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28

May 2018

Summer Cocktail Recipes

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It’s that time of the year again when the scorching sun makes you want to grab that chilled bottle of beer after work. Just so you know, we meant that it’s the inescapable blazing summer season, because there is no preferred season for beer lovers. Moving on from beer and speaking of summers reminds us of breezy cocktails. You would agree that a refreshing cocktail never hurt anyone, and there’s nothing better than a little experimentation with your favourite cocktail every now and then, to beat the heat.

Now if you’d allow us, we’d like to share with you five cocktail recipes to beat the heat, summer cocktails with a twist.

 

Tomato Mojito

Give your classic Mojito a flavourful twist of tomato and tequila.

Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 grape tomatoes (yellow and red)
  • 6 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
  • 1 lime, cut in half
  • 1 lemon, cut in half
  • pint of salt
  • 2 tablespoons simple syrup or agave nectar
  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 1/2 cup club soda or sparkling water

Directions

  • In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the tomatoes, mint leaves, juice of half a lime, juice of half a lemon, and salt.
  • Pour in the simple syrup (or agave nectar) and tequila. Add ice and shake vigorously. Divide between two short glasses filled with lots of ice. Top off with club soda or sparkling water. Garnish with mint leaves, and a few grape tomatoes on a toothpick. Enjoy!

Note: Image and recipe source https://thechicsite.com/2014/06/19/tomato-mojito/

 

Lavender Sangria

Be sure to try out this cocktail recipe of the heavenly flavours of lavender with heady white wine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (750mL) bottle pinot grigio
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/2 cup grand marnier
  • 2 cups club soda, whatever flavor you’d like
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup lavender syrup (recipe below)
  • 1 pint of strawberries, sliced
  • 1 (10 ounce) bag frozen peaches

For Lavender simple syrup

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
  • 2 sprigs fresh lavender

Directions:

Add the strawberries and frozen peaches to the bottom of a pitcher. Pour your wine, brandy, grand marnier, lavender syrup (start with 1/3 cup, taste and add more if you want) and club soda over top and stir. This tastes great when it sits in the fridge and “marinates” for a bit. But you can also serve it right away!

lavender simple syrup

Place the sugar, water and lavender in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and set the saucepan aside. Let it cool completely. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender. Store in a sealed container in the fridge!

Note: Image and recipe source https://www.howsweeteats.com/2018/05/lavender-white-wine-sangria/

 

Blueberry Mint Juleps

This delicious bourbon recipe is surely going to win your heart!

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 ounces bourbon
  • 1 ounce mint simple syrup
  • 1 ounce mint blueberry puree
  • crushed ice
  • fresh mint leaves

For Mint Simple Syrup

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 bunch of mint leaves

For Blueberry Mint Puree 

  • 2/3 cup fresh blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons mint simple syrup

Directions:

Combine bourbon, mint simple syrup and mint blueberry puree together and shake or stir well. Pour over crushed ice and serve with extra mint leaves.

Mint simple syrup

Combine sugar, mint and water together in a small saucepan and heat over high heat until boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook for another minute or so, then set aside to cool completely. Remove mint before using. You can do this ahead of time and store it in the fridge!

Blueberry mint puree

In a mini food processor or blender, combine blueberries and mint simple syrup until pureed.

Note: Image and recipe source https://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/04/blueberry-mint-juleps/

 

Mermaid Lemonade

Beat the heat with this refreshing curacao, rum and  lemonade cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 2 c. Ice
  • 1/4 c. Blue Curacao
  • 1 c. White rum
  • 2 c. lemonade
  • 4 Lemon Slices, for garnish
  • 8 Maraschino cherries, for garnish
  • 4 paper umbrellas

Directions:

  • To four glasses, add ice. Add blue curacao, rum, and lemonade to each glass. Stir to combine. (If you prefer a lot of ice, stir together mixture first, then pour over ice.)
  • Skewer a lemon slice and two maraschino cherries on each paper umbrella and garnish lemonade.

 Note: Image and recipe source https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a53044/mermaid-lemonade-recipe/

 

Mango Raspberry Mimosa

Sink in the fruity and refreshing effervescence of this Mango-Raspberry liqueur cocktail.

Author: Cheyanne Bany

Ingredients:

  • Champagne , chilled
  • Chambord or Raspberry Liqueur
  • Fresh Raspberries
  • Mango Puree (yield ¾ cups):
  • 1 ripe Mango – peeled, pitted and cut into chunks
  • 1-2 TBS Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice

Instructions:

  • Make the Mango Puree: Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Set aside in refrigerator until ready to use.
  • For Each Mimosa: Pour 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) mango puree into each champagne flute. Slowly pour in champagne, until ¾ full. Add in ¼- ½ ounce Chambord and top with raspberries. Serve.

Recipe Notes

*For Mango Puree – start with 1 tablespoon of sugar, taste and adjust for sweetness by adding more sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired sweetness is achieved.

