Sonal C Holland MW’s Post

3 reasons why you should drink spirits neat: Number 1: You bought a high quality expensive whisky, like a highly aged single malt scotch, and want to appreciate the craftsmanship and nuanced flavours in your drink. Number 2: Your spirit has been through a unique distillation process which gives it extra flavours. Number 3: You're having a spirit that has been aged, giving it layers upon layers of flavours. The best way to enjoy a drink neat is to take small sips at a leisurely pace so that you appreciate all its aspects. Remember to sip on water between every few sips of whisky to stay hydrated and reset your palate. Here's an important tip: Drinking spirits neat means pouring them straight into your glass from the bottle, and drinking them at room temperature. Chilling the spirit before serving it, or stirring it with ice and then straining it in your glass will not count as drinking it neat. A temperature change will impact the taste of your drink. What spirits do you like drinking neat? Tell us in the comments section below. #sonalholland #masterofwine #spirits #whisky #whiskey #alcoholtips #winetips #wineexpert

Should you drink whisky neat or with water? 🥃 Adding some water to whisky gives it a smoother and well-rounded taste and this can come in handy if you are sipping on a bold and rich whisky. Water also helps in releasing some of the locked aromas and flavours and brings out the more nuanced aspects of your drink. Whisky can be off-putting to those who are new to it. But adding a little water will mellow it down and make it a more pleasant experience. In the case of whiskies with a higher ABV, say around 50 percent, adding a little water can reduce the harshness of alcohol. How much is too much though? If you add too much water to your whisky, you'll dilute its flavours. So all you need to make your whisky more expressive is two to three drops of water. Do you add water to your whisky? Tell us in the comments section. 💬

 #sonalholland #masterofwine #whisky #whiskey #alcohol #tips #wineexpert

Cold vodka, warm whisky: why? In the realm of spirits, understanding the nuances is paramount. 🍸 Vodka, celebrated for its clarity and subtlety, is traditionally served chilled, masking any potential harshness and highlighting its refined smoothness. 🥃 Whisky, a beverage rich in character and complexity, unveils its full spectrum of aromas when served warm. From the undertones of honey and caramel to the pronounced notes of nuts and dried fruits, its warmth is a gateway to a sensory experience. It's essential to recognize that while traditions offer guidance, personal preferences play a pivotal role in one's drinking experience. So, as you navigate the world of spirits, how do you resonate with your drink? Is it the chill of vodka or the warmth of whisky that appeals to you? Let me know in the comments below! #sonalholland #masterofwine #servingtemperature #alcoholtips #winesandspirits #vodka #whisky #whiskey #WineExpert

We all know that cocktails can be shaken and stirred, but did you know they can be built as well? Here’s the difference between the three techniques: Building – when a cocktail is made directly in the glass, over ice, before stirring. This is one of the easiest ways to fix a drink and the perfect start for new mixologists. Stirred – a technique that is used to delicately combine the ingredients to create a crystal-clear cocktail. A drink mixer is used to gently ‘stir’ the ingredients around the ice cubes and is used for gin and whisky cocktails such as a Negroni. This method should always be done in a stirring glass to strain off any melting water that may dilute the drink. Shaken – involves chilling and mixing the ingredients with a shaker to integrate them into the drink’s flavour. This is generally the preferred method if you’re making a drink containing fruit juices, cream liqueurs, syrup or non-alcoholic mixers. Try a Cosmopolitan for a classic ‘shaken’ cocktail. #cocktails #mixologists #cocktails #cocktailgifts #gift #giftideas 

We all know that cocktails can be shaken and stirred, but did you know they can be built as well? Here’s the difference between the three techniques: Building – when a cocktail is made directly in the glass, over ice, before stirring. This is one of the easiest ways to fix a drink and the perfect start for new mixologists. Stirred – a technique that is used to delicately combine the ingredients to create a crystal-clear cocktail. A drink mixer is used to gently ‘stir’ the ingredients around the ice cubes and is used for gin and whisky cocktails such as a Negroni. This method should always be done in a stirring glass to strain off any melting water that may dilute the drink. Shaken – involves chilling and mixing the ingredients with a shaker to integrate them into the drink’s flavour. This is generally the preferred method if you’re making a drink containing fruit juices, cream liqueurs, syrup or non-alcoholic mixers. Try a Cosmopolitan for a classic ‘shaken’ cocktail. #cocktails #mixologists #cocktails #cocktailgifts #gift #giftideas 

