infusion: The selected flavoring ingredients are then infused into the base spirit. This process involves macerating the ingredients in the alcohol to extract their flavors. The duration of the infusion can vary depending on the ingredients used and the desired intensity of flavor.

4. Filtration: After the infusion period, the mixture is often filtered to remove any solid particles or sediment, resulting in a clear liquid.

5. Sweetening: Most liqueurs contain added sugar or sweeteners to balance the flavors and create a smooth, palatable taste. The amount of sugar added varies depending on the recipe and the desired sweetness level.

6. Additional Flavorings or Additives: In some cases, additional flavorings or additives may be incorporated into the liqueur to enhance its taste, aroma, or texture. This can include natural or artificial flavorings, colorings, stabilizers, or preservatives.

7. Aging (optional): While some liqueurs are ready for consumption immediately after production, others may benefit from aging. Aging allows the flavors to meld and mellow over time, resulting in a smoother, more complex liqueur. Aging can take place in stainless steel tanks, oak barrels, or other containers.

8. Bottling and Packaging: Once the liqueur has been prepared and aged (if necessary), it is bottled and packaged for distribution. Bottles may be labeled, capped, sealed, and labeled with branding and regulatory information.

Throughout the manufacturing process, quality control measures are typically implemented to ensure consistency and safety. This can include regular taste testing, batch sampling, and adherence to regulatory standards for alcohol production. Additionally, many liqueur manufacturers closely guard their recipes and production techniques as trade secrets, adding an element of mystery to the process.

My YouTube Channel:

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Visit the website to order handcrafted packaging for your wine bottles, Whisky bottles, and miniatures

What are the calories present in different alcoholic beverages?

 The calorie content of alcoholic beverages can vary widely depending on factors like alcohol content, ingredients, and any added sugars or flavors. Here's a general idea of the calorie content of some common alcoholic beverages per standard serving:

Beer:

Regular beer (12 oz): Around 150-200 calories.

Light beer (12 oz): Around 90-120 calories.

Craft beers and higher alcohol content beers can have more calories.

Wine:

Red wine (5 oz): Around 120-130 calories.

White wine (5 oz): Around 110-120 calories.

Sweeter wines like dessert wines can have higher calorie content.

Spirits (such as vodka, whiskey, rum, gin):

1 shot (1.5 oz): Around 90-100 calories.

The calorie content of mixed drinks depends on the type and amount of mixer added. For example, cocktails with sugary mixers like soda or fruit juice can be much higher in calories.

Liqueurs:

Can vary widely but generally higher than spirits due to added sugars and flavorings. For example, a 1.5 oz serving of Bailey's Irish Cream can have around 140 calories.

Remember, moderation is key when consuming alcoholic beverages, not just for calorie concerns but also for overall health and safety.

My YouTube Channel:

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Visit the website to order handcrafted packaging for your wine bottles, Whisky bottles, and miniatures

Liquor Vs Liqueur: What's the difference?

 "Liquor" and "liqueur" are two terms often used in the realm of alcoholic beverages, but they refer to different things:

1. Liquor: This term generally refers to distilled alcoholic beverages with a high alcohol content. Examples of liquors include whiskey, vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and brandy. Liquors are typically produced through distillation processes, where fermented grains, fruits, or other ingredients are distilled to extract alcohol. They are often consumed straight or used as a base in cocktails.

2. 
   

3. Liqueur: Liqueurs are also alcoholic beverages, but they are distinct from liquors. Liqueurs are sweetened spirits that are flavored with various ingredients such as fruits, herbs, spices, flowers, nuts, cream, or even chocolate. Unlike liquors, which are primarily distilled, liqueurs often involve infusing or steeping flavors into a base spirit, which may or may not be distilled. Liqueurs tend to have a lower alcohol content compared to liquors, typically ranging from 15% to 30% ABV (alcohol by volume). Examples of liqueurs include Grand Marnier, Kahlúa, Amaretto, and Frangelico.

In summary, while both liquor and liqueur are alcoholic beverages, liquor refers to distilled spirits with a high alcohol content, while liqueur refers to sweetened, flavored spirits with lower alcohol content, often used for sipping neat, mixing into cocktails, or as dessert drinks.

My YouTube Channel:

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Visit the website to order handcrafted packaging for your wine bottles, Whisky bottles, and miniatures

How the Glassware enhances the experience of enjoying a beverage?