*Mango Puree will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for 3 days.

*If you add the Chambord to the flute last it will sink to the bottom to create the two layers of colors.

Note: Image and recipe source https://www.nospoonnecessary.com/mango-raspberry-mimosa/

This summer, keep your beer aside and try out these simple-breezy cocktail recipes to wow your guests at house parties, or for your weekend solo revelry. Here’s saying cheers to summers!

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28

May 2018

Five Wine Destinations in the World You Didn’t Know About

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What do Tuscany, Napa, Hunter Valley and Alentejo have in common? They are notable wine destinations in the world. Speaking of wine tourism, for the wine lovers who are bitten by the bug of wanderlust, there is always a new reason to travel and a new destination which calls out to them. A visit to vineyard offers a wonderful opportunity not only to taste different wines but also, to know about the process of winemaking and the local wine industry.

Wine tourism ‘enotourism’ is like a fairytale coming true for the wine lovers who love to travel since it offers a perfect opportunity in the grand scheme of things. As the world has witnessed the increase in wine tourism over the last decade, there has also been a rise in the newer destinations which have sprung up.

Here’s a list of five new wine destinations you probably didn’t know about.

United Kingdom

Often cited as one of the major consumers of wine, the UK is now sprouting up as one of the most appealing wine destinations in the world. The stunning view of the vineyards of Great Britain is like the soothing balm for the soul. Over the years, the English wine industry has flourished, and there has been a substantial increase in the number of vineyards in the UK since 2010. White wine produced in the region of Hampshire is one of the finest English wines.

Mount Etna, Italy

The Italians love wine so much, maybe that explains the thriving vineyards even in the volcanic region! Mount Etna which remains the most active volcano in Europe is a rapidly expanding wine region in Italy. Apparently, the high altitude and mineral-rich volcanic soils give the wine a distinct flavour. It must also be noted that most of the vineyards are located on the slopes of Etna.

Who knew Mount Etna would be a hidden treasure trove as a wine destination.

Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania doesn’t fail to impress with its mild summers and cool climes which are particularly favourable for the making of cool-climate wines, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It has earned the global recognition as a leading producer of premium Aussie wines. Afterall, it isn’t termed as one of the hottest wine destinations in Australia for nothing!

Telemark, Norway

In the recent years, Norway has emerged as the perfect wine destination for wine tourism. We bet you never thought this name could pop up on the list of the possible destinations for wine tourism. In fact, Lerkekåsa Vineyards are the northernmost commercial vineyards in the world. The melted water from the glaciers at Hardangervidda provide rich minerals for the soil which are suited for the vineyards. And for the curious travellers, the nearly magical landscape is a perfect getaway to gratify the longing wanderer and the oenophile in you.

Penedes, Spain

Located in the southwest of Barcelona and at a few hours away from Costa Brava, Penedes in Spain has emerged as one of the prominent wine destinations in the world. This lesser-known destination is a treasure trove for the sparkling wines and rosé Cava. The wine regions in Penedes are divided into three sub-regions based on the topography, low, central and high. Here’s an impressive fact that there are more than 140 wine producers in the wine region of Penedes.

Do you think that it is now time to charter new destinations yet? As they say, let us never underestimate the power of travel and to couple it with wine, let us also hear the whispers of newer destinations in the roar of the prominent ones. So, as your heart aches to see the new lands and you crave satiate your love for wine, maybe it’s now time to tread the off beaten track and explore the newly sprouted and the lesser known wine destinations in the world.

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24

Apr 2018

National Drinks Of The World

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Think about it, what a unique way it is to express your patriotism with a clink of a glass! It sounds like a beautiful puzzle, doesn’t it? Well, don’t be surprised or alarmed, because we’re talking about that deep, age-old connection between countries, the people, and their national alcoholic drinks! Yep, you heard it right. Whether you are an alcohol enthusiast or you are a curious person who generally likes to explore everything under the sun (we mean almost), this is surely going to get you all revved up. Believe it or not, there are many countries in the world which have dedicated national alcoholic drinks!

Let’s open the Pandora’s box of all distilled alcoholic beverages and find out a fact or two of these great nations and their much-celebrated drinks!

It’s T for Tequila for Mexico

Tequila is made from the plant blue agave and only tequila which is made from 100% blue agave can be labelled so. Majority of the times what we mostly find is ‘mixto tequila’, which usually has no less than 51% agave, along with neutral spirit made from sugarcane.

Here are two really interesting facts about Tequila for you, that-
-There is a town called Tequila!
-Tequila is a volcano!
-Mexicans don’t do Tequila shots!

Yep and yep, believe it! Tequila is a town in Mexico’s western state of Jalisco; there is actually a volcano by the same name as Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico. And, this may be surprising for the uninformed ones but, as the world gulps down the fiery tequila shots, the Mexicans like to take small sips of tequila straight-up!