Can an opened bottle of whisky go bad ? 🥃 It is a common assumption that distilled spirits do not go bad like wine, which converts into vinegar in a short span of time due to exposure to oxygen. However, exposure to oxygen, light and fluctuations in temperature can ruin your whisky in the long run. Over a period of time, oxidation can cause the whisky to lose its complex flavours and taste stale. Don't believe us? Then pour yourself two drinks- one from a whisky that you opened months ago and one from a new bottle of the same whisky. You'll notice the difference in their taste for sure. Here's to store an opened whisky bottle: Store your whisky in a sealed container to avoid exposure to oxygen. Alternatively, you can swap the cork for a bottle cap and secure it tightly. If your whisky is below the half-level mark, you can also shift it to a smaller bottle with a tight cap to reduce interaction with oxygen. Also, keep your opened bottle in a cool, dark and dry place. And lastly, finish the bottle as soon as possible. Share your favourite bottle of whisky with your friends to have a more enjoyable experience while drinking responsibly. Share this video with your whisky-loving buddies so that they can take better care of their priced whisky bottles. Cheers! #sonalholland #masterofwine #whisky #whiskytips #alcoholtips #wineexpert

Myths about Whiskey While it is mostly believed that Whiskey can be either consumed neat or on the rocks, it is a very common myth that this is the only way to consume it. In fact, premium Whiskey is designed with versatile flavours, making them ideal for mixing in cocktails. There has been a constant debate about whether blended whiskeys can match up to pure blends. However, the truth is that creating the perfect blended whisk is more of an art than science. If done perfectly, blended Whiskey can be satisfying giving a flavourful drinking experience. There is a popular belief that Whiskey is a winter drink; however, this is not true at all as it can be also a perfect summer drink with combinations like Whiskey Sour, Bourbon Peach Tea, Irish Coffee Milkshake or a simple Whiskey lemonade. These can be a perfect option for a hot summer evening or weekend party. Another common misconception about Whiskey is that all of them taste the same. This is not true at all as each drink has its own set of complexities with unique notes, when tasted neat or mixed with the right element can make a great drink

Have you noticed how tequila has shifted from the occasional shot to a go-to choice for cocktails? With celebrity-backed brands like Kendall Jenner’s 818 and Don Julio making an impact, UK bars are filling up with tequila-based drinks. Some bars now even specialise in margaritas, featuring unique flavours and serving options. And we’re also seeing more tequila options on supermarket shelves - from bottles to pre-mixed cans. Are you a tequila lover, or a skeptic? Or has your opinion on it changed? https://lnkd.in/eG74Zz7s

Can an opened bottle of whisky go bad ? 🥃 It is a common assumption that distilled spirits do not go bad like wine, which converts into vinegar in a short span of time due to exposure to oxygen. However, exposure to oxygen, light and fluctuations in temperature can ruin your whisky in the long run. Over a period of time, oxidation can cause the whisky to lose its complex flavours and taste stale. Don't believe us? Then pour yourself two drinks- one from a whisky that you opened months ago and one from a new bottle of the same whisky. You'll notice the difference in their taste for sure. Here's to store an opened whisky bottle: Store your whisky in a sealed container to avoid exposure to oxygen. Alternatively, you can swap the cork for a bottle cap and secure it tightly. If your whisky is below the half-level mark, you can also shift it to a smaller bottle with a tight cap to reduce interaction with oxygen. Also, keep your opened bottle in a cool, dark and dry place. And lastly, finish the bottle as soon as possible. Share your favourite bottle of whisky with your friends to have a more enjoyable experience while drinking responsibly. Share this video with your whisky-loving buddies so that they can take better care of their priced whisky bottles. Cheers! #sonalholland #masterofwine #whisky #whiskytips #alcoholtips #wineexpert

🌿☕ Looking to spice up your coffee game? Check out our latest blog post on the trending Iced Vanilla Rosemary Latte! This unique concoction blends the familiar flavors of vanilla and coffee with a surprising twist of rosemary, creating a refreshing and aromatic beverage that's perfect for any time of year. Learn how to make this delightful drink and tantalize your taste buds! #CoffeeLovers #IcedVanillaRosemaryLatte #NewBlogPost 🌿☕ https://lnkd.in/eEUxCQ65