The secret to discovering the best red wine for your tastes lies in knowledge and understanding. From the soil and climate to the altitude and sun exposure, each element contributes to the unique flavour profile of a wine.
Understanding how to identify and describe these elements will allow you to appreciate the complexities and nuances of a truly great bottle of red wine.
We all know wine is made from grapes, varietals is the term used to determine which grapes are used to produce different types of wine. In this case, red and black grapes are used and many of the most common types of red wine are named after these grapes.
Among them, Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout choice, known for its full-bodied texture, elevated tannins, and a rich and complex flavour profile. Conversely, Pinot Noir is a light-bodied wine with lower tannins and a fruitier taste often described as having notes of raspberry, cherry, and strawberry.
Merlot is a medium-bodied wine that is known for its soft and smooth texture. It is often described as having flavours of black cherry, plum, and chocolate. For those with a sweet tooth, Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is the best choice with its jammy flavours of raspberry, blackberry, and cherry.
Wine tasting is not just a sensory experience but also an art that requires a great deal of practice and knowledge.
When it comes to wine appearance, the colour of the wine can indicate the grape variety, age, and winemaking technique. For instance, young red wines usually have a bright and intense colour, while older red wines have a brownish rim due to oxidation. In contrast, white wines range from pale straw to deep gold, depending on the grape and winemaking process.
When it comes to tasting wine, the aroma is crucial to the experience. The simple smell of a glass of red wine can reveal a range of qualities including complexity, quality, and characteristics. This is an art form in itself, with aroma the key quality that allows wine experts to identify different varietals and understand its history and production process.
The flavour of the wine is another critical aspect of wine tasting that reflects the grape variety, climate, soil, and winemaking methods. For example, a Syrah wine from a warm climate can have flavours of blackberry, pepper, and chocolate, while a Pinot Noir from a cooler climate can have flavours of red cherry, earth, and mushroom. Additionally, wine experts can evaluate the wine's balance, structure, and complexity by assessing its acidity, tannins, body, and finish.
Terroir is a critical concept in the wine industry as it refers to the unique environmental factors that shape the taste and character of a wine. Climate, soil, topography, and other factors contribute to the unique characteristics of a wine, making each wine region distinct.
According to the US National Institutes of Health, how you store wine plays a vital role in how it ages. Wine is made up of lots of different chemicals that undergo a bunch of different reactions as it gets older.
These reactions, which include things like oxidation and esterification, can happen faster or slower depending on how hot or cold the storage environment is. Basically, the temperature affects how quickly the wine's molecules bump into each other and interact.
Moreover, fluctuating temperatures can also have a negative impact on wine ageing. Rapid changes in temperature can cause the wine to expand and contract, which can lead to leakage and oxidation. Thus, it is important to store wine in a stable and consistent temperature environment to ensure optimal ageing conditions.
The type of soil where grapevines grow is a critical element in the wine-making process. This is because the soil's chemical composition can influence how grapes develop and what flavour they acquire.
Research by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) has shown that the aroma of wine is greatly influenced by the type of soil where the grapevines are rooted, allowing experts to identify the region of origin just from the smell.
Apart from the soil, the winemaking process also contributes significantly to the final taste and quality of the wine. Factors such as fermentation techniques, ageing, and blending all come into play. These methods are carefully selected and executed to achieve a specific flavour and quality that appeals to the consumer. Ultimately, the perfect wine is a result of a harmonious combination of the right soil and winemaking techniques.
This even extends to the wine barrels themselves, as using too much or not enough oak can have a major impact on the quality of the wine produced.
Understanding the concept of terroir can help wine enthusiasts appreciate and enjoy the subtle nuances of different varietals of red wine. Additionally, it can assist them in selecting wines that align with their taste preferences. As such, many wine enthusiasts and industry professionals pay close attention to terroir when evaluating and selecting wines.
Understanding the different varietals, tasting notes, and terroir can help wine enthusiasts appreciate the intricacies of red wine and make informed choices when selecting a bottle.
By taking the time to explore different varietals and understanding the environmental factors that influence their taste, wine enthusiasts can develop a deeper appreciation for this timeless beverage.
]]>Macallan is a premium Scottish whisky brand synonymous with luxury, quality, and superior craftsmanship. Known for its rich flavour, deep colour, and smooth finish, Macallan is a favourite among whisky connoisseurs and enthusiasts worldwide. Macallan has been producing whisky since 1824 at its distillery in Speyside, Scotland.
Renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and use of the finest ingredients, the incredible dedication to quality and tradition sets Macallan whisky apart from other brands. This beautiful Scottish whisky is aged exclusively in Spanish oak sherry casks, which impart a rich and complex flavour profile unrivalled by other whisky brands. And while Macallan does come in at a significantly higher price point, many connoisseurs will tell you the cost of admission is more than justified.
Let’s take a look at just a few reasons why Macallan Whisky is worth every cent of the asking price.
Macallan has achieved its reputation for producing a consistent, unmatched quality single malt by always being organic. This means that you’ll never have to worry about your bottle of Macallan being produced using artificial ingredients like caramel colouring. Instead, the rich dark hue of your Macallan will have been achieved by combining high-quality ingredients with Macallan’s signature artful production processes.
Budding whiskey connoisseurs will also be sure to appreciate Macallan’s smooth finish. Macallan has always been made with unpeated malted barley which means it's naturally light for the tastebuds, providing no overt post-consumption bloating nor an overall sense of heaviness both on the palate and after consuming, which is typical with less premium producers. Simply put, when you drink Macallan, you can always expect perfection from every single bottle.
Quality and exclusivity are amongst the most alluring characteristics of luxury brands and products. So it’s only fitting that one of the significant factors contributing to Macallan's premium price point is its limited production. The brand's dedication to quality means that only a select number of casks are used to produce each batch of whisky, resulting in a limited supply of high-quality whisky, and a consistently high demand for bottles of Macallan year after year. The brand's rare and exclusive whiskies, such as The Macallan 18 Year Old and The Macallan 25 Year Old single malt, are particularly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
If you’d like to enjoy a bottle of Macallan casually or with friends rather than as an investment, we recommend opening up a bottle of blended whisky over a more premium single malt. As blended whiskies are typically produced across various distilleries, their production processes are less stringent, allowing for a larger supply.
As you may know, the importance of single malt whisky to connoisseurs of premium whisky lies in the complexity, depth, and flavour profile of each individual bottle. Considered to be one of the purest and most traditional forms of whisky, bottles of Macallan single malt tend to be highly sought after, thanks in part due to their exclusivity as we mentioned, but also because of their distinct taste and aroma, unique to each distillery. Single malts are often aged in oak casks for several years, which imparts a range of flavours and aromas to the whisky, most commonly notes of vanilla, caramel, spice, and smoke. As the whisky ages, it takes on the flavours and aromas of the wood, creating a more complex and nuanced flavour profile.
Each distillery has its unique approach to production, including the type of malted barley used, water sources, the size and shape of the stills, and of course, the type of wood casks used for ageing. The process of malting barley and then distilling it in traditional copper pot stills is time-consuming and labour-intensive, which also contributes to Macallan’s higher production costs and thus, their premium retail prices.
It also takes time for the vanilla and spice notes from the European or American oak casks to be effectively infused into the single malt whisky, which is why the best bottles of Macallan single malt are those that have been aged for over 18 years. This ageing process requires significant investment in time and resources, however, not to mention careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure that the whisky matures appropriately. Combining the long ageing process with the inherently limited availability of single malt batches specific to certain seasons or intended flavour goals means you can expect significantly higher price points across Macallan’s range. Some distilleries even introduce only a limited quantity of new runs, just to see how it resonates with consumers.
They may also “reissue” certain batches, much like vintage guitar manufacturers produce modern iterations of instruments from decades past by using the same period-correct specifications of pickups, hardware, and wood types to match the models most coveted by music gear enthusiasts. This combo of ingredients, exclusivity and production methods raises the perceived value of the whisky and drives up the price. For those who appreciate the depth and complexity of premium whisky, a single malt can offer an exceptional experience, justifying the cost for most consumers.
Whisky, particularly rare and collectable brands like Macallan, have become a popular investment opportunity in recent years. They're now an attractive alternative to traditional markets like stocks or real estate. According to reports, in 2019, a bottle of Macallan 1926 was auctioned off at Sotheby's for £1.9 million, ranking as the most expensive bottle ever to be sold at an auction.
So if you fancy combining investment speculations with savoury, highly sought-after spirits, you may consider securing a bottle of Macallan or two and just seeing where the market goes. Your Macallan single malts could end up becoming the most profitable investments in your cellar.
Whisky connoisseurs worldwide will already likely be familiar with the Macallan brand and understand why this whisky has a higher price point than other brands. If you are on the fence as to whether the price is justifiable or not, simply take another look at some of the points mentioned above. Macallan is certainly not priced high without reason. As a truly superior whisky, made with real passion and attention to detail, you can be confident that this whisky is worth every bit of the price tag.
]]>Looking for a bottle of fine wine? Well, this is certainly not an easy task knowing that there are so many names, brands, and types of wine on the market. The things can be even more confusing if you don't know much about wine. Luckily, there are certain tips you can use to find the perfect bottle of wine that matches all your senses and needs.