The older the tequila, the better and mellower it tastes, however, it may not have the aging caliber like Scotch. Based on age, Tequila has five categories-

Blanco- Blanco is unaged tequila which is not even two months old in steel or oak barrels;
Reposado- This type of tequila spends roughly between two months to one year in the barrels;
Añejo- This tequila spends anywhere between one year to three years in the barrels;
and,
Extra Añejo- This tequila is aged more than three years.

Then there is another variety based on age, known as Joven, which is unaged as it usually spends between two months to one year in the barrels and has an acquired golden colour. It is usually Blanco mixed with Reposado or Añejo.

Lote Fuenteseca Extra Añejo aged 18 years, is the known, oldest tequila in the world.

It’s Pisco for Peru and Chile

The Peruvians and Chileans are smitten with Pisco, a brandy which is made by distillation and fermentation of grapes. The colour of this drink usually varies from clear to amber, depending upon the ingredients and the process of distillation.
In Peru, the first Saturday of every February is celebrated as National Pisco Sour Day, and the fourth Sunday of every July is celebrated as National Pisco day! Whereas, Chileans celebrate their love for Pisco by celebrating the 15th of May as Pisco Day.

Schnapps-y Austria and Germany

Even though Germans have a special bond with beer, Schnapps also holds a very special place in their hearts. For Germans and Austrians, their national alcoholic beverage is Schnapps. It is a distilled alcoholic beverage which may come in the form of distilled fruit brandy, herbal flavoured liqueurs, infusions and flavoured liqueurs which
are made by adding fruit syrups, spices, or artificial flavorings to neutral grain spirits.
Schnapps is a clear beverage, and can also be made from grains, nuts, roots, vegetables, and flowers.
It is distilled once for to attain about 40 percent alcohol and twice for about 80 percent alcohol content For Austrians and Germans, schnapps is a generic term for fruit brandy and is usually served as a digestif.

Certainly, this ain’t a drink for the faint-hearted!

Beloved Cachaça of Brazil

Say cheers to Cachaça, the most popular alcoholic beverage in Brazil. It is made by the distillation process of fermented sugarcane. It should not be confused with rum, which is made molasses which is a byproduct of sugarcane.
Cachaça has two varieties, based on how it is stored before it is bottled and labelled. The young cachaça is stored in stainless steel containers is called ‘branca’ (white), or ‘tradicional’ (traditional) or ‘prata’ (silver).

The second variety is aged cachaça, ‘Amarela’ or yellow cachaça which is stored or aged in wood, which causes a substantial change in its colour.
Some of the popular names for Cachaça are ‘abre-coração’ which means heart-opener, ‘água-benta’ which means holy water, ‘bafo-de- tigre’ or tiger breath, and ‘limpa-olho’ meaning eye-wash.
Cachaça has been made since the 1500s, and it remains a national pride for the Brazilians. So much so, that September 13th is celebrated as the National Cachaça day.

Grappa from Italy

Ah, the Italians and their love for food and drinks! What whisky is to Scots, likewise Grappa is to Italians. The national drink of Italy is a fragrant brandy made by distillation of grape pomace from the winemaking process. Grape pomace consists of grape seeds, pulp, skin, and stalk.
Mostly grappa is clear, which indicates that it is an unaged distillate. However, some grappa may retain very faint stains from the original fruit pomace.
Young grappa is served chilled, usually around 9-13°C, while the aged grappa should be served at slightly below room temperature, roughly around 15-17°C.

This potent firewater is quite an elixir to Italians!

Meet Raki from Turkey
The Turks love Raki which is their national drink. It is an unsweetened drink made from twice distilled and fermented grapes and aniseed. It is traditionally consumed with chilled water and with this dilution it gets the milky-white colour.
Raki also popularly known as ‘aslan sütü’ or ‘lion’s milk’. ‘Aslan’ is a Turkish metaphor for a strong and a courageous man, this quite interestingly makes it ‘milk for the strong’. Or, rather a ‘drink for the strong’ we’d say!

Some Scotch for the Scots

The Scottish love for whisky is not a secret, the much-noted love has been there for generations or perhaps, times immemorial! The famous Scotch whisky is malt or malt grain whisky aged in oak barrels for a minimum period of three years. The original Scotch whisky was made from malted barley and it is divided into five categories, namely- single malt Scotch, single grain Scotch, blended malt Scotch, blended grain Scotch and blended Scotch.
Come May and the entire month is reserved to celebrate the love for whisky, the month is famously known as ‘Whisky Month’ and they have many whisky-based events and festivals to celebrate. Mark your calendars and pack your bags ladies and gentleman. The Scottish Gaelic name for whisky is ‘Beatha’ which translates to the ‘water of life’!
Boy oh boy, can you blame them for being so famously in love with Whisky!? Scotch whisky tastes so fine, they love it and so do people around the world!

