Meet the unique vodka helping aid the Ukraine war effort

There is always good money to be made from a war.

Munitions sales; weapons, vehicles, uniforms.

But now there is a vodka being sold to help the Ukrainian forces in their war against the Russian invaders.

And it is no ordinary vodka.

Meet a 3-litre Ukrainian Spirit Limited Howitzer Edition with special packaging made from used artillery shell propelling charge cases.

The vodka is being distributed by SPYRT Worldwide, a veteran-founded importer that sells "Ukraine’s finest wines and spirits to the US" and online to the rest of the world.

The company's press release says 10% of the profit from sales is donated to Invictus Global Response, a team of US Veteran bomb technicians who clear landmines in Ukraine as volunteers and train de-mining teams.

“We’re incredibly proud to introduce the Ukrainian Spirit Howitzer Limited Edition,” said Sam Lerman, co-founder and CEO of SPYRT Worldwide.

“This release is far more than an extraordinary 3-liter vodka, as it’s [packaging] is hand-crafted from repurposed military powder charge tubes and finished with meticulous leatherwork.

"With a portion of all proceeds from the manufacturer supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, this product allows consumers to directly support a powerful cause while experiencing exceptional quality.”

The Ukrainian Spirit Limited Howitzer Edition 3-liter is bottled at 40% ABV/80 proof using SPYRT’s Ukrainian Spirit Reserve Vodka. It is made using a "single water" technology, in which the water, spirit, and vodka all originate from the same artesian well, first tapped since 1876.

This spring water is drawn from 200 meters beneath the pine forests of Volyn and combined with specially selected grain from the steppes of Western Ukraine.

If aesthetics are a concern, "each tube is carefully refurbished to restore its appearance and smooth out any dents from previous use".

The Ukrainian Spirit Limited Howitzer Edition is available only in a 3-litre bottle and retails for $US999.99.

See www.SpyrtWorldwide.com

Young cocktail drinkers are bigger thinkers

Gen Z aren't drinking less, they're drinking differently, a new survey has revealed.

Bacardi VP Sean Kerry says Gen Z are drinking "earlier, lighter, and with more intention."

They are prioritising meaningful connections, micro-indulgence, and storytelling experiences over traditional consumption.

The seventh annual Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report, released by Bacardi Limited, in partnership with The Future Laboratory (TFL), draws on data from Bacardi-led and third-party research, consumer surveys, bartender interviews and TFL’s trend forecasting.

The report also reveals the cocktails which are set to be the most popular in 2026 and trends for younger consumers.

“Gen Z isn’t drinking less, they’re simply drinking earlier, lighter, and with more intention,” says Kerry.

“Around the world, we’re seeing a move towards more meaningful drinking moments whether that means in-person get-togethers with friends, discovering flavours rooted in local culture, or embracing new forms of creative expression through cocktails."

Martin Raymond, co-founder of The Future Laboratory, says: "Consumers are moving from curating experiences to cultivating connections. The pendulum has swung from digital convenience to human creativity, and the drinks industry sits at the centre of that shift.

“In 2026, value will be defined not by scarcity or status, but by depth: the provenance of ingredients, the stories behind serves, and the ability to transform a moment into meaning.”

Globally, the survey suggests the top 10 cocktails in 2026 will be:

1. Margarita

2. Mojito

3. Piña Colada

4. Rum and Coke

5. Whisky and Coke

6. Spritz

7. Vodka Lemonade

8. Vodka Soda

9. Gin and Tonic

10. Dry Martini Cocktail

Capital idea: in high spirits in Canberra

Gin and whisky lovers can head to the national capital for a spirited weekend.

The new Spirits at the Foreshore tasting event will be held at the Old Transport Depot in Canberra on November 28-29..

The will be pourings of more than 200 spirits from 40 Australian and international distillers in a lakeside setting.

Over three tasting sessions across two days, festivalgoers can discover bold Tasmanian whiskies, new styles of gin, authentic Mexican tequila, limoncello, rum, vodka paired with a caviar bump, and more, the organisers promise.

Tickets include unlimited tasting samples (to be sipped sensibly, of course), a branded tasting cup, Long Rays tonic and soda water, and a tote bag to stash your purchases.

Food trucks will be on site to keep guests fuelled between sips, and every bottle on taste will be available for take-home purchase direct.

Tickets are $70 for a three-hour session, with “Any Session” tickets available for $110.

A limited number of masterclass tickets are available for $90, including entry to the festival.