Once powered with wine knowledge from this article, feel free to browse our wines or this popular premium wines store and choose yor wine by type, price, varietal, expert ratings, country, region or winery.
A Simple Guide to Choose Your Perfect Bottle of Wine
First and foremost you need to know what kind of taste you like or dislike when starting your wine-searching journey. For instance, do you prefer white or red wine, or both? Knowing what your taste buds like better will do a great help to make the right choice.
Sweetness. This depends on the residual sugar levels present in the wine after fermentation. Residual sugar is the level of grape sugars that are not converted into alcohol during the process of fermentation. So, there are sweet, semi-dry and dry wine types. Sweet wines usually have a higher concentration of residual sugar, while dry wines have no sugar at all. Sweetness is usually the first thing we notice during wine degustation, and the sweetness tolerance is individual. However, if you notice a mild tingling sensation since the very first touch of the grape liquid then it is the right thing!
Acidity. The sharpness of the wine comes from the acids which are the fundamental wine constituents, along with sugar, alcohol and tannins. They play a key role in wine production, structure and longevity. High acidity wines have tart and zesty taste, and are considered light-bodied and effervescent. Low-acidity wines have rounder and richer taste.
Tannin. Tannins are phenolic compounds found in the grapes skin and they add bitterness, balance, structure of the wine, and improve its longevity. Classified as astringents, they cause a drying effect in the mouth, but do not confuse this with a dry wine, the meaning is totally different. So, if you feel your tongue dry after the first sip, along with a persisting bitter taste, it means that the wine is high in tannins.
Alcohol. This is certainly the most important thing about wines. Alcohol content has the greatest influence on wine`s characteristics, body and classification. ABV (alcohol by volume) is the standard metric used to determine the alcohol content in an alcoholic beverage. So, the average alcohol content in wines varies from 11%-13% (ABV), but you can also find wines with 5.5% or 20% ABV.
Body. This is the most general wine characteristic. Body depends on numerous factors, including grape variety and combination, producing country or region, alcohol content and many more. In simple terms, wines can have light body, full body or medium. This criterion determines how light or heavy the wine tastes in your mouth. Normally, red wine has a fuller body, while white wine has a lighter body. A short test to determine the wine body: if the taste of wine stays in your mouth for over 30 seconds, it is definitely a full-bodied wine.
Citrus Flavor Lovers. There is a perfect selection for people who enjoy citrus flavors and it is called Chardonnay. The origin and climate create a variety of flavors, ranging from light and zesty orange, pineapple and grapefruit flavors to rich vanilla and coconut flavors. Medium-full bodied white wine with medium acidity. If you are looking for a lighter white wine, then you should try Sauvignon Blanc, it is rich in citrus flavors but has a higher level of acidity.
Red Fruit Lovers. People who love red fruit flavors will probably like Pinot Noir as well. It is lighter than other red wines and offers a variety of fruity notes, including raspberries, cherries, and strawberries. In some bottles you can also find mild earthy and herby notes, depending on the origin country. It contains fewer levels of tannins and higher acidity levels.
Black Fruit Lovers. If you are a fan of lack fruit flavors, then Tempranillo could be the best choice for you. It has a rich fruity taste of black cherries and plums, with earthy aroma and gentle finish. Medium to full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon , the most popular red wine in the world, is also an excellent choice for a rich, full-bodied, with high acidity and tannins.
Coffee Lovers. If you enjoy drinking coffee, then you will probably like heavyweight wines with peppery and spicy notes combined with fruit flavors and acidity, so feel free to try Syrah. Another great alternative to Syrah is Pinotage , full-bodied with light to medium tannins and intense flavors.
This is another important factor to have in mind when choosing your wine. If you are planning some celebration, or special event, then you should go with a classic bottle of white or red wine depending on the food that will be served with. If you are buying wine for your own pleasure and do not plan to combine it with food, you should choose a bottle of light white (Sauvignon Blanc) , rose wines (Mirabeau Classic Provence Rose), or opt for a light-bodied red wine (Grenache).
Make sure to read the label carefully, especially the back of the label where you can learn what's inside the bottle. Do not focus on the label`s looks, instead, look for information about the origin and content of the wine. There are certain regions in the world that have been producing wine for centuries, so make sure you choose a wine from well-known producing countries. But most importantly, search for the basic wine characteristics (sweetness, acidity, alcohol etc.) mentioned above in order to find your perfect bottle of wine. Often, the labels offer a description of the aromas found in the wine, so it will be much easier to choose your perfect match.
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The party is heating up, and you need to make sure that your guests are well-hydrated. You know they won't be able to resist a drink with their favorite cocktail or wine, so why not shake things up and offer them something new? Don't forget those guests that prefer non-alcoholic beers or drinks. Here are some of the best recipes that will keep your party going all night long.
The classic margarita is the perfect party drink! This refreshing tequila-based cocktail has been around for decades, but never gets old. The drink is always a hit, and it's so easy to make. All you need is tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Rim the glasses with salt and enjoy.
Fill a glass three-quarters full of ice cubes. Add six tablespoons of white sugar syrup (or granulated sugar), four tablespoons of fresh lime juice, two ounces of white rum, and eight mint leaves. Shake well for about fifteen seconds. Pour into a hurricane glass or highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
This refreshing drink will be perfect for your guests looking to stay light on their feet. Pimms is a gin-based liqueur, and the cup includes ginger beer, lemonade, cucumber slices, strawberries, or other seasonal fruit. This recipe pairs perfectly with any meal!
Beer is always a popular choice at parties, so why not offer something new? There are many different alcoholic types available; however, you should not miss a no alcohol beer at your party; this option is perfect for those guests that don't drink alcohol. This way, there will be something for everyone. You can also offer a variety of these drinks from different countries to give your guests an experience they won't forget.
This drink is perfect for those summer nights, and it will be the perfect addition to your menu—light mix rum with pineapple juice and coconut cream. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry.
If you're looking for something simple that everyone loves, then look no further than lemonade. You can also experiment with different flavors like strawberry or raspberry lemonade.
This is an excellent choice for guests looking for something fruity and refreshing. Hard cider pairs well with many different types of food, so it's perfect for your party menu. Mix it with a fun cocktail or serve it on its own.
This classic rum cocktail will be perfect for your guests looking for something sweet. It also pairs perfectly with any food on your menu.
This fruity wine cocktail is the perfect drink for a summer party. It's easy to make, and your guests will love all of the different flavors. All you need is red wine, orange juice, lemonade, lime juice, sugar, and fruit like strawberries or apples and brandy. t's the perfect way to unwind after a busy day
This drink is classy and delicious, so it's perfect for your guests who want something a little more upscale than what you're used to serving at family get-togethers or other parties. Be sure not to serve this one too early in the night because it's a strong drink: mix vodka, dry vermouth or white wine, and olives.
This cocktail is perfect for guests looking to try something exotic. All you need is tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. If your guest likes this one, make sure they don't have any other drinks, or their night will be over quickly.
Wine is always a popular choice at parties, and with so many different types of wine available, there is sure to be something for everyone at your party. You can also offer a variety of wines from other countries to give your guests an experience they won't forget.
These light and refreshing drinks are perfect for a hot summer day or evening. They're also a great way to enjoy wine without feeling too heavy. All you need is white wine, club soda, and fruit juice of your choice. Add some frozen fruit for extra flavor and fun!
This drink is made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. It's the perfect cocktail for those that don't like sweet drinks and want something a little more strong.
This drink is great if you have guests that love gin or tonic water. All it takes is one shot of gin to make this refreshing beverage taste amazing. Mix with tonic water and serve with ice. You can also add a lime wedge or slice for extra flavor.
This drink is perfect for those that want something warm and cozy. It's also a great way to get your guests in the holiday spirit! Add some peppermint Schnapps or Bailey's Irish Cream for extra flavor.
These tasty drinks are made with vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, triple sec, sugar syrup, or grenadine. They're always a hit at parties because they have so much flavor without being too sweet.
This is a great option for those guests that want something healthy and refreshing. You can make them with any fruit juice or yogurt that you like. Add some protein powder for an extra boost.
This drink is perfect for those guests that are feeling under the weather. Mix one part water with hot apple cider and add honey and lemon juice. Top off with a generous amount of bourbon or spiced rum, then sprinkle in some nutmeg for extra flavor.
This delicious drink is perfect for those chilly winter nights. Mix dark rum, brown sugar, butter, nutmeg, and cloves in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture boils. Pour into hot milk or coffee mugs, then top with whipped cream. You can even add some spices like cinnamon to make it taste extra special!
Of course, no party would be complete without champagne! Serve it in glass flutes, so your guests can feel extra fancy.
These are just a few of the drinks that you can serve at your next party. Be sure to mix it up and try something new, so your guests will be excited to drink. Cheers!
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Whether it's on a Friday night with friends or a date night with your significant other, a good cocktail is always the perfect way to unwind from a long day at work or school. Unfortunately, not many people know how to make classic cocktails, so they usually resort to ordering something from the bar.
If you want to impress your guests or want to learn how to make some delicious drinks, then keep reading for a list of the top classic cocktails that you should try.
Tequila, a liquor made from agave, has some great cocktails that showcase its flavor profile. You can find some fantastic recipes for tequila cocktails that are worth trying and will impress everyone. One such drink is the margarita. The classic margarita is tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and salt on the rim of the glass.
