Anya Hawkins's blog : Special Occasion Drinks

Life is all about savouring those special moments, so it's important to celebrate. Finding a memorable way to mark the occasion is a must, whether you're toasting a birthday, new home, graduation, engagement, wedding, new job, or any other significant life event. When we think about what makes a celebration, we want to engage all senses. Smell and taste are two of the most powerful memory triggers. The sensation of smell triggering a memory is known as the Proust effect, named after Marcel Proust, who wrote about the phenomenon in the 20th century. It shows us how powerful our experiences can be and why we should make sure that a day to remember is filled with great smells and tastes. One of the best ways to do this is with the drinks we choose to celebrate with.

Spirits/Liquor

Certain drinks are deemed traditional in different cultures, but well-made spirits and liquors are a consistent beverage choice worldwide.

If you can find a liquor that your guests are not likely to have consumed before, they will be excited to try it, and you can give them an overview of its origins. Many countries have their versions of spirits locally distilled and consumed on special occasions, such as baijiu in China (a clear liquor made from a range of plants and grains depending on where it is made) and ouzo in Greece. People love passing on bits of information like this, especially if it's over a delicious drink. Learning about a spirit you might not be familiar with is likely to give you an interesting history lesson about another country and its culture.

Gin, vodka, rum, whisky, brandy, and tequila are the most common spirits worldwide, and due to our more interconnected world, you will find that there are options available from every part of the globe. While we may think of Scotland or Ireland when we consider a premium whisky, Japanese whisky has been gaining popularity over the years (although connoisseurs will already know that it is renowned for its quality).

Tequila can only be classed as tequila if made in the Mexican state of Jalisco but still has a wide range of characteristics to consider. Tequila can be made in two different ways, and the differentiator is the agave content and then the ageing period.

There is a lot to learn about all spirits, so selecting the perfect one for your occasion will be an educational journey, but it means that you can truly tailor your purchase to your tastes.

Wines

If you don't know much about wine but want to get a bottle that is sure to impress, you have a few things to consider. You may know that there are the standard red, white and sparkling wines and champagne, but there are also rose, amber (orange), and dessert wines to consider. If you're unsure about your guest's tastes, opt for a classic dry white wine such as a Chablis or a full-bodied red such as a Merlot.

Pairing wine and food is a surefire way to elevate your pallet and create a taste sensation. Whichever wines you choose, make sure you have plenty of selection to suit all tastes and tailor this accordingly if you are serving food as part of your celebration. The general rules are to keep white wines for light flavours and fish/seafood, while reds are best paired with more decadent dishes and meatier flavours.

Champagne is always appreciated, and the act of opening a bottle is synonymous with the start of festivity and joy.

Cocktails

Mixing drinks is a great way to let your creative juices flow. Cocktails are generally linked with seasons, with a minty fresh and zesty mojito being the epitome of warmer months and mulled creations being the perfect winter warm-up.

The joy of serving cocktails to guests is that you can create almost anything as long as you have a range of liquor and mixers. A cocktail is not just about the taste, and if you're opting for a mixed drink, you need to make sure you are serving them in the correct glasses. A martini glass is reserved for smaller drinks traditionally served without ice, such as a Cosmopolitan and a Manhattan, as well as the obvious martini variations.

Make sure you have plenty of garnish for your cocktails, such as fresh herbs (mint, rosemary, and thyme), fresh and dried fruits, cucumber, spices and straws of various lengths.