From the many barrels across the world to clinking glasses, here’s a light-headed thought for you- like many other factors, people across the globe seem to be united with their love for alcohol, wouldn’t you agree? Turn on the ‘guzzle mode’, mark your calendars, pack your bags, and off you go to explore and celebrate the wonderful world
with the clink of a glass. And cheers to that!

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20

Apr 2018

Walk Your Way to Moderation (Mindful Drinking)

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It cannot be emphasized enough that moderation is a key to a blissful life. Be it leading a day-to-day life, each step taken in this direction, whether big or small bears fruits. Thus, bearing the torch of moderation forward, it must be noted that drinking responsibly clearly highlights consuming alcohol in moderation.

So, what’s this hullabaloo about drinking in moderation? First and foremost, let’s be clear on the basics, let us recall that WHO defines moderate drinking or ‘low-risk drinking’ as consumption of alcoholic drinks which are not more than 14 drinks per week for men and not more than 7 drinks for women. The given definition clearly specifies the number of alcoholic beverages consumed on any single day and should not be taken as an average over several days.

Set Your Goals and Be On the Right Track

This one’s a rule of thumb, we say. Planning in advance comes in handy here. Pick a realistic number of days and number of drinks which you can stick to. Also, know the standard drink sizes served which in turn would make it easier for you to keep a tab on the number of drinks consumed, especially with mixed drinks.

Don’t Forget the Food

Mark this one in red, never to drink on an empty stomach. Eating food would lead to slower absorption of alcohol in your body. Speaking of food, eating right is very important. Foods you must stay away from are spicy, salty and fried food as they tend to leave you dehydrated with the risk of upset stomach. And watch the sugary-rush; it isn’t the best combination with your drinks. Keep yourself hydrated with the water of life and go slow on the drinks.

Alternatives Are Helpful Too!

Why not try non-alcoholic beverages for a refreshing change? Or perhaps you can try the ones with lesser alcoholic content. While you’re at it, yet another trick you might want to try is to dilute your drink. Alternating your drinks here stands for alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and not mixing different alcoholic drinks.

When In Doubt, Keep That Glass at Bay

This grey area is a territory you most definitely want to avoid. ‘To be or not to be’, when your mind plays this trick, remember ALWAYS choose the safe route and just let it be! Very often we get carried away and misjudge our capacity to hold a drink and we end up drinking much more than we should. Raise your hand if you’ve fallen into that drunken pit?

Don’t Let the ‘Triggers’ Deceive You, Learn To Say NO

It is important to be mindful of what ‘triggers’ you to drink watch out for it. Are there certain places, people or feelings which compel you to drink? The reasons may be aplenty and you may find it difficult to navigate your way through such circumstances but remember that the ‘golden key’ remains with you. Do not let outside circumstances deter you from your resolution to drink in moderation. Friends, feelings, places-draw a thick line between them your resolution.
If you find yourself in the company of alcoholic bullies who force you to drink, it is advisable that you stick with a firm NO like a strong glue.

Small steps make a big difference, so choose better. Drink in moderation and lead a full life. Once you resolve to choose the middle path- the safe path, stick to it even if the stakes are too high. According to some studies, moderate consumption of alcohol is considered as quite beneficial- it is good for the heart and circulatory system. Think about it, drinking in moderation can actually save you a lot of health troubles besides saving you from a lot of embarrassing
episodes of drunken memories. Didn’t we tell you that moderation bears fruits! It is just as important to make informed choices which is why, the wise people say, ‘cheers and drink it up, but drink wisely’!

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20

Apr 2018

Tips To Remove Wine Stains

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Like the prominent expression goes- ‘been there, done that’, the tragic tales of spilled wine glasses indeed ring a bell of familiarity. Haven’t we, after all, experienced our world at a party blissfully waltzing away to glory when all at once the sound of a toppled glass brings it crashing down. It’s that moment which feels like the heart almost skipped a few beats at the sight of spilled wine glasses on the finest attire, or perhaps on the much-celebrated couch. So, we’ll take it as a universally accepted common sense that as much as we love the heavenly taste of wine, we surely don’t like the stains of wine. Getting wine stains on your clothes, carpet or other upholstery can be quite dismaying and removing
them can be quite challenging; but do not worry, we bring you some useful tips to get rid of those stubborn stains.

Teeth

Ever wondered why does wine, which tastes like heaven (well almost!) leave you with an unattractive purplish grin? It is because wine is highly acidic alcoholic beverage which leads to sensitive teeth and enamel erosion. Also, the pigment-producing tannins aid the chromogens in binding to teeth which leads to unattractive stains.

But we love wine, don’t we? And when it comes to red wine, well nothing can come between this love, right? So do not fret about your pearly whites because we have got you covered, you no longer need to be worried about the horrendous purplish grin! Follow these simple tips to keep at bay that scary purplish grin.