Another classic cocktail with tequila is the Manhattan. This drink is made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The tequila replaces the traditional whiskey in this cocktail.
The martini is a classic cocktail that uses gin as its main liquor. However, you can also make a martini with vodka or tequila. A classic martini is made using gin, dry vermouth, and orange bitters. It’s often garnished with an olive or lemon twist.
The sidecar is a classic drink made with cognac, Cointreau, or triple sec, and lemon juice. The tequila gives this cocktail an orange flavor instead of the usual grapefruit found in most drinks with curaçao. Just like the margarita, you can rim your glass with salt for more authenticity if desired! You can also bring in some simple syrup to make it sweeter on your palate.
Another classic cocktail you should try to make is a Mojito. This summertime drink has Cuban origins and can be served as either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. The traditional ingredients of the mojito include:
However, some variations exist, such as adding lemon instead of limes; blackberries or raspberries for fruitiness; cucumber slices for refreshing flavor; Aperol instead of Campari, which adds sweetness without bitterness; grapefruit juice cuts through any sweetness that might remain from the added fruit juices and syrups.; egg whites add to this already creamy drink a frothy head and make it more filling.
To make a mojito:
This drink is a vodka-based cocktail that was first created in 1941. It's made with ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka, and it's usually served in a copper mug.
To prepare this drink, you'll need:
Instructions:
You can also add sugar syrup if you want that extra sweetness! Enjoy responsibly.
For this cocktail, you need vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass.
You can get creative with this cocktail and add whatever you want! For instance, you can also add some fun toppings to your Bloody Mary, like bacon or shrimp.
How about a daiquiri to start things off? This drink is made with white rum, lime juice, and sugar. It's a refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion.
To prepare a daiquiri, you will need:
If you're looking for a strong drink but not too bitter, then try the Negroni. It is very easy to make, making it perfect for beginners or people looking to save money. Typically this classic cocktail contains one part gin, one part sweet vermouth, and one part Campari (although some recipes replace the Campari with another type of amaro). Sometimes bartenders also add orange peel as garnish.
This is also another popular iced drink best enjoyed during the summer season. There are two types of Mint Julep, one with bourbon and another without it. The recipe that doesn’t have bourbon is made with sugar, water, and fresh mint leaves. The bourbon version contains bourbon, sugar syrup, water, and mint leaves.
Both cocktails are refreshing and flavorful due to fresh mint leaves. If you want to make this drink at home, mix all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and strain it into a glass filled with crushed ice. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint as a garnish for extra flavor and presentation.
Last in the list of classic cocktails is the Dark and Stormy. This cocktail has a straightforward combination of ginger beer, dark rum, and lime juice. The drink was first served in Bermuda by local bartender Gosling Black Rum, and it remains one of the most popular drinks there today. It's also common to add a splash of Angostura bitters into this drink, which enhances its flavor even more! If you love a little spice with your sweet, then definitely give this delicious beverage a try next time you're out at happy hour or have some friends over for dinner.
Cocktails have become popular recently, and for a good reason. They can be complex and exciting or simple and refreshing. Whatever your preference, there’s a cocktail out there that will fit the bill. So if you want to add a little bit of flair to your next party or want something new to sip on during happy hour, why not try one of these classic cocktails mentioned in this article. You might find your new favorite drink.
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Food is important at a student party but drinks are what determine if the party is memorable or not. Although drinks are important in a student party, not every drink qualifies to be brought in.
Jungle juice
One of the most common college party drinks is Jungle juice. It’s a cocktail of fruit juice made by mixing several fruits. It’s mostly served as an appetizer or before alcohol is served. Students who don’t love alcohol take this juice. Some students go overboard and mix it with alcohol to give it a sour taste. It’s a better way to improvise everything that can be found in a cocktail.
Whiskey Sour
It’s not clear why the manufacturer thought to create whiskey sour but some students might have a better idea. It’s sour in whatever way you take it. If it was sweet, most students would consume it without measure and get a terrible hangover the next day. But due to its sourness, students can only sip a smaller quantity at a time.
Student parties are important because they help build networks, friendships and build social skills. Drinks at a student party act as the bonding factor but sometimes a student might drink too much and get hangovers the next couple of days. Organizing parties take a lot of time and commitment. During such times, essay writing help can be important to students. If you can’t write your papers because you are deep into organizing a party, essay writing help by Uk.EduBirdie will be the right place to get help. They help students with their papers so that they concentrate every moment on planning for their party or other activities.
Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade
This drink is common at summer parties because it’s best taken when cold. If the party is in the open, attendants can relax and move around holding their glass of cold raspberry lemonade juice. It’s made using fresh mint leaves, syrup, and lemon juice.
Cranberry Sparkler
Cranberry Sparkler is not alcohol but a cocktail drink. It can be bought from the stores or prepared during the party using the right ingredients. It’s made using cranberry juice, lemon juice, water, and an orange wedge. Many students love this cocktail, especially those who don’t take alcohol. Making it during the party also helps the students to get creative and actively participate in the party.
Malt drinks
Malt beverages cannot be classified as alcoholic drinks or soft drinks. They are in between the two but they make a great choice for student parties. These are drinking such as malt tea, Smirnoff ice, and malt Guinness. They contain artificial sweeteners and you can drink dozens of bottles without worrying you will fall off your seat.
Dirty Girl Scout
Like its name, Dirty girl scout can make the party really dirty. Everyone is free to drink as much as they can but it has another purpose. It’s an interactive drink taken during the wee hours. The person drinking is put in the center and the rest pour the drink on them, mock them, and do all sorts of creepy things.
Vodka
Various vodkas are common in a student party but the most common is Smirnoff. Mostly, it doesn’t matter the type of Smirnoff vodka it is but the more common brands are the red, blue, expresso, and black Smirnoff. Those students who want to feel they are strong drink this vodka but as with other alcoholic drinks, their knees soon way and they begin to stagger. The next day they feel drowsy, have headaches and hangovers.
White claws
White claws are a good alternative for beer or other sour drinks. It’s flavored and comes in a variety of flavors, such as grapes, cherry, mango, and lime. The drink is considered to be more feminine but during parties, it doesn’t really matter who drinks it since it’s a sharing moment.
In Conclusion
Often, college students organize parties to celebrate various achievements. Whether it’s a birthday party, graduation, new year, victory after the competition, student parties can never be complete without drinks. There are a variety of drinks present at each student party but the commonest are the common whiskey brands, juice cocktails, malt beverages, and beer. There might not be any prescribed protocol on how they are consumed but party attendants are free to take the drink of their choice any time during the party hours.
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What to Order
Deciding on which wines is part of the fun, and you don’t have to go crazy and spend hundreds of dollars. A good California white wine might cost you less than £40. If you get three bottles of similar quality, you will end up spending £120. That ought to be enough to entertain six friends.
Another idea is to compare more expensive bottles of wine with less expensive ones, thus saving money on your total wine bill. You would get one good bottle of specific types, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Pinot Grigio. Then get one inexpensive one for comparison. This could be fun with a blind tasting that will reveal what people actually think about the two wines.
You could also simply ask each person to bring their favorite wine or to provide a specific inexpensive alternative to the higher quality wine. Another way to defray costs is to ask your guests to provide the food while you handle the cost of the wine.
What You Need
To do it up right, choose clear glasses to allow your guests to see the exact color of the wine. Glasses of water that allow people to rinse their palate are a good idea, since you may not want to provide spit cups or bowls.
You should also provide notecards for guests to jot down what they smell or taste. This card can also serve as a voting tool to decide which wine is preferred by the group. If you want, you can cover the labels and give each wine a number. This creates a blind tasting situation.
Decorations are easy as you can simply use your best tablecloths or choose a seasonal theme. However, you might also want to decorate with plain crisp neutral colors such as black and white to set off the color of the wines.
Remember to have a plan for any guest that gets intoxicated and wants to drive home. One way to help reduce the chances of this is by offering a meal after the wine tasting.
However, to keep the focus on the wine, you don’t have to offer a meal. Perhaps just a few favorites such as cheese, chocolate and crackers. This could add another aspect to the wine tasting. How does the wine taste with something sweet, something salty, and so forth?
How to Party
A wine tasting party isn’t exactly a wild event, but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be fun. Keep the pace slow enough to give people time to consider each wine. Pour only one ounce of wine for each guest and be sure to do it a few minutes after you have allowed the wine to breathe.
Encourage discussion, asking what they wrote down about the way the wine smells, looks or tastes. If you are feeling really brave, give a brief talk about each wine after it has been discussed and the vintage revealed. Keep it to a paragraph or share the duties with others to ensure that no one dominates the conversation.
At the end, invite people to vote on their favorite. If they have their card, they won’t have to recall which wine is which. Then try to set a time for the next wine tasting. It may just become something your friends do every month, or you may go a step further and book a slot on the Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours.
Ingredient #1 The Wine
Traditionalists will tell you that the wine must be red and must have a strong flavor. That’s because you want something that can hold its own even when mixed with liquor and other juices. The thriftiest among us will say that you can essentially use any wine in your cupboard. However, a good sangria starts with a really good red wine.
