There’s something about kicking back with a refreshing beverage that puts anyone in summer mode.
Hosting family and friends for a braai, preparing a dinner party or even just sitting back poolside often comes with a tasty drink to get you into the mood.
For the booze drinkers, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone to love, whether you enjoy a glass of wine and bubbles or a fruity mixed cocktail to activate your flavour palate.
There’s even a little something for those thinking of experiencing the many flavours of lager.
Moderation, however, is always a fundamental step when enjoying an alcoholic beverage; always be aware of your surroundings and know when to stop. Plus, if you’re sober, we’ve got you covered on ways to stay off alcohol this festive season.
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We’ve put together a list of all of our recommended drinks and tips to help you safely experiment in the kitchen or at the bar.
Stay elegant with our wine tasting tips
If you enjoy savouring the full-bodied flavours of a cabernet sauvignon, the burst of citrus from rosé or the light and bubbly notes of your favourite sparkling wine, explore these expert tips to fully immerse yourself in the flavours of wine.
Plus, why not do something different at home at host your own wine tasting party? This will make for a fun evening where your guests can bring their own favourite bottle and you can use these expert tips to make it a full-on experience.
Explore the tantalising flavours of the apéritif
Known to be made from dry wine varieties, apéritifs are light alcohol or non-alcoholic variants often used in a range of cocktails to add flavour and body to the drink.
Classic cocktails like the Negroni or Aperol Spritz are elevated when just the right amount of fruity apéritifs is added to the drink or cocktail shaker.
Get sophisticated with whiskey
Whiskey is no longer just to have on its own or on a bed of ice like in films and advertisements. You can create delicious drinks with your favourite whiskey variant no matter how sophisticated your palate.
Accompanying flavours from iced teas, fruit juices and sodas can enhance the flavour profiles of whiskey and balance out its harshness for those just beginning to explore the drink.
Kick back with a cold one
More women are enjoying the complex notes that come with beer.
Step outside the box by exploring different pilsners, brews and craft beers that offer a range of flavour profiles like citrus notes, full-bodied stouts and frothy variants that come as a refreshing and light beverage if you’re hoping to try something with less alcohol content than a spirit.
Cognac and class
Household cognac names have become synonymous with luxury living, but it’s the hidden versatility of the flavours of cognac that make it a delicious beverage.
Much like with whiskey, cognac doesn’t always have to be had on its own. Mixing in fruity liqueurs, sparkling drinks and flavours like honey can elevate and accentuate the richness of cognac.
Switch up the tequila intake
Experiment with how you take tequila with these tasty and sweet cocktail recipes.
Tips to navigating a sober season
Alcohol isn’t for everyone and for a variety of reasons – be it for health, detoxing or just personal preference.
With the festive season underway, it can be difficult to stick to your guns. But there’s no shame in staying sober. We’ve compiled a few ways you can stand your ground, say no to alcohol and have just as much fun this holiday season.