Friday features the Hugo Vodka Masterclass, while on the Saturday, White Light Beverages will host a cocktail session with tips and tricks for tequila, vodka, gin and whisky, an insider’s guide to shaking the perfect margarita, elevating your martini, and making the most of their expanded award-winning range.

Distillers confirmed include Hugo Vodka, Prohibition Liquor Co, Ester Spirits, Volume Australia, White Light Beverages, North of Eden, Renegade Spirits, Gindu Distillery, Brix Distillers, Beachtree Distilling Co, Camden Valley Spirits, Noble Bootleggers, Turner Stillhouse’s Three Cuts Gin and more. 

Renegade Spirits and Gindu Distillery are among those making their Canberra debut.

Tickets are on sale at ginevents.com.au.

How old do you need to be to buy a drink?

If you are old enough to vote, are you old enough to buy a bottle of wine?

The answer is that it varies wildly depending on where you are on the globe, the drinks business reported this week. See https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/

There are hugely different ideas about what constitutes adulthood, and what you can do when you achieve that landmark.

Some countries set no age limit at all for buying alcohol, others insist on 18, and a few insist on 21 - an age at which young folk are routinely sent to die for their country.

The World Health Organisation says Burkina Faso is often cited as having the world’s youngest legal drinking age - effectively 13, though enforcement is minimal and the law rarely applied.

Many European countries, including Germany, Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland, allow 16-year-olds to purchase beer and wine. Spirits, however, are restricted until 18.

Malta is unusual in having set its legal drinking age at 17 since 2009, when it was raised from 16. It represents a compromise, designed to curb school-age drinking without removing what had become a social norm.

Eighteen is by far the most common legal drinking age worldwide. It is the standard in much of Europe (France, Spain, Italy), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico), Africa (Kenya, South Africa) and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand).

The reasoning is that 18 is the age of legal majority in many places, when individuals may vote, marry, sign contracts, and, logically, consume alcohol.

Canada's rules depend on the jurisdiction, with most provinces at 19 and a handful at 18, while the US has enforced 21 nationwide since 1984, credited with reducing drink-driving fatalities. The rule means Americans can vote, marry and serve in the military at 18, but cannot legally buy alcohol for another three years.

Several other countries, including Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and various Pacific islands, also opt for 21, often driven by religious or cultural attitudes.

Then, of course, in some countries, alcohol is illegal regardless of age, rendering any “legal drinking age” irrelevant. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, Brunei and the Maldives operate complete bans, often grounded in religious law.

Image: Giuseppe Lombardo, Scop.io 

Corona remains the world’s most-valuable beer brand

Corona has been named as the world’s most valuable beer brand for the second consecutive year, Kantar’s 2025 BrandZ Global report says. 

The accolade comes as the brand celebrates its centenary, bolstered by notable global growth and the growing success of its alcohol-free offshoot, Corona Cero.



The report shows that eight of the world’s top 10 beer brands are now owned by global giant AB InBev, with Budweiser ranked second, Modelo fourth and Michelob ULTRA fifth. 

AB InBev, listed on stock exchanges in Brussels, Mexico City, Johannesburg and New York, achieved all-time high revenues in 2024, along with 15% growth on earnings.

Corona’s international success in 2024 included double-digit growth outside of its native Mexico, and significantly, triple-digit gains for alcohol-free Corona Cero. 

The non-alcoholic variant is the first beer brand to sponsor the Olympic Games, debuting in Paris last year. 

Corona’s “Corona 100” platform will feature anniversary events across global markets throughout 2025, positioning the brand at the centre of both celebration and innovation. 

Marcel Marcondes, AB InBev’s global chief marketing officer, says the brand’s success demonstrates the value of long-term brand building and consistency. 

“Having eight out of the top 10 beer brands in Kantar’s BrandZ rankings reflects our focus on growing our megabrands through consumer-centricity, consistency and effectiveness.”
 he said. 

Michelob ULTRA, the fastest-growing beer brand in the US, moved up one position in Kantar’s beer rankings, now fifth globally. 

The AB InBev-owned light beer brand continues to tap into health-focused consumer trends in North America and beyond.

The top 10: 1. Corona, 2. Budweiser, 3. Heineken, 4. Modelo, 5. Michelob ULTRA, 6. Brahma, 7. Bud Light, 8. Skol, 9. Stella Artois, 10. Guinness. 

Not the usual suspects: quirky tastes of Italy

Are you an adventurous drinker?