Ingredient #2 The Fruit
You could make a sangria using wine, citrus fruit and berries and nothing else! If you cut the rounds of oranges or limes into fourths, you will find it easy to crush them with a wooden stirring spoon right there in the pitcher. In addition to oranges and limes, you can use an apple, pear, plum or other sweet tart fruit. Cherries are a nice substitute for the berries, but these are mashed along with the other fruits rather than crushed like the berries.
You will want to reserve some of your fruit to float on top or as garnish in individual glasses. As for portions, you need about three pieces of fruit and a cup of crushed fresh or frozen berries per bottle of wine.
Ingredient #3 Juice Mixers
Next you may want orange juice, cranberry juice or real lemonade. If you are using lots of real fruit, you can cut back or eliminate juice altogether. Otherwise, consider using about ½ cup of juice per bottle of wine. Then add more gradually to adjust the taste as needed. If adding concentrated lemon or lime juice for flavor, be conservative. A teaspoon or two will be more than enough.
Some recipes recommend adding ¼ to ¾ cup of sugar or brown sugar diluted in warm water. It is probably best to combine all ingredients before adding any extra sweetener. Often the mixture is sweet enough without it, and the extra water won’t do anything but dilute the fruity taste.
Ingredient #4: The Bubbles
For some, sangria must be bubbly, but you can choose to skip this step. Plain sparkling water will add bubbles without adding more sugar. However, you want to limit its use to six ounces per bottle of wine, since it will have the effect of diluting the taste you are striving for.
Some recipes recommend a can (12 ounces) of sodas like 7-Up or Sprite per bottle of wine. This adds more citrus flavor and sugar. If you don’t have much citrus fruit for your sangria, this can substitute for some of it.
Ingredient #5 Brandy and Other Liquors
Wine can stand alone in sangria, but many people add brandy. You should use about 6 ounces of brandy per bottle of wine. For the best taste, infuse the brandy with your fruit for two hours in the refrigerator before adding the wine and any other liquid ingredients.
With stronger liquors, such as vodka or rum, you want to add only ½ a cup per bottle of wine. You can also add a ¼ cup of triple sec with the brandy or other liquor. By the way, you can substitute white wine for the red, but take care to use a wine with a strong enough taste, or it will be overwhelmed by the fruit and liquor.
Ingredient #6: Ice
North Americans consider sangria to be an iced drink, and it certainly can be, but ice isn’t necessary if the ingredients are already chilled. You can make a frozen sangria if you mix the wine with frozen juice concentrates such as orange, lemon, and lime. You may want to stir in frozen fruit, too.
Now that you know what you need, check your cupboards, order a few bottles of good red wine, and try your hand at mixing your own sangria. It’s sure to be a favorite at your next get-together.
The Leading Red
Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading red. That’s not just because it’s good. It’s because more cabernet grapes are planted around the world. You can find a better California Cabernet Sauvignon for £30 to £40. You may notice spicy notes and hints of fruits.
If you are eating that American favorite, the hamburger, Cabernet Sauvignon has a strong enough taste to stand up to the fatty meat. It is equally good with something fancier such as steak, prime rib, or lamb.
The Excellent Alternative
Merlot grapes are the second-most popular grape planted in wine country. It tends to be fruiter than Cabernet and perhaps sweeter. The tannins are lighter, countering the natural tartness that many associate with a red wine.
When you are tucking into a roast chicken, a Merlot should be an excellent companion. For that matter, it is good with any type of poultry, including game birds such as ducks.
The Sweetest Choice
You will see Zinfandels in red, pink and white. Sticking to the red variety, you can expect a zinfandel to be sweeter than Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. You might also check the label because the alcohol content of sweeter wines is sometimes higher as well.
As for food, you’ll find that Zinfandel is a nice choice for your pasta dishes. It also goes well with that other Italian speciality, pizza. Zinfandel also makes a nice pair with short ribs or pork tenderloin.
The Sipping Wine
While theoretically all wine is for sipping, a Syrah tends to be especially good for a quiet moment. It has a bold flavor that is sometimes spicy or even peppery. You may taste fruity notes such as blackberries but you are unlikely to declare this wine too sweet, even if you favor dry wines.
The balance of flavors may be why it is such a good choice for a traditional tray of cheeses and sliced meats. While you sip, you nibble. It just feels so civilized.
By the way, Syrah and Shiraz are made from the same grape. The only difference besides the name is usually the country of origin with wineries in the Southern Hemisphere preferring Shiraz.
The Lightest Choice
In this case the lightest choice isn’t about calories or alcohol content. Instead the lightness of the Pinot Noir grape sets it apart from the others. You can expect brighter notes and flavors.
This is the red wine for seafood and fish. You can enjoy it with grilled salmon or chilled sushi.
As for its color, Zinfandel is a rich, almost purple red. You can also find Zinfandel wines that are pink or white, but they don’t have the red’s silky delivery.
When you order your next bottles of wine, try a few different red wines and discover which type of red is really your favorite. You don’t need to be a scientist to perform this experiment, and it’s a hands-on way to learn more about wine.
One of the most popular types of coffee cocktails is an espresso Martini. Famously, this is the drink that James Bond enjoys. An espresso Martini is made by combining two ounces of vodka, one ounce of coffee liquor and one ounce of fresh espresso. Add ice and shake it well to combine. Then, you’ll be able to pour it out and enjoy it. If the drink is too powerful, you can add a little more coffee liquor.
Another fun drink is a mudslide. In this case, you will need to mix an ounce of coffee liqueur and an ounce of vodka. Add two ounces of Irish cream. Add ice and shake well. To finish, add some toppings over the drink. This can be whatever takes your fancy. Chunks of chocolate chips or cookies are a good choice. Or you can add some fresh fruit, like cherries. Experiment to find what works best for you.
One of the most popular cocktail combinations is Irish coffee. Not only is this delicious, but it’s also one of the easiest to make. All you need to do is make freshly ground coffee. Fill up a glass until it’s three-quarters full. Add two cubes of sugar. Add one and a half shots of Irish Whiskey. You can then fill the rest with whipped cream. If you want, you can finish by sprinkling some chocolate powder over the top of the cream.
If you want an alternative to Irish coffee, you might want to consider Kentucky Coffee. This will give you a more powerful alcohol and coffee kick. In this case, fill up half the glass with coffee. Then, add an ounce of bourbon and an ounce of coffee liqueur. You can then add some sugar to sweeten it up. To finish it off, you can add some whipped cream on, filling up the remainder of the glass. If you prefer, add some vanilla extract to taste.
If you are looking for a delicious treat, why not try combining ice cream, coffee, and alcohol? This is very easy to make. Prepare a cup of coffee as you normally would. While you are doing this, take a scoop of vanilla ice cream and put it into the microwave. When it has melted, add it to your coffee, stirring it in. Finally, it’s time to add the alcohol. Put in half an ounce of Kahuna and tequila.
If you want to add some nuts to your coffee, you might want to try this delicious maple pecan latte. The flavour of the nuts will be complemented by a delicious coffee flavour and a shot of whiskey. Though it takes a little more time to prepare, this is a spectacular blend. You can find a recipe to make this drink here.
This type of coffee is a great way to create the flavours of the Caribbean at home. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, taking only a few minutes. All you need is to create a black coffee. Then, add an ounce of rum. Next, put in half an ounce of amaretto liquor. Season to taste with milk and sugar. If you want to finish it off, you can add some whipped cream and a sprinkle of nuts or chocolate paste.
Though these are some of the most popular options, there are dozens of others that you can try. One of the reasons why these are so popular is because of how easy the cocktails are to make. All you need to do is make a delicious cup of coffee, this website offers some tips to help you do this. The key is getting a good grind on the coffee to extract the best flavour. If you don’t already have one, check out this review of coffee grinders for any type of beans. After you’ve made the coffee, experiment with adding alcohol. Eventually, you’ll have made your own delicious cocktail creation recipe which you can share with friends and family.
]]>Smoking has been a big problem in London and other cities in the UK. In 2012, the percentage of adults who smoked was 20.1%. Trends show that cigarette smoking has been on the decline since then. In 2019, about 13.9% of adults smoked.
Several reasons explain this shift in smoking trends.
In the last year or so, the coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc throughout the world. Since the virus affects the lungs, many smokers were forced to quit smoking.
WHO reports that smokers may be at a higher risk of contracting the virus than non-smokers. The primary reason for this is that cigarettes come into contact with fingers and lips. Hence, it could put smokers at a higher risk by spreading the virus quickly.
Due to smoking, the lung capacity of a person reduces. Hence, it increases the chances of developing COVID-19 symptoms.
Since smokers are at a higher risk of developing Coronavirus symptoms, a large number of people in the UK quit smoking. According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), around 1 million people quit smoking in 2020 alone.
Also, BBC reports that about 41% of people who quit smoking did that as a direct result of the pandemic.
Despite this, there are concerns that cigarette smoking may be rising among some individuals. Although people have stopped smoking, it hasn’t translated into a reduction in sales. It could be because some smokers are smoking more than before. The change in lifestyle due to the pandemic could explain why people are smoking more than others. Working from home, lack of activities and boredom are a few reasons.
International trade, including the import and export of tobacco products, also took a hit. Likewise, illegal smuggling of tobacco products was also on the down-low. The illegal trade is one of the reasons why cigarette sales have been high. With the pandemic, smuggling couldn’t take effect, which is also a contributing factor to the decrease in cigarette sales.
