Trés amusant Mr J. You're right that spirits and mixers seem much more the norm at drinks parties and supper affairs. The breadth of vermouths, amaros and fortified wines is also influencing broad minded hosts positively. I see tequila popping up more and more at chi-chi soirées. But what I really hanker after, at a hot summer bbq event, is a Sauternes slushy!
Lovely piece, although I’d contest the “poor selection of wine at reasonable prices” line — supermarkets have an insane amount of choice, often good, at reasonable prices (I mean £12-£17), especially with the search for different grapes from lesser-known regions (see the M+S found range). It’s true that pub wine lists are often dull, and big brands are always dull (never buy a wine whose makers have an advertising budget) but I’m always amazed that “book launch wines” are so often bad when you can get good wine at a reasonable price.
"You might get champagne if you’re very lucky, prosecco if you’re not." This rings horribly true, or if in Spain, some truly wicked 2€ (a bottle) Cava.
Trés amusant Mr J. You're right that spirits and mixers seem much more the norm at drinks parties and supper affairs. The breadth of vermouths, amaros and fortified wines is also influencing broad minded hosts positively. I see tequila popping up more and more at chi-chi soirées. But what I really hanker after, at a hot summer bbq event, is a Sauternes slushy!
Lovely piece, although I’d contest the “poor selection of wine at reasonable prices” line — supermarkets have an insane amount of choice, often good, at reasonable prices (I mean £12-£17), especially with the search for different grapes from lesser-known regions (see the M+S found range). It’s true that pub wine lists are often dull, and big brands are always dull (never buy a wine whose makers have an advertising budget) but I’m always amazed that “book launch wines” are so often bad when you can get good wine at a reasonable price.
Most entertaining and true. Really enjoyed this as my first read of the day
"You might get champagne if you’re very lucky, prosecco if you’re not." This rings horribly true, or if in Spain, some truly wicked 2€ (a bottle) Cava.