Legendary Melbourne providore Enoteca Sileno may have closed its doors, but it is still active online with a wide range of esoteric drinks on offer.

There has been a resurgence in interest in old-world spirits, particularly from mixologists, from amaro to pastis and beyond.

Enoteca Sileno closed its retail store this year after 70 years, but the online store is still stocked with an array of authentic Italian food and beverage products, including wines and spirits.

Owners Rosemary and John Portelli’s have selected some of their favourite winter spirits and aperitifs - from liquorice and chocolate liqueurs to herbaceous amari perfect for negronis.

Their products can be delivered Australia-wide with free delivery to major metro regions for orders over $250.



Their choices include Bepi Tosolini Amaretto Salizà ($105) - made with whole almonds - and its sibling the Bepi Tosolini Brandy Riserva Fogolar ($137.60), distilled from red wines with ancient steam stills.

Other family favourites include Clementi China Antico Elixir ($118), a bittersweet digestive from Tuscany, and Infusi dall'Eremo Ghentiane ($65.40) a herbal tonic from a co-op based near L’Aquila using medieval recipes created by local monks.

Then there is Infusi dall'Eremo Saffron Liqueur ($49.80): a liqueur made from a cold infusion of saffron, which is rich in antioxidants, and for the sweet tooths, Vincenzi Bicerin di Gianduiotto Chocolate Liqueur ($85).

For details you can check out www.enoteca.com.au

Czech mate as locals swear off the beer

Czechs drink more beer per capita than anyone else on the planet. 

That’s been the case for decades but now people in the Czech Republic are losing their taste for refreshing lager. 

Economic uncertainty and the rising cost of draught beer have affected consumer spending on beer, new data shows.

Novinky.cz says beer consumption in the Czech Republic is still the highest in the world despite its significant drop in recent years.

The average number of beers drunk per capita in 2023 was 256 beers per head, which is equal to approximately 128 litres.

Radio Prague International reported beer consumption reached a record high in 2005 when Czechs consumed 163.5 litres, or 327 beers per head.

Germany has also reported a downturn in beer consumption.

Qantas wheels out a new spirits offering for winter

New Australian gins are being wheeled out and Campari will be on offer in all international cabins for the first time with Qantas unveiling a revamped spirits selection on board alongside the airline's new winter menu.

Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, distilled in Healesville, will be the new standard gin pour across Qantas international first, business and premium economy cabins.

First in-flight and lounge customers will enjoy a quarterly rotation of independent Australian gins including Applewood, Brookies, Beachtree 'Quokka' Gin and the Australian Distilling Co 'Bondi' Gin.

Campari is also landing on the menu in time for the busy European summer travel period and will be available for international customers across all cabins for the first time. The aperitif will be served in premium cabins with a new selection of roasted almonds, cashews and hazelnuts.

Whisky lovers are also set to benefit from the update with Tasmania's award-winning Lark Classic Cask making its menu debut in first class, and Melbourne-based Starward Nova being served on domestic business class.

Neil Perry, Qantas's creative director of food, beverage and service, and his team of mixologists and sommeliers tasted and reviewed nearly 400 different products in designing the new spirit offering.

Executive manager of product and service Phil Capps said the new spirits selection and winter menu celebrates Australian suppliers on the global stage.

“We began planning for our new spirits selection more than 12 months ago with the intention to offer our customers a more premium choice when they fly with us," he said. "With our flights to Rome restarting and Paris taking off soon, a new aperitif is the perfect way to start or end a European summer holiday.”

Perry also designed a new winter menu to showcase seasonal produce. The menu features plant-based options across all cabins and each route has a menu inspired by the destination.

Cracking the code of Pina Colada in a can

A bar quality cocktail for $11? You must be dreaming.

But Curatif, makers of award-winning pre-mix cocktails in a can, today release their new Piña Colada cocktails for $45 for a four-pack. Perfect for a night in beside the fire. Or after you've been caught in the rain.

Think fruity pineapple, roasted coconut, and coconut cream tones. 

Oh, and rum from two of the top estates in the world: Appleton Estate Signature Rum and Ron Colón Salvadoreño. 

"Our latest cocktail has been a labour of love that we've loved labouring over," says Curatif founder and managing director Matt Sanger. 

"Coconut is having a real moment and it’s great to see a resurgence of this most loved and nostalgic cocktail. 

"A Piña Colada can be a hard one to crack in a ready-to-drink format because of the complexity of the ingredients. 