Cigarette sales in the UK have taken a hit since packaging rules for cigarettes were changed. With the introduction of these rules, cigarette sales went down by 20 million.
The article by the Guardian mentions that cigarette sales have been dropping with the introduction of the legislation. However, the UK Government fears that cigarette companies are trying to circumvent these restrictions and use gimmicks to further their sales.
The article also mentions that cigarette sales have also been dropping because people are switching to vapes and e-cigarettes. Vapes, such as V2 cigs, are considered to be slightly safer than cigarettes. However, ongoing research is not conclusive in this regard. The probable reason that vapes are thought to be safer than cigarettes is that they are less addictive. Smokers can choose the level of nicotine that they want to consume in a vape, which is not possible for a cigarette. In addition to this, smokers can choose various flavours in vapes, making it an attractive option for people, especially teens.
These are some reasons that have impacted the sales of cigarettes in the UK. The reduction in cigarette smoking is a positive step towards the overall health of people in the country. However, it will be some time before we see its effects.
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However, for many others, it is an exciting way to spend time with your friends. There are various basic guidelines: avoid kicking the door downwards, switch off the fire signal, or scale the air vents since, i) it isn't the exciting mode of escaping, and ii) it destroys the mystic for each one, particularly the developers observing you through the mirror.
Currently, it appears that there exists an escape room within every abandoned cellar, secret station, as well as office building you come by; hence, we have singled out the most exciting to enable you to pick what suits your style.
Below are some of the best places in London to crash up and break out:
While preparing the best escape rooms, the best place to begin your adventure is the Great Escape. Escape Plan consists of three rooms throughout London, all established against the milieu of the Second World War:
You are a prisoner of war. The only thing you want is to break loose, and beat the record of being the first inmate to accomplish that. Applying his signs and some physical strength, you must think, interpret, and sneak your path to liberty.
Indeed, not before has anyone owed a lot to very few, up to date, since the rosy Luftwaffe are once more at it. In a disastrous defense plan, you won't enter the control room before unveiling a chain of mind-teasing mysteries. It is more or less like Siri choosing to shut your mobile phone and replacing the password with the quadratic equation. The excellent turn here is that upon entering, the critical point is not just to get free but also to correctly position the security guards and make sure your weapons are in the right airspace to defeat the Germans.
Once you have outdone the Luftwaffe, and fundamentally emerged the winner, it is now time for raising your knee. But those dishonorable Champagne guys at in the controls have concealed all the drinks. Fortunately, the Air Commodore is out on a business mission while the cat is away. The mice have just one hour to enter the office, locate the supply, and squash the butt.
Your objective at AIM? For you to get out of one of the four wicked rooms, each furnished with mysteries that test each part of your noddle, from swiftness and hustle to side thinking and cautious operation of tricky props instruments.
A sophisticated, innovative room where you must protect the whole planet from an infectious, genetically adapted pathogen threatening to change the human race to zombies.
Visualize an escape room as big as a city. Unrestricted by your cellar's four walls, submarine, tomb, or garrison you will anticipate to travel around London, down alleys and into rare spots resolving clues delivered to your mobile phone, and offered to you by elements you will encounter on the way. Anticipate to be steered into cafes, pubs, bookshops, and galleries discovering secreted items and intermingling with physical mysteries. Nine games are running daily, including Moriart's play, The Cheshire cat hunting, and The enchanted Mirror.
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The Richmond Park Loop is among the best places that you can choose to ride a bike. Unlike the other places, the area has a 7-mile route with gradual sharp climbs and inclines. Therefore if you needed the right place for workouts, the Richmond Park Loop is a great place to start. To avoid ascending a steep hill, you need to cycle in a clockwise direction.
The Royal Park is another beautiful place that you can cycle around London. The area runs from St James’s part way up to Kensington Gardens through a series of different scenery. Cycling through areas makes your cycling experience beautiful and all the more enjoyable. You also have the ability to choose choose to cycle on several different routes around Kensington Gardens.
Regent’s Canal, being one of the best places for people who love walking around the city, provides a beautiful environment for people who also love cycling. If you are among the people who love touring places with animals, then the Regent’s Canal can turn your dreams into reality.
If you enjoy cycling at high speed along a flat area then cycling along the Wandle trail can offer you the best experience out of all. The area covers a 14-mile trail along river Wandle. Many people prefer this route because the area is flat. You can enjoy watching different animals from parks and reserves among many more beautiful things whilst cycling along
Fancy a 12 miles cycle? Cycling along River Lea is a great option for the long distance cycle fan. The River Lea runs from Bedfordshire into the River Thames. There are various things that you can enjoy along with the River Lea one of which is visiting the Olympic Park!
Some of the other best places to cycle include the Olympic Park, as briefly mentioned, Epping Forest, Westminster Bridge to Box Hill, among many more places.
]]>Parks such as Regents Park and Hyde Park entice millions of travelers annually, sections of the town's most thrilling green areas are discovered by us dwellers.
Move a bit out of your way, and you will uncover many secret treasures nicely hidden around the city. Ranging from tropical greenhouses to isolated landscape reserves, these are superior hidden gardens you must visit!
Construction sites and multistory offices surround this garden located in Liverpool Street. The green area outside the St Ethelburga's Centre for 'Reconciliation and Peace' is exceptionally isolated from the town's frantic speed, even though it lies directly below the Heron Tower shadow; need a quiet moment to yourself inside the hustle and bustle? You'll find it here.
Richmond Park, the city's most prominent green space, has many stunning areas of adventure. However, Isabella Plantation in the southern part of the park is an excellent, beautiful site that is worth a visit.
Listed second to Kew Gardens in terms of size, Barbican Conservatory is another excellent site that is still undiscovered by many London residents. Its doors are opened during Sundays only, which provides the reason for its obscurity, yet it is an inspiring tropical space worth seeking out.
Located in Hampstead, The Pergola is considered among the hidden treasures in London. The outstanding building was established around 1904 by a wealthy property owner but was slowly destroyed and submerged by the neighborhood's foliage. At present, there is a total calmness to be observed here, and it is a fantastic site to have fun around north London.
Many Arsenal fanatics meet regularly to absorb the attractive art deco frontage of their previous stadium situated along Avenell Street. Yet, most of them do not realise the hidden square located behind it. This green garden allows you to spend your sunny summer holiday on what was once the sanctified field of Highbury.
The fantastic and separated spaces around Keats House found in Hampstead motivated the most lasting passionate prose in the early 19th century. John Keats, the poet, lived and worked from here between 1918 and 1920.
This public garden near the Covent Garden is a relaxing and calm location for those looking to total escapism. It is among the most beautiful green areas in London and an excellent location for taking photos.
Enjoy your cup of coffee while perusing through Charles Dickens Museum gardens. St Andrews Gardens and Brunswick Square gardens are also close-by.
The 0.35-hectare garden located in Islington is listed among the smallest landmark reserves in London.
]]>Operations began on the site around 1929. Sir Giles Gilbert Scot, a renowned architect at the time, was in charge of red telephone boxes in Britain and joined the project. Initially, the chimneys were supposed to squarely designed and not round.
In 1935, Battersea A, the initial phase of the plant was completed. The covering of the western brace chimneys stood at 101 meters high. On their part, the vents measured 50 m in height, and the wash towers on which they sit, 51m in height.
Around 1940, the RAF pilots used white vapor plumes emanating from the chimneys to give them a direction towards home in the fog weather. The Luftwaffe took advantage of the plumes to navigate as well, which expounds the reasons behind the station to avert excessive bombing.
Come 1944, Battersea B, the 2nd phase of the Power Plant, started producing power. The plant went ahead to initiate a gas washing procedure to cut down on Sulphur emissions, with the extra heat generated directed beneath the Thames through a city heating plan for 1,600 households in Pimlico.
The 5th chimney and the 2nd phase of the Power Station were completed in 1955, with the station reaching its highest production capacity. The gap in the central boiler room was so extensive that it could accommodate the St Paul's Cathedral.
On the 20th of April, 1964, an electric breakdown at the station led to blackouts across the city of London, including BBC TV station, which was planning to unveil BBC Two the very night. The unveiling was postponed until the following day at 11:00 am.
Around 1977, an inflatable pinkish pig moving between both chimneys appeared on the front page of, Animals, Pink Floyd's folder. The pig was harnessed to a section of the vents; however, it lost its anchorages and moved into Heathrow Airports flight path. Police helicopters monitored its way until its landing off Kent's coastal region.
The Battersea Power Plants attained its Grade II status in 1980. Presented by Historic England, the listed structures mark and rejoice its unsurpassed architectural and remarkable interest. Also, they were listed among the planning system so that they can be secured for upcoming generations.
In 1983, the power plant was shut down and stopped producing electricity. It was sold by Battersea Leisure in 1987 and also by Parkview in 1993. In 2007, the station was upgraded to Grade II* rank. Below six percent of the registered buildings are categorized as essential structures of particular concern.
The power plant was bought by the current stakeholders: Sime Darby Property & the Employers Provident Fund, and SP Setia. The action brought to end years of neglect. Operations began the subsequent year to revamp the forty-two-acre field around the plant to develop a new group of houses, cafes, shops, cultural grounds, restaurants, and free space for London's city.