 Glassware can elevate the enjoyment of a beverage in several ways, going beyond simply being a container:

1. Enhanced Aroma and Taste: The shape of the glass plays a crucial role in influencing the aroma and taste of your drink.

• Wine Glasses: The classic tulip shape of wine glasses concentrates the delicate aromas towards your nose, allowing you to appreciate the full complexity of the wine.
• Snifter Glasses: For spirits like cognac or brandy, the snifter's wide bowl and narrow rim trap the aroma, intensifying the flavor experience with each sip.

2. Improved Comfort and Functionality: Different glasses are designed for specific purposes, enhancing their functionality and comfort:

• Stemware: The stem of a wine glass allows you to hold the glass without affecting the temperature of the wine. This is particularly important for red wines, which are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• Mug Handles: Mugs with comfortable handles allow you to hold hot beverages like coffee or tea without burning your hands.

3. Elevated Presentation: The right glassware adds a touch of sophistication and aesthetics to the presentation of your beverage.

• Cocktail Glasses: From the sleek martini glass to the playful margarita glass, different styles complement the visual appeal of various cocktails.
• Frosted Glasses: Frosted beer mugs not only look appealing but also help keep the beverage chilled.

By choosing the right glassware for each drink, you can unlock a more complete and enjoyable sensory experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the taste, aroma, and aesthetics of your beverage.

My YouTube Channel:

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Visit the website to order handcrafted packaging for your wine bottles, Whisky bottles, and miniatures

How to make Bailey's Irish Cream at home?

 Making Bailey's Irish Cream at home is relatively simple, and it allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Here's a basic recipe you can try:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Irish whiskey
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the Irish whiskey, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, chocolate syrup, instant coffee granules, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).

2. Blend the ingredients on high speed until well combined and smooth.

3. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or flavor if necessary. You can add more chocolate syrup, coffee granules, or vanilla extract to suit your taste.

4. Once you're satisfied with the flavor, pour the mixture into a clean and sterilized bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid.

5. Store the homemade Bailey's Irish Cream in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks, but be sure to check for any signs of spoilage.

6. Shake the bottle well before each use, as the ingredients may settle over time.

Note: You can experiment with the recipe by adding different flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of mint extract for variation.

Enjoy your homemade Bailey's Irish Cream responsibly!

My YouTube Channel:

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Visit the website to order handcrafted packaging for your wine bottles, Whisky bottles, and miniatures.

What is a Liqueur and how they are classified?

 A liqueur is a sweet and flavored alcoholic beverage that is often used for sipping, mixing in cocktails, or as a flavoring agent in various culinary applications. Liqueurs are distinct from spirits (such as whiskey, vodka, or gin) in that they are sweetened and flavored, often with fruits, herbs, spices, nuts, or other botanicals. They typically have a lower alcohol content than spirits, usually ranging from 15% to 30% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Liqueurs can be classified into different categories based on their flavor profiles, ingredients, and production methods. Here are some common classifications:

Fruit Liqueurs: These are made by infusing or macerating fruits in alcohol. Examples include cherry liqueur, raspberry liqueur, or orange liqueur.

Herb and Spice Liqueurs: These liqueurs derive their flavors from various herbs and spices. Examples include absinthe, anise-flavored liqueurs, and cinnamon liqueurs.

Cream Liqueurs: These liqueurs incorporate cream or dairy, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Notable examples include Irish cream liqueur.

Nut Liqueurs: Made by infusing or distilling nuts, these liqueurs often have a rich and nutty flavor. Amaretto, made from almonds, is a well-known example.

Coffee Liqueurs: Typically made with coffee beans, these liqueurs offer a coffee flavor with a sweet and often creamy texture. Kahlúa is a popular example.

Chocolate Liqueurs: These liqueurs feature chocolate as a prominent flavor. They can be made with cocoa or chocolate extracts. Examples include crème de cacao.

Anise-flavored Liqueurs: Liqueurs with a pronounced licorice or anise flavor, such as absinthe, pastis, or ouzo.

Fernet and Amaro: These are bitter herbal liqueurs, often consumed as digestifs. They can contain a variety of botanicals and spices.

Fruit Brandy Liqueurs: Liqueurs made by adding sweeteners and flavorings to fruit brandies. Grand Marnier, a citrus-flavored liqueur, is an example.

It's important to note that these categories can overlap, and some liqueurs may belong to multiple categories depending on their ingredients and flavor profiles. Liqueurs are versatile and used in a variety of cocktails, desserts, and culinary creations.