● The experts say that brushing your teeth before stepping out removes the plaque or tartar on teeth. Red wine tends to stick to the plaque which worsens the stain so brushing before drinking lessens the chances of stained teeth. Brushing your teeth after drinking leads to damaged tooth enamel, and it makes them more susceptible to damage in the long-term.
● Don’t forget to drink water in between those glasses of wine. Besides keeping you hydrated, it keeps those nasty stains at bay.
● Avoid white wine because the higher acid content in white wine strips off the natural protective layer of teeth; which in turn means greater susceptibility to staining.
● Eat fibrous food because they scrub away the stains as you chew on and help in producing more saliva in the mouth.
● Eating cheese builds up calcium layer on your teeth. It closes the micro-pores on teeth which prevents wine stains.

You can flash that charming smile of yours and sip on that glass of wine, and don’t forget to pay the dentist a regular visit for a healthy set of pearly whites!

Carpets and other Upholstery

So you hosted a party last night and your drunken friend spilled over some wine on your carpet. Oh good Lord, those perfect moments of love and hate! Or wait, it could also be the other way around, maybe it’s the clumsy ‘you’ who did the dreadful deed…so now what do you do? Here’s what you can do, begin with the sheepish smile and help your friend with this simple step-by-step guide to fight those stubborn wine stains.

● Red wine tends to settle in the fibers so, the sooner you act, the better are the chances of getting rid of stains.
● Blot the stain with a cloth, the more it soaks up the better.
● Pour cold water directly on to the wine stain. Water helps in diluting the remains of stain which helps in proper blotting.
● Prepare a paste by adding three parts of baking soda and one part of water. Apply this paste to the stained area. Vacuum the stain once the paste dries off.
● REMEMBER – Do not scrub the stain as it only worsens it.

Clothes

● Gently dab the stain with a cloth.
● Salt is quite a useful tool as it soaks up the excess liquid and prevents it from penetrating to cloth fibers.
● Apply baking soda to neutralize the stain. Make a paste by adding three portions of baking soda and one portion of water and apply this paste on the affected area. Follow this tip by soaking the garment in white wine or club soda.
● If above methods fail, you can perhaps use stain removal formula available in the markets and then wash the garment in a washing machine. Use cold water wash and a good quality detergent. Also, avoid hot water because it lets the stain to set in.
● Again, REMEMBER – Do not rub or scrub the stain!

We hope that these tips prove to be quite useful to you and in a small way. The curtain now falls and the show is over ladies and gentlemen, you may now roll up these useful tips up your sleeves and be a fine stain removal ninja as you can be. We say, keep calm and clean on!

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20

Apr 2018

Alcohol Intolerance

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Has it ever happened to you that you are few sips down the glass of alcohol and you sense that annoying feeling of being hungover setting in earlier than it usually should? Even though hangover is quite common after alcohol consumption, it differs significantly from alcohol intolerance. The latter is characterized by the sudden onset of unpleasant and discomforting reactions such as nausea, vomiting, sinus congestion, shortly after consuming even one alcoholic drink.

Dear alcohol lovers, take heart, this reality check is certainly not the Nature toying around with its whimsical ways! Alcohol intolerance is as real as it sounds, moreover, it can happen to anyone. Thus, without leaving you with the guesswork, let’s brace up and dig deeper to learn further about what alcohol intolerance implies.

Understanding Alcohol Intolerance and What Causes It?

Are you wondering why would your body fight against alcohol? Here’s why…

You can blame it on your genes, quite literally! Intolerance to alcohol is a genetic condition in which the body becomes incapable of breaking down toxins in alcohol effectively. To explain it further, the alcohol we so gladly consume contains ethanol which gets metabolized by the liver to a chemical named acetaldehyde (a known carcinogen). Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) are the primary two liver enzymes responsible for flushing out toxins from the body. When the liver ineffectively becomes unable to break down the ethanol, it leads to unpleasant reactions.

As per the various studies conducted, it is known that alcohol intolerance is more prevalent as genetic Asian predisposition. The gene anomaly dates back to 10,000 years ago which was developed in Southern China and according to a study more than 36% of East Asians, which includes Japanese, Koreans and Chinese suffer from this characteristic condition.

In some cases, intolerance to alcohol and allergic reactions get triggered by the presence of certain ingredients found in alcoholic beverages, such as wheat, rye, barley, chemicals, sulfites (preservatives and antioxidants), histamine (due to processes such as fermentation and brewing), etc. Although excessive histamine levels in the body cause allergy-like symptoms, it isn’t an allergy but an intolerance to histamine found in fermented or brewed alcoholic beverages. The sensitivity to sulfites leads to allergy-like reactions and may also trigger an asthmatic attack.

What Are The Symptoms?

– Flushed face or redness of face

– Hives (Warm and red itchy bumps on the skin)

– Sinus congestion (Stuffy or a runny nose)

– Headaches

– Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting

– Low blood pressure

– Diarrhea

– Difficulty in breathing

– Heart palpitations

Is It Different from Alcohol Allergy?