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Like most luxury wines, Cristal comes with a high price tag. This makes some reluctant to purchase it. In case you’re wondering what makes Cristal champagne so special, here are a few things that you probably didn’t know about it.
As already mentioned, this wine has a rather intriguing history. It all started with Tsar Alexander II. Back in 1876, this Russian ruler was afraid that people would try and assassinate him.
So to continue enjoying his wine and squash the feelings of fear, he requested that the wine be served in clear bottles. This would make it easy to detect poison. For the same reason, he also wanted the champagne to be stored in flat-bottomed bottles as opposed to those with a punt shape.
It goes without saying that the wine also had to have a superb taste. The Roederer family obliged; hence they started producing wine that met all of Tsar’s conditions. Needless to say, this is how the Cristal champagne came into existence.
The Roederer family produces different versions of the Cristal wine. The rosé composition, which was first released in 1974, contains a higher proportion of Pinot noir than Chardonnay.
Also, this wine gets its coloring from red wine rather than the skins of Pinot noir grapes. Plus, it’s prepared using the Saignée method. This technique entails “bleeding off” a bit of the red wine juice after it’s come into contact with the grape skins and seeds.
The other type of Cristal wine is a grape variety. It constitutes equal parts Pinot noir and equal parts Chardonnay.
One aspect that makes Cristal wine so coveted- even though it’s pricey- is its exceptional taste. Once you take the first sip, you’ll get notes of ripe golden pear. This shifts swiftly to the flavour of slightly tart apples and then sweetens to Fuji apple as you finish.
If you’re keen, you’ll also note the toasty flavour of the fruit that makes the wine all the more elegant.
Most of the Cristal wine bottles you find on the market are imported directly from France. As such, its price varies parallel to the value of the Euro/British Pound. The average price of a 750-ml Cristal wine bottle is about £180-200. However, this is only for recent vintages and if you aren't in a rush for delivery; earlier vintage bottles are likely to cost you more. If you need a bottle of Cristal champagne delivered fast, your can order online.
One thing you need to understand about Cristal wine is that it’s a Veblen good. Put simply, it’s one of those highly-priced commodities, which signify great affluence and economic power.
So, is it worth the extra cost? Sure, if you can afford it, then you should definitely treat yourself to this sublimely-balanced sparkling wine. However, if the price is a bit much, there are a couple of other French champagnes that cost less.
Want to treat yourself to the finest wine? There’s no better option than the sparkling Cristal wine. Boasting a rich and creamy honey flavour and fruity aroma, this wine goes well with meaty dishes, particularly seafood.
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If you’re looking for a place where you can shop till you drop? London’s Oxford Street is the place to be. Located at the heart of the city, the street touts over 300 shops and outlets.
Among these are some well-renowned flagship stores such as Adidas, Primark, UNIQLO, Next, and Zara. This street also houses a couple of department stores like Debenhams, John Lewis, and the Marks and Spencer.
Are you looking to buy mid-priced fashion clothes? Then Regent Street is the ideal place to visit. Here, you’ll find an array of stores that include some of London’s oldest shops like The Apple Store and Hamleys.
However, this street has so much more to offer than these prominent stores. For instance, Anthropologie is a great place to shop for home decor items and womenswear. You can also head to Glow Bar if you’re craving a sauna session.
Are you planning a shopping trip with a group of friends, Westfield is just the place to go on a shopping spree.
This area has two grand shopping centres: Stratford and White City. Each one houses over 250 shops and at least 80 different spots where you can get your taste-buds titillated. So after long hours of shopping, all you have to do is head to a restaurant and enjoy London’s finest dishes.
Perhaps you’ve been searching for some hip fashion or exceptional gifts that you can take back to your family after a memorable trip to London. If you have, Covent Garden is a suitable place to explore.
You can purchase the most recent streetwear, cool cosmetics and even footwear. You can also shop for jewelry at places like the Alkemistry located on Floral Street. If you get tired of shopping, you can make a quick stop at the luxurious Mariage Freres for some delicious brewed tea.
Looking to buy vintage posters that will give your home a wow factor? AntikBar on King’s Road is the perfect place. The Designers Guild is also a superb choice when it comes to shopping for interior decor items.
You can also explore fashion pieces from modern designers such as Bimba Y Lola and the stylish Comptoir Des Cotonniers.
Given the plethora of unique, quirky, and lavish stores, there’s no better place to go shopping than London. Whether you’re looking for antique items, interior decor pieces, or the latest urban streetwear, there’s no doubt that you’ll get in London. So flex your credit card and get to shop from legendary and contemporary shops.
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Hyde Park is undoubtedly the most famous park in London, and it's also one of the biggest. The park has ancient significance, having hosted several demonstrations and protests over the centuries such as protests surrounding the Suffragettes movement.
The park’s famous Speaker’s Corner remains busy due to frequent debates and performances by artists. The park is also home to numerous memorial features, in addition to two water open areas, the most famous being the Serpentine, one of the first created lakes in England that was designed to look natural. The Serpentine offers paddle-boating, several beautiful swans, there’s even swimming club membership! Nearby there are additional sporting areas that include tennis and netball.
A journey to London isn’t whole without a look at the iconic London Eye. Originally constructed and opened to the public on 31st December 1999, the Eye is a giant Ferris wheel supplying breath-taking views across London and beyond. At night, the wheel is lit up in seasonal colors and is the centerpiece of London’s annual New Year’s fireworks display.
You can share one of the spacious pods with other keen site visitors, or splurge on a private pod for you and your special someone. Couple your day at the Eye with a ride to the adjacent London Aquarium to marvel at aquatic creatures from around the world, including with jellyfish, seahorses, and crocodiles.
Hampstead Heath is one of the biggest parks in London, spanning across 790 acres. It sits atop one of the highest peaks in London, Parliament Hill, provides a stunning panoramic view of the city.
The Heath features grassy fields, wooded areas, and several big ponds. It is an exceptional gem that allow you to revel in nature whilst still in the heart of London. Hampstead Heath best features are that there are lots of wildlife around and the small woods are fantastic to ‘get lost in’.
There are swimming lidos for those feeling brave enough to swim outdoors in the exceptional British weather. For records buffs, visit Kenwood House, an English Heritage property is surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens and breathtaking interiors displaying a stunning world-class art collection.
The Thames has brought industry to London for centuries. It is England’s longest river and leads into the North Sea.
For a real fun day out you can book day/half day cruises up and down The Thames. Cruises run as regularly, typically every half-hour from several moorings along The Thames. The cruises pass by numerous iconic locations, including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.
Some cruises run at night so that you can see the sights all lit up, some are served with a meal or afternoon tea whilst others party the night away.
London’s Chinatown may be reached via Gerrard Street, sandwiched among Soho and Leicester Square. With its Chinese lanterns and captivating pink arches, it’s hard to miss this colorful neighbourhood. Filled with true Asian restaurants in addition to supermarkets and secret bars, there is continually something new to explore in Chinatown. For a slice of authentic Asian cuisine, attempt the HK Diner for scrumptious roast duck, exceptional service, and massive portions! They additionally serve bubble tea, an Asian favourite.
Oxford Street’s location is not the handiest London spot to head shopping to but it’s still Europe’s busiest buying street with over 300 shops over 500,000 visitors daily.
Shop ‘til you drop in designer stores and internationally-well-known department stores like Debenhams and House of Fraser. Be sure to check out all the shop windows like those at Selfridges who often have intricate and beautiful window presentations that alternate with the seasons. Oxford Street shops interactive windows are designed by highly acclaimed artists.
Around Christmas, the Oxford Street Christmas lighting lights up your purchasing sprees with a dazzling display of festive lighting that really gets any visitor in the Christmas spirit.
]]>Being so popular, it’s not surprising that there are dozens of routes you can use to get to Covent Garden. If you’re exploring and want to soak in all the market has to offer, we recommend walking. Alternatively, you can cycle your way using the bike racks in Bow Street and Southampton Street. You can also get to the market by rail, bus, car or boat.
So how did this market come to be? Read on to learn about the history of Covent Garden Market.
Although texts differ, the common consensus is that the market was first established around 1835. At the time, a patent was issued to organize a ‘public fair or mart’ in the area within Richmond, Dundas and King Streets.
In 1845, business owners and investors came together and decided to donate part of the land near Richmond for further development of the market. Back then, farmers were permitted to sell their wares on only three days of the week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays).
The main floor was often strewn with sawdust, providing an area where butchers would sell their meat. However, the exterior would be filled with other types of traders selling a wide range of products such as trinkets, kitten litters and wild raspberries.
Until the end of World War 1, this market served as the cultural and business hub of the city. In 1955, a time when the invention of the automobile had become a big hit in London and other cities, the Covent Garden Market Building Inc. was formed.
This is the organization that supervised the renovation of the old market building in 1958. Following this restoration, the new market had four parking levels along with a section of the main floor dedicated to the traditional market.
40 years later, the organization saw a need to once again renovate the market. This is because the market was largely organic and disorderly. Due to this, the residents who lived nearby constantly complained of traffic congestion and high noise levels.
Thus the organisation in charge of the market decided to relocate to new grounds. To be specific, the market was moved to where the New Covent Garden Market is now located, about three miles Southwest of Nine Elms, SW8
With the new structure, the majority of shops were set up in upper stories. The tone of the market also changed significantly, resulting in a more organized and well-established shopping area.
