So here we are, some 20 odd days into the New Year and it feels like Christmas never happened. Actually, as it stands I wish most of 2016 never happened, a very odd year with many surprises, some good some bad. According to a few trendy magazines one of the highlights of the year was the launch of The Drinks Basket, no honestly I am sure I read that somewhere…..
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, January – that’s the pickle, muddle and pain I find myself in, blooming January, never liked this month, its full of hope and pretence. It is a month for the strong willed, the cold blooded and the optimists, those who spring out of bed on a dark winter’s morning full of joy and zest. And do not get me started on those who do ‘Dry January’ – what a pitiful way to damage the way your friends see you!
Back to our favourite subject, alcohol. I understand its cold out there and I understand some are feeling as plump as the now forgotten Christmas turkey. So I have been thinking what do we want? Winter Warmers. What do some others (mad hatters) want? Healthy Cocktails. When do we want it? January. Still, I do not like January and everything it stands for.
So Winter Warmers, there are many options here at The Drinks Basket, why not go for a good Whiskey or Cognac to keep you warm? How about a Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, with its red hot cinnamon finish, or a Jameson Black Barrel with it deeper notes of nuts, spices and vanilla sweetness. For us, Winter Warmers should not be about eliminating the good things in life, but things could be refined to make it more appropriate for these winter months, for example why not swap a gin for the richer and silkier flavours of a good old gin? Or, if you are feeling a little braver why not play around with a good classic cocktail? For example, add a good old aged dark rum into a Daiquiri instead of white rum. And, if you don’t fancy a whisky or a rum, why not head towards our range of red wine and pick out a Faustino Gran Reserva with its aromatic palate of red fruit or a Penfold’s Grenache Shiraz with its strong berry flavours?
Speaking of fruits, it takes me nicely to healthy cocktails. Did you know there are 212 calories in a Cosmopolitan? No nor did I. However, we know that many Fit-Bit wearing folks probably did. Also,to go with that I’ve been thinking about a few healthy options for those calorie counters. How about a cool Winter Sea Breeze, with a good quality vodka like a Beluga Transatlantic Racing Vodka with a mix of soda water, pomegranate and a garnish of mint? Another great option is a Rosemary Gin Fizz, with a mix of rosemary, lemon, honey, and of course a good quality Gin - For this why not use Langley Distilled Dry Gin! You could go consider for one of my all-time favourites, a penicillin, which sounds like a winter flu-cure, and contains ginger, honey and lemon, and topped up with a good scotch like Laphroaig.
That was good to get out of the system, I am counting down the days till we hit February. Oh darn, just remembered it is not all a bed of roses then either. It’s V-Day, not the day when we remember all those brave souls, but Valentine’s Day, blooming Valentine’s Day! However, more about that for some other day. Although, for the better prepared or wanting a head-start you can already check out our Valentine’s Day specials on the website!