Let’s clarify in no specific terms that being allergic to alcohol and being intolerant to alcohol are two different things. Alcohol intolerance may cause prompt, irritant and obnoxious reactions once you’re guilty of sipping even small amounts of that drink. In contrast to intolerance to alcohol, alcohol allergy is quite uncommon. The symptoms of the two often overlap, however, in alcohol allergy symptoms get aggravated and often accompanied by acute aches and pains.

A sudden onset of symptoms may be due to newly developed intolerance to alcohol. If the symptoms persist or get aggravated, it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner. If left untreated, some allergic reactions have the potential to turn fatal.

Risk Factors and Complications

– Genetic Asian predisposition

– Allergic rhinitis or asthma

– Allergy to certain food ingredients found in alcoholic beverages (Grapes, wheat, rye, barley, hops,
yeast, etc.)

-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (In rare and severe cases)

Besides the above-mentioned risk factors, complications to alcohol intolerance may include migraines and in rare cases, it leads to severe allergic reactions which may turn potentially life-threatening and require urgent medical help.The troublesome reactions of alcohol intolerance can be avoided by abstaining from consuming alcohol altogether. Alternatively, labels on alcoholic beverages should be carefully read to find about any such additives which one may be allergic to. And needless to say, that in case of aggravated symptoms, one must seek immediate medical assistance. Alcohol is not your enemy unless you make it to be by abusing it. Drinking responsibly endorses drinking in moderation. However, caution must be observed in case of certain medical conditions in which avoiding alcohol is advisable.

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25

Jan 2018

Drinking Traditions Around The World

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The world is a diverse playground and without diversity it would be a mighty dull place to be in, we all know that. Experiencing the local cuisines is one of the many charms of travelling, with so many countries and unique cultures to learn about, you’d be surprised to know that there is a similar uniqueness when it comes to drinking traditions too. Have a drink or two with the natives to explore the quirky drinking traditions, you might as well find out a thing or two about their distinct traditions.

Let’s take you through some of the wackiest and fascinating drinking cultures around the world.

Britain

British culture is so much more than people enjoying their tea. People there LOVE to drink and it is a close contender to the title of beer pilgrimage, well the next in line is Germany! The Brits have ‘drinking sessions’ well in place, rule of the thumb is that each person at the table buys drinks for the entire group until they have all bought a round each.

Germany

Oh the Germans and their much celebrated love for beer! In many regions, Frühschoppen is generally understood to be a tradition of drinking before midday. Thanks to astonishing production and consumption of beer, beer gardens and the famous Oktoberfest, Germany has become one of the most sought after destinations for the beer lovers around the world. No trip would be complete without trying out local beers and the natives of Cologne are particular about drinking ‘Kosch’ which traditionally should be consumed roughly at 10 °C.

Iceland

The Icelanders have taken their love for alcohol to an altogether next level by dedicating two holidays a year solely to alcohol!  First of March is reserved as Beer day or Bjórdagurinn / Bjórdagur. It is celebrated to honour the elimination of prohibition of beer which lasted from 1st January 1915 to 1st March 1989.  Yet another listed public holiday is the first weekend of August called as Merchant’s weekend or Verslunarmannahelgi, which is considered as the biggest party weekend.

Italy

Italians are more of wine drinkers and drinking in Italian culture is usually associated with meal time. They like to have aperitivo is an alcoholic beverage meant to stimulate the appetite. Aperitivo is usually a cocktail, wine or liqueur. Similarly digestivo is served after meal, it is usually infused with herbs which aids in digestion. So much love for drinking!

Spain

Spaniards believe that you earn the curse of seven years of bad sex if you toast with water. Whether in Spain or not, we bet that you surely wouldn’t want to let this nightmarish curse befall you!

Czech Republic

People here are as proud of their beer as French are of their wine! Czechs toast to ‘Na zdraví’ which means ‘to health’ and look at each person in the eye as they clink glasses with them. This custom must be followed to avoid seven years of bad sex!

France

French have a cultivated drinking tradition- they savour their drinks. They are pretty prim and proper in their drinking ways, Frenchmen serve the ladies first and the glasses are to be only half-filled. While in a gathering, they wait for everyone’s glasses to be filled and whoever serves the wine in the gathering makes sure not to fill their glass as it is considered rude. It is customary to look in the eyes as you clink glasses with people and you never cross your arms over theirs.

Russia

Russians are known to be vodka lovers. They make sure to eat something before drinking- zakuska, as they call it and toasting before the drink is also very important there. Remember to pour your vodka last if you’re proposing a toast! Russians usually pair their beer with dry fish and vodka follows pickles.

Peru

They thoroughly enjoy their beer and beer drinking is quite a tradition for Peruvians. Traditional Peruvian way of drinking is a reflection of their kindness and generosity which involves sharing the drink among the group. Usually one person in the group orders a large bottle with a glass and the drink is to be shared using only that one glass.