My YouTube Channel:

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www.tanzcrafts.com

Visit the website to order handcrafted packaging for your wine bottles, Whisky bottles, and miniatures.

How to become a Freelance F&B Trainer?

 Becoming a Freelance Food and Beverage (F&B) Trainer involves a combination of industry knowledge, training skills, networking, and self-promotion. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Gain Relevant Experience and Expertise:

Before you can teach others, you need a solid understanding of the F&B industry. Work in various roles within restaurants, hotels, catering services, or other F&B establishments to gain experience and expertise. This will help you understand the industry's challenges, trends, and best practices.

Develop Training Skills:

Effective training requires strong communication, presentation, and teaching skills. Work on enhancing these skills through workshops, public speaking courses, and online resources. This will help you deliver engaging and impactful training sessions.

Identify Your Niche:

F&B training is a broad field. Identify the specific niche or area you want to focus on. It could be food safety, customer service, bartending, menu planning, or any other aspect of the industry. Having a niche will help you target your audience more effectively.

Create Training Materials:

Develop comprehensive training materials, including presentations, handouts, exercises, and assessments. Your materials should be well-organized, informative, and engaging. Consider incorporating real-life examples and case studies to make your training relevant and practical.

Build an Online Presence:

In today's digital age, having an online presence is crucial. Create a professional website or blog showcasing your expertise, training services, and client testimonials. You can also share valuable content related to F&B training on social media platforms and industry forums.

Networking:

Build a network within the F&B industry. Attend industry events, seminars, workshops, and conferences. This will help you connect with potential clients, other trainers, and industry professionals. Networking can also lead to referrals and collaboration opportunities.

Offer Free Workshops or Webinars:

When you're just starting as a freelance F&B trainer, offering free workshops or webinars can help you showcase your skills and expertise. This can attract potential clients and provide you with valuable feedback to improve your training offerings.

Market Yourself:

Develop a marketing strategy to promote your freelance F&B training services. This could include creating a portfolio, crafting compelling pitch emails, and reaching out to potential clients. Consider using social media advertising or content marketing to reach a wider audience.

Set Your Rates:

Determine your pricing structure based on factors such as your experience, the complexity of the training, and market rates. Research what other freelance trainers are charging in your niche to ensure your rates are competitive.

Deliver Outstanding Service:

Deliver high-quality training sessions that meet or exceed your clients' expectations. Word of mouth and positive referrals can greatly contribute to your success as a freelance F&B trainer.

Collect Testimonials and Feedback:

As you complete training sessions, collect testimonials and feedback from your clients. Positive testimonials can build credibility and help you attract more clients in the future.

Continuous Learning:

The F&B industry is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, regulations, and best practices to provide the most relevant and up-to-date training to your clients.

Remember that becoming a successful freelance F&B trainer takes time and effort. Consistency, professionalism, and a genuine passion for training will contribute to your growth in this field.

My YouTube Channel:

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Liqueurs

 Liqueurs,  sometimes also known as cordials or flavored spirits, are alcoholic beverages that are sweetened and flavored with a variety of herbs, fruits, spices, and other ingredients. They are typically consumed after dinner or as an ingredient in cocktails and are known for their distinctive flavors and aromas. In this note, we will discuss the history, manufacturing, and types of liqueurs.

History:

The history of liqueurs dates back to ancient times when herbs and spices were added to alcohol for medicinal purposes. However, the modern liqueur industry began in Europe during the Middle Ages, when monks and alchemists began experimenting with different combinations of herbs, fruits, and spices to create unique and flavorful beverages. Many of the most famous liqueurs, such as Chartreuse and Benedictine, were created by monks and are still produced according to secret recipes that have been passed down for generations.

Manufacturing:

Liqueurs are made by infusing or macerating herbs, fruits, and other ingredients in a base spirit, such as brandy, rum, or vodka. The mixture is then filtered and sweetened with sugar or another sweetener, and may be aged in oak barrels to enhance its flavor and aroma. The amount of sugar and other ingredients used in a liqueur can vary widely, and different manufacturers may use different base spirits and flavorings to create unique and distinctive products.

Types:

There are many different types of liqueurs, each with its own unique flavor and character. Some of the most popular types of liqueurs include:

Fruit liqueurs: These are made by infusing fruits such as berries, citrus, or peaches in a base spirit. Examples include Cointreau, Grand Marnier, and Chambord.

