4 minute read
SPARKLING TO STILL
by Metropol
Water: Swap still for sparkling. Flavoured sparkling waters are hugely popular and are a great way to keep your guests hydrated without the ‘boring’ factor. They are a healthier option for those not wanting too much sugar either.
A special occasion
WORDS LYNDA PAPESCH Special occasions call for extra attention when preparing the drinks menu. From Champagne to cocktails, sauvignons to spritzers, gewürztraminer to gin, the choice of tipples is almost infi nite.
Group gatherings often start with bubbles to amp up the party feeling, and then progress to wine, beer, and cocktails. Large functions will often have a bar or a selection of drinks on the tables, whereas more intimate settings, such as a romantic dinner for two, call for an ice bucket or just a couple of bottles as part of the setting. Here are some other essentials to consider:
Cocktails
A rise in the popularity of gin has seen a resurgeance in cocktails, from the tried and true to new creations. Mix up a batch of your favourite in a punch bowl and let everyone help themselves. Don’t forget the garnishes.
Wine & beer
More popular wine varieties include sauvignon blanc and its red counterpart cabernet sauvignon, yet there are dozens of others worth trying. Talk to your favourite wine shop guru if you’re looking for inspiration. Craft beers go down a treat too, especially those locally produced. Aim for lighter styles unless you know your guests prefer a stout or a hop bomb.
Mixers
Useful for cocktails, those who might like to have the occasional palate cleanser in between courses, or those who want non-alcohol beverages.
THE ATHENS YACHT CLUB
GREEK CUISINE AT ITS FINEST OPEN 7 NIGHTS 179 VICTORIA STREET
597 Springs Road, Prebbleton Ph: 03 344 0559 unionfare.eatery@gmail.com www.unionfare.co.nz
glass RAISING A Favourite alcoholic tipples include whisky, vodka, rum, and let’s not forget gin.
Templeton Rye 6 Years Whiskey 700ml $69.99
Jagermeister 1 litre $59.99
Laughing Club Gin 750ml $84.99
Johnnie Walker White Walker Game of Thrones 700ml $69.99
Straight, on the rocks, or with a mixer, these are classics, among the most commonly drunk spirits in the world.
Many spirits have history associated with them, others are a modern nod to an age-old drink.
Drinking also plays an important social role in many cultures, and in many traditions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and getting together with friends and family.
Spirits, liqueurs, wines and beer also have a place alongside popular cuisine.
No matter your favourite, you’re sure to find it or an equivalent on the shelves at Big Daddy’s Liquor.
Cheers!
Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Scotch Whisky 700ml $99.99
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve 700ml $89.99
www.bigdaddys.co.nz
Shop online and choose click and collect from one of our handy stores below.
cuisine
Memorable cuisine at a memorable place
Check out our newly refurbished shop
SHOP EAT RELAX BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AVAILABLE CAFE/BAR EMPORIUM
1697 Cust Road, Cust Open Wed to Sun, closed Public Holidays Phone (03) 312 5595 www.route72.co.nz
Purple Weka Cafe
Come in and Keep Warm! Blue Cod Fish & Chips pair perfectly with a wine for lunch.
03-366 0258 www.purplewekacafe.co.nz 48 Fitzgerald Avenue
Lothlorian groove jumper
Rendezvous on 72
Take a drive along Highway 72 to Cust and it will lead you to the unique, newly refurbished Route 72 Café Bar Emporium.
Owners Steve and Annette Thomson have created an outlet for inspiring tastes and treasures both, with the café servicing one set of needs and the emporium and its fabulous selection of homeware and gifts another.
“Breakfast starts at 9am, and the lunch menu at 11.30am, in addition to a selection of lighter bites, burgers and fries also available, and an assortment of beverages to accompany them,” says Annette. “The views from the upstairs dining room are spectacular, out over the Cust River and valley, the foothills and the snowcapped mountains.”
Visitors can wander through the adjacent emporium and see its exciting range of beautiful skin care, leadlight lamps, jewellery, clothing, artwork and homewares. A must-see is the range of New Zealand-made Lothlorian possum, merino and alpaca garments. Made from the fi nest and most sustainable yarns, the Lothlorian range includes luxurious, warm, knitwear and accessories for both men and women.
“We are the perfect North Canterbury destination for an inspiring rendezvous; just 30 minutes from Belfast via Tram Road,” adds Annette.
To plan your next rendezvous at Route 72, call 03 312 5595 or visit the website.
www.route72.co.nz
Ian Shaw
Managing Director Karen Gough
Nth Island Regional Manager & Senior Verifier
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