The Japanese and South Koreans love to follow nuanced age-old traditions. They also love to extend camaraderie toward each other by pouring a cup of drink for each other. They consider it outright rude to pour your own drink and elders must be served first, they also make sure that no one’s glass is empty.

Whichever part of the world you travel to, remember to make your trip more memorable by mingling with the natives. Being respectful of the traditions and culture is an obvious prerogative one must follow. And as it goes, there’s beauty in uniqueness and people who drink share a strange kind of bond that way so go forth and clink glasses the local way.

P.S. Dear teetotalers, please keep heart for you can find other things to explore!

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19

Jan 2018

Benefits Of Moderate Drinking

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As much as consumption of alcohol in excess is harmful, drinking in moderation is strangely beneficial too. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well believe it, because moderate drinking does offer some benefits for your health.

To begin with let us refresh our memory about drinking in moderation. Alcohol consumption in moderation falls within the prescribed limits of guidelines which are not more than 2 units per day for women and not more than 3 units per day for men.
It also specifies that per week consumption of should not exceed of maximum 7 drinks for women and 14 drinks for men. It also restricts one to not be in a ‘drunken state’.

Now, what could be the possible health benefits of alcohol, one might wonder. Well, read on-

Moderate consumption of alcohol is good for the heart, suggest the studies.

– It raises HDL (high density lipoproteins) levels or the good cholesterol, so to say. HDL is responsible to carry cholesterol from body tissues to liver which rids off the bile content. Thus, an increased HDL level lowers the risk of coronary artery disease.

– It assists in keeping the bad cholesterol or LDL (low density lipoproteins) in check. Increased levels of LDL are responsible for an increased risk of heart disease.

– It prevents the blockage or blood clotting thus reducing the risk of heart attack and ischemic strokes. Ischemic strokes occur due to narrowing of arteries which carry blood to brain.

– New studies have shown that moderate consumption of alcohol could actually be helpful by reducing the risk of diabetes. It is noted that drinking wine was most beneficial in this regard as it improves the blood sugar levels.

Think of the famous ‘French paradox’, which is an observation that despite of high saturated fats dietary consumption, the rate of cardiovascular disease remains very low in France.
There has been much ado surrounding the paradox and many researches have been conducted to find the causal link between the two. Some researchers have suggested that the lower risk of cardiovascular disease is linked to higher consumption of red wine in France. The medics however remain wary of promoting alcohol consumption taking into consideration the malefic effects of excessive consumption.

The bottom line, besides the dark side of alcohol which adversely affects the health, alcohol benefits us-
– By reducing the risk of heart diseases
– Reducing the risk of ischemic stroke; and
– Reducing the risk of diabetes.

As the debate goes on about the possible beneficial and malefic effects of alcohol, one must remember not to be encouraged to ‘start’ drinking if you currently do not consume alcohol. Also, if taken in moderate doses alcohol is good for heart and circulatory system. However, it must be kept in mind that any excess is obviously bad for health both in the short and the long run which is why caution must be observed.

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19

Jan 2018

How To Help A loved One With Alcohol Addiction- The Dos and Don’ts

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Have you ever looked at your loved one, be it your friend or family member or your special someone struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction and felt a sense of helplessness? Seeing your friend or family member go through alcohol addiction can be a highly distressing experience. As much as it unnerves you, the truth is that they are enslaved to alcohol and they need your help.

One must remember that being stuck in this quandary may cause emotional and psychological stir ups, both for you and the person stuck in the agonizing cycle of addiction. And as much as your intentions are grounded in goodwill, you must not forget your own wellbeing.

It is imperative to remember some key points while approaching this precarious situation. We have listed some of the relevant points for you to remember.

Dos

– Recognizing the signs of alcohol dependence and behavioral changes are important and timely intervention is vital.

– Get started by reading about it, they say ‘knowledge is power’ for a reason. Gather information about alcohol addiction. Do a thorough research and arm yourself with all the required information that you can gather.

– Talk to them in private. Being concerned alone and remaining quiet isn’t going to be of much help, neither waiting for them to ask for help would aid them. It is important to take initiative and broach on the subject with caution.

– Express your love and offer support. Let them know that you are there to help and are willing to support them in their fight against addiction.

– Encourage and support recovery. Seek medical advice and offer to accompany them to support group meetings.

– Have patience. The road to recovery from alcohol addiction is not a one day event, it is a long process. Your friend or family member will require a ‘strong’ support system through this process.

Don’ts

– Don’t be judgemental ! Understand where they come from, try to learn the possible reasons that lead to addiction. Very often there are underlying emotional causes that compel people to take to alcohol as an escape route.

– Do not accuse or use emotional blackmailing tool. Do not pity them and do not shame them. The person you’re dealing with is already suffering with addiction and guilt tripping or disgracing them is not the most positive thing you can do for them.

– Do not get into arguments when they are under the influence of alcohol. Trying to make them see your point and pressing them to accept their dependency ‘when’ they are drunk is only begging for unnecessary and unpleasant drama in your life. In extreme cases, it can also lead to physical abuse.