Herbal liqueurs: These are made by infusing herbs and spices such as anise, mint, or cinnamon in a base spirit. Examples include Chartreuse, Benedictine, and Jägermeister.

Cream liqueurs: These are made by combining a base spirit with cream, milk, or a dairy alternative, and sweetening it with sugar. Examples include Baileys Irish Cream, Amarula, and RumChata.

Nut liqueurs: These are made by infusing nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts in a base spirit. Examples include Frangelico, Amaretto, and Nocello.

Coffee liqueurs: These are made by combining a base spirit with coffee, sugar, and other flavorings. Examples include Kahlua, Tia Maria, and Patron XO Cafe.

Conclusion:

Liqueurs are an important and versatile category of alcoholic beverages, with a long and fascinating history that continues to evolve today. Whether you prefer fruity, herbal, creamy, nutty, or coffee-flavored liqueurs, there is sure to be a product on the market that meets your taste and preference.

THE WORLD OF WINE AND SPIRITS

The World of Wine & Spirits from HEMANT SINGH

Beverages are potable drinks which have thirst-quenching, refreshing, stimulating and nourishing qualities. By refreshing, one means the replenishment of fluid loss from the body due to perspiration. Simulation results in increase of the heart beat and blood pressure. This is due to the intake of spirits (alcohol) or tea (thein) and coffee (coffein). Nourishment is provided by the nutrients in the beverages, especially fruit juices. Most of the beverages supply energy in the form of sugar or
alcohol. They also provide other nutrients like mineral salts and vitamins. For example, milk gives calcium and citrus fruits give vitamin C.
Generally, people drink for one or more of six reasons; to quench thirst, to get drunk, to enjoy a social setting (social drinking), to enjoy the taste of the beverage, to feed an addiction (alcoholism), or as part of a religious or traditional ceremony or custom (proposing toast).

3 Liquor brands to know

                               
Sipsmith Gin
Born over 200 years ago in the UK, Sipsmith is a complex gin made from ingredients sourced from all over the world (Macedonian juniper berries, Bulgarian coriander seeds, Sevillian orange, Spanish licorice root, Chinese cassia bark). It’s smooth enough for a martini, yet rich enough for the perfect British G&T.

Puschkin Vodka 
Available in crystal clear and whipped cream, this German vodka undergoes an ice filtration process to give it a clean flavour. Best for shots, or drinking on the rocks. Available at most liquor shops across India.

Carling Beer
Brought to India by the makers of Cobra beer, this is one of the best-selling lagers in the UK. Light with a sweet hoppy taste, it’s best for afternoon drinking in front of the TV. Available at most liquor shops across India.
http://www.gqindia.com

How to set up a home bar

No man’s home is complete without a well-stocked bar, but what exactly is that supposed to mean?



                     1. Assemble your arsenal (But don’t go overboard)

How you assemble your bar depends on two things: your wallet and your temperament. Got a lot of money and no restraint? Pick up every bottle here and go nuts. (Also: Let’s hang out.)

But the other end of the spectrum – not much money, tons of restraint – isn’t all that bad, either. We call this collection the Core, because it’s these liquors that should be the base of your bar. Whisky, gin, vodka and rum give you a totally unassailable selection of drinks. Then you’ll need sweet and dry vermouth, for Manhattans and martinis; a bottle of bitters; and always, always fresh citrus.

From there, start growing – but be selective. El Dorado rum (and a bottle of ginger beer) will help you quench your Dark ’n’ Stormy craving. A good cognac like Delamain and any Islay scotch will satisfy the people in your life who like to drink things neat. Tequila and triple sec are necessary if you’re a margarita man.
Most bar nerds will insist on Campari, but we think Gran Classico — a Swiss-made variation — makes for a better Negroni. Whether you want absinthe is up to you, but how are you supposed to rinse a Sazerac glass without it?

2. Then get yourself something obscure

Even if your bar is a tiny cabinet in your living room, you’re going to want to have that one outlier bottle that will not only make you look well-stocked, but a bottle that will get you laid, like a local vodka from somewhere in Poland or, a bottle of Caroni Caribbean rum. The distillery has been dismantled and an Italian baron-type figure has control of every last barrel, which experts say will run out in about three years. This rum tastes like burnt tyres sitting out in a tropical sun, but in a good way that’s from charred molasses and the flavors are best set off with some orange rind. Now, finish up and come to bed, darling.