Important to note is that the market also took a new design based on the neoclassical theme. It was colourful, vibrant, full of ample illumination and space. To a large extent, it was transformed into an area where ordinary Londoners, farmers and traders could meet and interact freely.
Whether you’re looking to buy something or take a simple stroll to explore London’s West End, Covent Garden Market is the place to be. However, this shopping area wasn’t always this organized. It owes its reputation and establishment to the numerous renovations that have been conducted throughout history.
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Dating back to 1906, The Ritz is an iconic hotel well-known not just in London but also globally. The place was actually named after its founder, César Ritz, a Swiss hotelier.
The 5-star hotel, which borders Mayfair and Green Park, is located in Piccadilly. In total, there are about 136 rooms, each of which is equipped with a mini-bar, a cosy fireplace and Asprey bath products.
Overall, you’ll be impressed with this hotel right from the minute you walk through its entrance. The lobby is beautifully decorated using farm-fresh flowers. The dining area has an exceptional setting consisting of marble columns and floor-to-ceiling windows. Plus, it offers a variety of gourmet food, which lives up to many guests’ expectations.
A hotspot for many celebrities and other big wigs, the Chiltern Firehouse restaurant and hotel is another place worth considering. Opened just six years ago, this luxury hotel is situated in Marylebone.
The hotel boasts some of the cosiest rooms. They’re decorated in a stylish yet authentic, sensible but domestic way, and they’re well-stocked with everything you need for your stay.
When it comes to meals, expect nothing short of flavourful dishes. Enjoy the tastiest flaky salmon, which is prepared in tandoori style. You can also order their BBQ pork skewers ingeniously served with brown-butter mayonnaise. That said, getting a spot at this hotel is not easy, so it’s advisable to book in advance.
The Claridge’s has a history that is as rich and fascinating as its appeal and character. A luxury hotel, it’s hosted world-famous guests including members of the royal family; so much so that it’s sometimes nicknamed “an annexe of Buckingham Palace.”
Located at the heart of Mayfair, the hotel has at least 203 rooms comprising Superior King or Queen suites. A few rooms even have seating areas that overlook Brook Street. The bathrooms are decorated with beautiful marble and stocked with Bamford Natural and Organic toiletries.
As you might have guessed, the food is equally inviting, and one of the primary reasons that makes Claridge’s a hot dining spot. Some of the main dishes you should try are the chicken pie or venison Wellington and then sum it up with a tasty dessert like the Tainori chocolate mousse. There’s also a sumptuous bar, which is sure to please the wine and booze lovers.
Want to enjoy the best sights and sounds of the awe-inspiring London city? Then book your stay at one of these top-rated hotels. The service you’ll get at The Ritz, Claridge’s and Chiltern Firehouse is impeccable. The decoration of their interiors is second to none and their gourmet dishes are to die for.
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It’s frequented by up to 15 million customers throughout the year, the majority of whom aren’t from London. On its website, Harrods markets itself as a world-famous department store, and quite frankly, it’s hard to dispute this statement.
But how was this legendary shopping store born? Has it always been well-established and popular? Here’s a brief history of Harrods in Knightsbridge.
Harrods started as a simple business located at 228 Borough High Street in Southwark. It was named after its founder, Charles Henry Harrod, who established it in 1824 at a tender age of 25. Initially, this venture had been listed as a mercer, draper and clothing store. In 1825, its name was changed to Harrod and Wicking, Linen Drapers, Retail. Unfortunately, the business did not last; hence, it was dissolved in that same year.
In the years that followed, Charles tried to establish a couple of other businesses. For instance, in 1851, he acquired a business located in the Brompton District. It is this tiny shop that would, decades later, become the Harrods department store.
After the initial acquisition, Charles hired two assistants and a messenger boy to help him run errands. Later, Charles Digby Harrod, his son, took over the shop’s management, transforming it into a retail venture that dealt in medicines, stationery, perfumes, fruits and veggies.
By 1881, this business had grown so rapidly that Digby had to acquire adjacent buildings. He also hired more people, summing up to at least 100 staff.
Given its booming success, it came as a shock to many when the shopping centre burned to the ground in December 1883. Interestingly, Digby was still able to meet all his clients’ orders that year, and even recorded a substantial profit.
A couple of months after the blaze, a new store was established at the same site. The Harrods were even able to extend credit to their loyal clientele- such as members of the royal family- from the revived venture.
As luck would have it, Charles Digby Harrod met with Edgar Cohen, who was a devoted businessman like himself. Following this meeting, Harrod decided to sell his stake in the store for £120,000 through the 1889 stock market flotation. But even after the company’s acquisition, the new owners decided to retain its name, calling it the Harrod’s Stores Limited.
In the years that followed, the company was acquired by several other entities. For instance, it was acquired by the House of Fraser in 1959, and by the Fayed brothers in 1985.
However, the acquisition that had the biggest impact on its development happened in May 2010. Mohammed Al Fayed, one of the Fayed brothers, sold the company to the Qatari royal family for a profitable £1.5 billion.
Prior to this acquisition, the Fayed brothers had managed the department store for more than two decades. Presently, Harrods is still run by Qatar Holdings.
Harrods is one of the biggest department stores in Europe. Given its popularity, it’s not surprising that it also has a rich history that spans over many years. This store was first owned by the Harrods, the family after whom it’s named. But currently, it’s managed by Qatar Holdings.
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Primrose Hill is among the most visited places in London. There are various things that one can enjoy on the attraction mentioned above site. Some of the things you can enjoy in primrose hill include watching fireworks, a clear sky, view of the city, and many more things. The area has a vast field that can accommodate many people. Therefore you do not need to worry about crowded places, especially during this period of covid19, where maintaining social distance is mandatory.
Do you enjoy walking around as you explore historic objects around? Then it would help if you considered enjoying a ride on a historic mail train in London. Many people arrive to enjoy a ride on the mail train each day. Here you will have a chance to enjoy a ride on an ancient tunnel at high speed. Such memories will always leave your mind yearning for more vacation to London.
London provides a serene environment to drink a glass of your favorite alcoholic beverage. Various brewing companies offer a variety of alcoholic drinks at a pocket-friendly price if you need to enjoy drinking with your friends, the above mentioned place in the best for you.
Do you need to see the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel that will leave you amazed? Then the right place you need to visit in London. That wheel is among the few features that have left many people wondering. There are a lot o enjoy in the area such an area since it marks as one of the famous landmarks in London. Taking a picture or enjoy a cold drink in such a place can offer a remarkable experience.
If you like enjoying a broad view of a city or a large area while standing on a raised place, then the Tower of London is the best place for you. Also, you will be able to learn amazing facts about the Tower of London.
One of the best ways to view the city of London in a better view is by choosing the right point. Shard is among the most preferred places that stand as an iconic view of the city. The building stretches above 40 miles, and this offers you greater viewing experience.
Some of the other fun attractions in London we also love but haven't mentioned include: Westminster Abbey, the River Thames, the graffiti at Leake Street, and a trip to the Imperial War Museum.
]]>If you want to appreciate spirit genuinely, there’s nothing better than visiting the source. In the same way that wine tastes better at a vineyard, and a salmon fresh out of the lake, your favourite liquor will taste better at a distillery.
Even if you’re not looking to sample any spirits, imagine being able to observe how your favourite drink is prepared from scratch. Enlightening, right?
Not sure of where to start? We’ve compiled a list of the best alcohol distilleries in London.
Often abbreviated as COLD, this acronym is a befitting name for this distillery. This is considering the fact that the best way to enjoy their dry gin is by pouring it over tons of ice.
Before its establishment in 2012, Londoners had never had a gin distillery within the city for at least 200 years. Thus, it’s not surprising that COLD’s popularity grew pretty quickly. The distillery is tucked away on a side street, close to the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Once you arrive at the site, you’ll be greeted by very friendly staff and offered gin and tonic. Next, you’ll be led to a different room where one of their staff will briefly explain the gin distilling process. Overall, you'll really enjoy the distillery tour.
Located in south London, Beefeater is another gin distillery worth paying a visit. For utmost convenience, the company allows you to book a tour through their website.
One thing that impresses us about this distillery is the fact that it’s completely wheelchair accessible. It even has strategically-located toilets and baby change areas. Essentially, the owners have thought about their customers’ needs; hence designed their facility uniquely.
The best part is, the tours are available from Monday through Saturday. Looking for an adventure? Book a tour with Beefeater and learn how your favourite drink is made.
If you want to get the full experience of learning how different kinds of spirits are prepared, East London Liquor Company is the distillery to visit.
Founded in 2012, this venture actually started out as a project. Alex Wolpert, the owner, had devoted a whole year to searching for the ideal location to establish a distillery. He identified East London as a potential area; hence set it up there.
In the 8 years it’s been in existence, East London Liquor Company has become a producer of not just gin but also vodka, and whisky. When it comes to gins, the distillery makes three different types. The London Dry gin is its signature drink with the other two being the Darjeeling Premium Batch No.1 gin (infused with tea) and the herbaceous Premium Batch No. 2 gin.
If you’re a true booze lover, nothing beats the experience of visiting a distillery. Not only will you enjoy a guided tour of the distillery, but also be presented with an opportunity to prepare your own drink while you’re there.