– Do not be guilt ridden if you are unable to help them the way you intended to.

– Don’t blame yourself for their addiction.

– Don’t overpass your safety and well being.

It should be noted that you must approach the person and the issue with mindful consideration. Also bear in mind that even though you may harbor good intentions, the person you’re dealing with might get defensive and completely fence off. You can stage an intervention with your intimate group of friends and family members. Maintain a forbearing and respectful attitude towards your loved one because they are in great anguish. Remember you cannot save someone. However, be compassionate and give it your honest shot.

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07

Jan 2018

This Brand New Year Find Alternatives To Lead An Alcohol-Free Life- Get High On Life Instead!

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As the New Year brings with it new energies, it’s time to get rid of limiting old baggage which stops you from living your life fully.  Be it unhealthy relationships, old-unhealthy habits, any kind of dependencies which also include dependency on alcohol, it’s time to shun them all and fall in love with life for it’s an altogether different kind of high.

Remember the ghosts of the year past- all the resolutions which you couldn’t keep, material-immaterial plans which couldn’t fructify, the heartbreaks, stress and happiness. And all those times when you found mirth or solace in a glass of alcohol? Well it’s time to change that, this year! We bring you a chirpy list of alternatives to lead an alcohol-free life which are sure to bring a different kind of ‘happiness’ in life.

Hiking

Spending time in nature is very therapeutic and your mind-body-soul are all going to rejoice in unison!  Besides making you feel a certain sense of wonderment being in nature, hiking has excellent health benefits too. It lowers the risk of heart disease, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels, it enhances core strength and helps in toning up the body. Let those vodka shots be and trod the path less taken. Chirping birds, rustling leaves – unfold the beautiful mysteries of nature and trailblaze your way to an improved and better health at the same time.

Go On A Solo Trip

As Rumi said, “Travel brings love and power back into your life”, and so it is!

Travelling not only refreshes your mind and body, it also rejuvenates your soul. Travelling alone brings a distinct sense of empowerment in life. Going on a solo trip offers a different ‘high’ altogether, it is even more empowering wherein you find hidden reserves of strength within. This year dare yourself to go on a walking trip in your city ‘all by yourself’ or explore the world, but of course bearing in mind all safety aspects of it. The idea is to find strength in yourself and get addicted to life instead of alcohol.

Learn A New Language

“Speak a new language so that the world will be a new world”. Well no mysteries here, it’s yet another beautiful quote by Rumi, of course applied in a slightly different context.

Learn something new- a new language, learn about a new culture. Improving on your linguistic skills is an interesting alternative that you might want to try to keep your mind and hands off that addictive beer bottle. Plus, learning a new language might come in handy when you travel to lands afar! Learning about a new culture or language broadens your intellectual horizon, it is also a great way to exercise your brain so go ahead and tantalize your mind a little!

Learn A New Style Of Cooking

Speaking of learning a new language, how about learning a different style of cooking? Go the French way or Italian or whichever way you please! Cooking is fun, it saves money and home cooked food is any day a healthier option to choose. Many people find cooking to be a great stress buster too. Learning a new style of cooking is obviously expansive as you also get to know about the history and culture that influences a particular dish.

Pick up Photography

They say that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’, quite true and why not! It’s always good to look at life differently and have a new perspective, right? So let that refreshed perspective be through a lens! Some of us were ‘addicted’ to photography while growing up and whatever caught our fancy we’d always want to click that, we’d capture those moments for ever- fresh blooms, the beautiful skies, the falling rain, just about anything which arose that feeling of bliss and nostalgia all at the same time! Remember how happy it made you feel THEN and realize how the memory makes you happy NOW, doesn’t it? Well maybe it’s time to let that nostalgia inspire you to pick up that passion or ‘hobby’ once again.  Even if you haven’t been a keen observer of moments and life-around in general, you can always try something new and different to get that ‘kick’ in life.

And speaking of kick, reminds us to mention…

Learn Kick boxing

Especially you, ladies! Without delving deeper into the glum reality of increasing crime rates against women, it is important to know how to protect yourself. From safety point of view why not learn new skills of self-defense technique? Learn kickboxing, as much as it is important to be free in mind, body and soul it is also important to know how to protect yourself. Besides that, can you imagine the kind of high that adrenaline rush and increased endorphin levels would induce ‘minus’ any hangovers! We bet that it is going to be far better than the one which alcohol would give you. To all menfolk out there, don’t feel left out, kickboxing is a great form of exercise and you can learn it too!

 On a parting note…Now that we’ve listed out some of the alternatives, wouldn’t you agree that life without alcohol can be as exciting and even more so? This year make a pact with yourself to find an alcohol-free ‘high’ in life. Promise yourself to rely, not on alcohol but on ‘yourself’. Whatever may be your choice, do remember to detox, refresh and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul!

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