3. Pick up your glassware in the singles section

In the world of cocktails, all that matters is volume; mixed liquor doesn’t need to swirl or breathe. So you should have some four-ounce glasses, for sipping; some four- to eight-ounce short glasses, for lowball cocktails; and some tall eight-ounce glasses, for ice-loaded highballs. Best practice: If you see a glass you like, buy one. Just one. Then repeat until your cupboard’s full.

4. Solve the bitter variables

What bitters are - concentrated botanicals preserved in alcohol- is less important than what they’re capable of. Which is, basically, making a brand new drink out of the same recipe. Take the Old Fashioned. Sub in Regans’ Orange Bitters for Angostura and you plug an amplifier into the drink’s circus note. Bittermens Burlesque will make it sour and a tad spicy. And Dutch’s Colonial Cocktail Bitters, made with hand-harvested flowers and berries, gives the Old Fashioned a dash of pepper and a whole fistful of floral. But be selective. As with automobiles, if you have more than three, you’re just showing off.

5. Go ahead, hide the good stuff

I’ve got my bar. And then I’ve got my Pappy Van Winkle. You may have a bottle or two like this – an old scotch, or maybe a pricey bottle you picked up while travelling. Something that gets secreted away when people come over. I keep mine in my clothes hamper, next to my undies. Am I proud of this? Maybe not so much. But it’s necessary. I don’t need my friends helping themselves whenever they’re over for dinner – and I don’t want to explain why it’s just not the right time, every time. There’s no shame in keeping your best bottle under wraps. The only shame would be never getting around to drinking it.

6. Lighten your tool belt

                

There are about six tools you need to make drinks, and none should come with batteries. Start with a Parisian shaker and a crystal Yarai mixing glass, for shaking and stirring, respectively. You’ll need a strainer, too, for seeds and pulp. Get a jigger with one-ounce and two-ounce sides and a stirring spoon with some weight to it. (It’ll be easier to twirl.) And then settle on a paring knife that feels good in your hand. This one – with a squared-off edge – is specifically designed for dealing with citrus. You will be dealing with a lot of citrus.

Source:http://www.gqindia.com

HENNESSY MARK 250TH ANNIVERSARY WITH ULTRA-RARE COGNAC RELEASE

Hennessy celebrates two and a half centuries of excellence, international expansion, and visionary passion with the release of an ultra-rare Cognac, Hennessy 250 Collector Blend. The distinctive Cognac is the product of eight generations of the Hennessy family’s savoir faire, along with exceptional blending and aging born of the creative inspiration of seven generations of Master Blenders from the Fillioux family.

“The Hennessy 250 Collector Blend is a tribute from the present Master Blender Yann Fillioux to his predecessors and marks a crowning achievement of his illustrious 50-year career,” said Rodney Williams, Senior Vice President, Hennessy, Moet Hennessy USA. “It is a testament to the progressive vision and dedication to excellence that has made Hennessy endeared the world over.”

Available nationwide in the US, Hennessy 250 Collector Blend is an expertly assembled blend of eaux-de-vie selected to achieve a harmony between power, vivacity, and elegance. Yann and Hennessy’s Comite de Degustation (Tasting Committee) drew from the full Maison Hennessy Reserve to hand select eaux-de-vie with subtle nuances, most notably those that exhibit the lightest wood influence.

“The Hennessy 250 Collector Blend is my way of transmitting heritage to future generations,” said Yann Fillioux. “Blending the very best eaux-de-vie in the Hennessy Reserve to make a Cognac that is absolute happiness, and the inspiration is simple: beautiful, elegant, subtle; all wonderful characteristics for a Cognac to possess.”

A different approach was taken for the finishing of this special anniversary Cognac, yielding distinctive notes and flavors that will never be replicated. The blend completed its maturation by resting for five years, longer than any other Hennessy expression, in 250 specially crafted barrels of 250 liters each, stored at ground level near the banks of the river Charente in Cognac, France. As a result, the rich and expressive aromas are lively and spicy, with notes of bitter orange, fresh nutmeg, licorice, dried peppermint and saffron that unfold with spicy complexity and bold flavor.

Each limited edition bottle (1-liter, $600) is enclosed in a specially designed gift box with a graphic silver map on a luxurious copper metallic surface, evoking Hennessy’s 250-year adventure of crafting the future since 1765.