Time really flies. Just like that (*snap of fingers*), in the blink of an eye, in the space between breaths, it’s the end of the year and the beginning of the next. It will take a while for us to get used to Happy New Year, my dearest imbibers! The New Year brings with it hope, rejuvenation and fresh ideas. Usually, this is the time when we make a pledge to make changes for the better or to swear to stop doing something. This is the time for (*ominous sounds*) New Year’s Resolutions.
We’ve all made resolutions at one point in our lives or another, and we’ve all broken them at one point or another as well. So in the spirit of helping you guys out, and also getting your drink on (of course; this is a column about alcohol, after all), I’ve come up with some drinks that could help you keep the usual New Year’s resolutions you make.
LOSE WEIGHT
First up is the ubiquitous “lose weight” resolution. Everyone has made this vow at least once. It might be the copious amount of food and drink and seemingly endless parties that contribute to the collective expansion of our waistlines at the start of the year. Coupled with the general desire to be our healthiest selves (and maybe some glutinous regret), this one is definitely at the top of most people’s lists. While alcohol is deemed fattening (and what with the sugar, it really is, and gives a new meaning to liquid calories), I want to present you with an option that will help you keep this vow while still enjoying a tipple or two (or three).
RECIPE FOR “SKINNY DRINK”
(less than 200 calories)
45ml Bacardi White
½ of a kiwi, diced
2 pcs. strawberry, diced
3-4 pcs. tarragon leaves
1 pack Stevia
1 ½ cup crushed ice
Put all ingredients in a blender. Serve in a martini glass. Garnish with a tarragon sprig and a kiwi wheel.
SAVE MONEY
The Christmas season has left us fat, but filled with holiday cheer. Unless you are a minor, you were expected to give gifts and no longer received “aguinaldo” from ninongs and ninangs. But as full-fledged adults, we do get perks. We get to receive customary gift bottles of wine, whisky and champagne. If you have been following my column, you would have been able to set up your home bar by now and surely, with the free bottles over Christmas you are now reaping the benefits of it. You will now be able to save money and enjoy the comforts of drinking and entertaining at home… at least while your stocks last.
TRAVEL
Wanderlust is something that grips us all. And what with the affordable means of travel, it’s been easier to scratch that itch only the travel bug can cause. You don’t have to wait to board a boat, plane or bus to get that feeling of being in your vacation spot (the beach, maybe). Get that sitting-on-the-sand-at-sunset sensation with this refreshing cocktail.
RECIPE FOR JUANDERLUST
45ml Sous Vide Myers Rum with oranges and ginger
30ml lime juice
10ml ginger syrup
10ml blue curacao
Top with Ginger Beer
Glass: Mason jar
GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
The beginning of the year always makes us want to expand our horizons and try new things, like bungee jumping or river rafting or whatever adrenalin-inducing activity. They say life begins at the end of your comfort zone. So here’s a drink that will test this desire to try new and adventurous things.
Scorpion or cobra infused Vietnamese wine
STOP PROCRASTINATING
Putting things off until the last minute is a habit we are all prone to – or at least, when it comes to certain things we don’t really want to do. Hello there taxes. I’ll see you right before the deadline for filing in a wave of utter panic. And not one minute sooner! While drinking booze might seem counterproductive, here’s something that will give you that boost of energy to finally start (and hopefully finish) that thing you’ve been putting off and give you that buzz to do it with a smile on your face.
Recipe for “What’s Sumatra with you?”
(The Naughty Room at Ebeneezers at The Net Quad Building, BGC)
30ml rum blend (Mount Gay, Bacardi Black and Bacardi White)
30ml dark coffee
20ml Frangelico
20ml raspberry liqueur
Put all ingredients together in a tin shaker. Dry shake. Add ice and shake vigorously till very cold. Strain into a coup. Serve. Enjoy.
EAT HEALTHIER
This resolution goes with the one for losing weight. While the liquid calories do pile up and most alcoholic beverages have little nutritional value, there are drinks out there that can give you some nutrients. (In tiny quantities, sure, but that’s better than nothing, right?) Also, there are some drinks that can alleviate some ills, like a cough or stuffy nose. (Sorry, broken hearts are a particular ailment that requires different cure and a separate column.) So I made a drink that is somewhat nutritious, sure to make you feel a teensy bit healthier, and a little buzzed as well.
20/20
45ml Don Julio
30ml orange juice
30ml carrot juice
30ml lemon juice
15ml dry curacao
15ml vanilla syrup
Put all ingredients together in a tin shaker, add ice and shake vigorously till very cold. Strain into a coup. Garnish with a micro carrot.
QUIT DRINKING
Sorry, I can’t help you there. This is a booze column, you know! There are other articles and other columns for that. I wish you well.
Here’s to a fun-filled, exciting, boozy New Year! Cheers!
Feel free to add me on IG @sanvicentegirl, email me at tippletales@gmail.com or drop by my bar for a drink or two.