Looking for a weekend adventure? Book a tour or plan an individual trip to one of London’s top alcohol distilleries.
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As a matter of fact, there are a couple of times it seemed like the club was on the brink of extinction. On the other hand, there are times when it’s pulled off incredible wins that no one could have predicted. But how was this football club formed? The following is an overview of Chelsea’s history.
A fascinating fact that many don’t know is that the football club was formed almost by accident. Back in 1896, football enthusiast Henry Augustus, or “Gus” Mears as he was popularly known, purchased the famous Stamford Bridge.
He was supported by his brother Joseph Mears. Their aim was to use the grounds to hold first-class football matches. However, they were forced to wait until 1904 to get a freehold as that is when the initial owner passed away.
Once they got full ownership, they approached Fulham Football Club, requesting them to use the grounds as their home. Sadly, the club turned down their offer. This made the Mears to consider selling Stamford Bridge to a railway company.
The Great Western Railway Company planned to utilize the grounds as a coal dumping yard. However, Fred Parker, a colleague and close friend of the Mears discouraged them from selling the land.
After considering the plan to sell for a while, the two brothers decided against the idea. Instead, they decided to form their own football club, which would hold its events at the stadium.
By 1905, the Mears founded Chelsea Football Club in The Rising Sun pub on Fulham Road. However, the two brothers didn't arrive at this club’s name easily. Before deciding to name it Chelsea, the Mears had contemplated calling it London FC, Stamford Bridge FC, and Kensington FC. Ultimately, they settled on Chelsea FC, naming it after the district located right next to Fulham.
In the years that followed, the football club experienced a streak of success. They even won the Football League Championship in 1955.
However, it wasn’t always a bed of roses as the club experienced massive defeats as well. Their bleakest season was in the late 1970s and 80s. In fact, in 1982, they were pretty close to being relegated to the third division.
Luckily, they managed to finish at the 18th position out of 22. In the following year, the club improved their performance tremendously. They were able to win the second division; hence earned a promotion. These are just a few examples of the many successes and defeats that Chelsea F.C. has encountered throughout its lifetime.
Presently, this football club is famous the world over. In the past decade, it’s signed some pretty talented players and won numerous matches. Its estimated net worth is £12.9bn.
Nicknamed “the Blues”, Chelsea is among the most prominent and successful football clubs globally. Founded in 1905 by the Mears, this team has encountered mixed fortunes throughout its lifecycle. Chelsea plays all its home games at the 60-000 capacity Stamford Bridge stadium. While it’s not the biggest football stadium, it played a huge role in the football club’s formation.
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To make mulled wine, you need to have all the essential ingredients with you. Unlike the other type of beverages, mulled wine requires few ingredients and a maximum of 20 minutes to prepare everything. Some of the essential ingredients that you need to make mulled wine include wine (red or white wine), oranges (some sliced and others for garnish), cloves, cinnamon stick and other for garnish, star anise, honey, mulling spices, sweetener, and brandy. After getting all the above-listed ingredients, now let begin the process.
Here you need to prepare all your ingredients and put them in a saucepan. Ensure you have a saucepan that is bigger enough to accommodate all the ingredients that you are using. After you have placed everything on your source pan, now give the ingredients a quick mix. When you stir the ingredients, they will mix in the best way. Once you finish with this step, you can now consider proceeding to the next stage.
Simmering the mixture is the next step when making a mulled wine. While you are heating the combined ingredient, now you need to simmer the wine for about three hours. During the simmering period, ensure you reduce the heat to prevent the wine from boiling off like alcohol. This step helps to ensure all the content present in the ingredient gets extracted well.
Straining and seasoning is the third step when making a mulled wine. Here you need to use a fine mesh filter that will help you to discard the solid remains. Some of the essential thing you need to sieve in this step include the cinnamon sticks, the star anise, ginger solids, orange slices, and cloves. The solution left should be free from any solid since you are preparing the final wine in this step. You can repeat this step using a finer mesh strainer to ensure even the smallest solid particles get removed from your mulled wine.
Depending on the volume of wine that you have prepared, you can serve a varying number of people. Remember, if you need to make a considerable volume of wine, then you need to increase the capacity of ingredients you are using. In this step, you should serve the mulled wine in a heatproof mug topped with your best garnishes.
After following all the above discussed keenly, you will be able to make a mulled wine easily and enjoy the drink with your friends.
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If you forgot to carry a corkscrew, you do not need to worry since you can use the available tools to open the wine quickly. Things such as screws, screwdriver, and fork spoons are plenty at home. Therefore all you need to do is follow the instruction below to open the wine.
Using a screwdriver put the screw into the cork of the wine by drilling it inside. You need to ensure you screw about 90% of the total length of the screw into a cork.
After doing that, now you need to get the fork and create the leverage to remove the cork as you are supporting the bottle to remain on the flat table. Also, you can use the hammer to pull out the cork while holding the screw top. For safety purposes, avoid allowing the fork or the hammer to come in contact with your bottle.
Do you know you can use your shoe to open your bottle of wine if you forgot to carry the corkscrew? To do that, you need a shoe that its work is to absorb the impact created when you hit the bottom of the bottle against a hard surface. When doing this, the wine inside the bottle will help in pushing the cork outside. Once you realize the cork is becoming loose, you can take it out using your hands to avoid pouring your wine.
If you want to open your wine cork using a knife, you need to insert the n=knife in the cork at an angle of about 60 degrees. Once enough length of the knife has penetrated to the cork, now you can consider rotating the knife together with the cork. After the cork becomes very loose, you can now remove it quickly.
Pushing the cork inside is the other way to open your bottle of wine without a corkscrew. Here, you need to insert a pump needle between the rim of your bottle and the cork. Pump around three to four times. You need to avoid pumping several times because if the air becomes too much, the bottle might explode. After pumping three times, the space between the bottle rim and the cork will increase and make the cork lose for you to remove it quickly.
Some of the other ways to open a bottle of include sliding in scissors, cut the cork, hang on using a hanger, and finally open the cork using your keys.
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Primrose is among the best-known places in London that offers the best fireworks viewing point. If you are planning to watch fireworks with friends or your loved one, the primrose hill will offer great fireworks watching experience. One of the reasons why many people choose this place as the right destination point for watching fireworks is because one can watch fireworks from different places from the hill mentioned above.
If you are looking for a great place to watch fireworks in the northern part of London, then you do not need to worry anymore. That is because the Alexandra palace got you covered. Many people who prefer watching distant celebration choose this place. The place offers a calm environment with minimal disturbances from the environment.
Shard is known to have the tallest building in London. Because of the various tallest building, people find that place as the best viewing point for fireworks. Multiple restaurants within this region will allow you to enjoy your favorite beer in a relaxed environment. Also, if you enjoy having different delicious cuisines, the shard will fulfill all your expectations. Choosing Shard as your best firework watching place will give you a fantastic experience.
For the best fireworks watching, it is essential to choose the area that is raised several meters from the ground. That is because the higher the place, the more clearly you will watch fireworks since there are no obstacles to block a clear view. The location of Dalston's Roof Park is in trendy part of London.
Dack and waffle is another fantastic place that provides excellent firework viewing point. The location of the area mentioned above is on the 40th floor of the tower known as Heron. One fantastic thing with the duck and waffle is that you can enjoy fireworks and birds watching at any time.
Clissold Park is another fantastic place that can provide visitors from different areas with a fabulous firework watching point. The area is huge to accommodate many visitors. The place has a relaxed environment that will allow you to enjoy everything around you.
Lastly, some other few places in London that offer great fireworks watching points include; Radio bar, Blackheath common, Waterloo Bridge, and Greenwich observatory.
]]>When holding a stemmed glass, three fingers should play the most prominent role. That is the index finger, middle finger, and thumb. By ensuring the above-listed fingers are in the right places, holding a stemmed glass when drinking a glass of wine becomes easy.
Therefore to hold the stemmed glass, you need to ensure you the stem of the glass between the thumb, middle finger, and the index finger. Avoid placing the finger on the upper half of the glass. Do not allow any other finger apart from the listed ones to touch the stem of your glass. The other remaining finger (two fingers) are supposed to rest around the top of the glass base.
The other way of holding your stemmed glass is though wrapping the index finger in one side of the glass stem and then support the other side of the stemmed glass with the thumb’s tip. To maintain the glass in the right position, you need to keep your hard position on the lower part of the stem. The other three fingers should be placed in a way that they curl into the palm of your hand.
Holding the stemmed wine glass above its base is another best way to hold wine. To hold it well, you need to pinch the stem using the tip of the thumb. During the process of pinching the glass, the other fingers should rest after you have used the other two fingers to support the base. Many people fail to put the thumb in its correct position. Remember placing the thumb finger wrongly can make you drop the glass.
In this way, you need to keep only your thumb over the base of the glass and allow the other finger to offer necessary support at the bottom of the glass. For the best support, when using this technique, one should ensure the other finger are not in contact with the glass but slightly curve towards the palm.
If you are using a stemless glass, you need to hold the glass towards its base and minimise the area of contact. Holding the wine glass in the right way has various reasons. Some of those reasons include; to provide maximum support, maintain the temperature of the wine, portray wine etiquettes, and many more.
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