"But while staying true to the authenticity of the recipe but we have mastered a Piña Colada that is truly bar quality. 

"What sets Curatif apart is our use of real ingredients - the freshest of pineapples, the creamiest of coconuts and the delicious blend of quality rums.

“The Piña Colada has been our most requested cocktail - we've released a few different iterations in The Club (Curatif’s subscription program) over the last couple of years and it's developed a cult following. There's not many cocktails that are so evocative, so fun, and so irreverent and giddy as a Piña Colada." 

The good news: the GoTR tasting team felt it really did taste like a quality cocktail. It’s vibrant, joyous and seriously refreshing. Thumbs up. 

Curatif’s Piña Colada joins the canned cocktail line-up of Tommy’s Margarita, Archie Rose Espresso Martini, Bar Bambi Amaretto Sour and Savile Row Cosmopolitan. 

Available from curatif.com or bottle shops with a RRP of $45 for a four-pack. 

Want to buy some booze? How about a free mini break thrown in?

Imagine being offered a free day trip mini cruise, or three-day break, so you can buy cheap booze.

That's the deal being offered by French wine shops Calais Vins (above) and Olivier Vins in partnership with P&O Ferries.

The promotion sees British citizens being offered free ferry trips across the English Channel from Dover to Calais to buy tax free wine, leading industry website the drinks business (www.thedrinksbusiness.com) reports.

There is, however, a catch. 

Isn't there always?

British travellers hoping to take advantage of the offer are being asked to make a minimum pre-order of €300 ($492) to buy wine from Calais Vins and Olivier Vins.

And a pre-order of €700 comes with a three-day getaway, the companies have said.

Calais Vins has reported a significant uptick in British customers, despite changes to alcohol allowance brought on by Brexit (the gift that never stops taking).

UK residents were previously able to transport any amount of alcohol for personal consumption across the channel.

Post-Brexit, each adult can bring a maximum of 18 litres of still wine into the UK.

Also permitted are an allowance of either four litres of spirits or nine litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or alcoholic drinks up to 22% ABV, although this allowance can be split. The allowance for beer is 42 litres.

Despite Brexit challenges, Calais Vins says it saw a 57% increase in British customers from 2022 to 2023. The retailer attributed the surge to a different factor - a 9.6% rise in alcohol prices in the UK.

Jérôme Pont of Calais Vins said: “Our British clientele understands the value of purchasing wine from us. They seek more than just cheap booze; they recognise that, by coming here, they can find top-quality wines ranging from €10 to €25.”

Free wine tastings are also on offer. 

But P&O Ferries, regular readers may remember, dismissed 784 of its crew in 2022 and replaced them with cheaper agency staff, some of which are being paid less than minimum wage.

Should you be in the UK and are tempted, here's the link: https://www.wine-calais.co.uk/   

Air India bans another pilot who failed an alcohol test

In my view any airline pilot who fails a breath test while on duty should be sacked with immediate effect.

If an Air India pilot who likes a drink fails a test, however, they get a slap on the wrist and three months on the naughty step.

Air India this week took what it describes as "disciplinary action" after another of its pilots failed a pre-flight breathalyser test.

This time it is a female pilot, which is relatively rare, Travel Mole reported.

The unnamed pilot was given an automatic three-month suspension, which means she could be back flying passengers by July.

The pilot serves as a first officer flying Boeing 787 jets and failed the test before a scheduled flight from Delhi to Hyderabad last week.

Air India has not publicly commented on the issue. It's probably too ashamed.

All crew members are required to take a pre-flight alcohol test before duty under India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation rules. 

Earlier this year, Air India dismissed a pilot who failed a breathalyser test shortly after flying an international flight.

The pilot tested positive for alcohol after completing a flight from Phuket to Delhi.

The pilot was the senior in the cockpit, working the flight with a newly-appointed captain, unlike the latest case where the boozy pilot was caught before taking to the air.

Thai bars ordered to enforce the unenforceable

Thai officials are twisting themselves in knots over how to allow tourists to spend more time and money drinking alcohol but avoid problems with drunkenness.

Regular readers will remember the recent edict that bars and entertainment venues are to be allowed to stay open until 4am.

But our Thailand correspondent notes that those venues have now been ordered to set up sobering-up areas to prevent patrons from driving home drunk.

That announcement was made by the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, over the weekend, the Pattaya News reported.

Santi Promphat, deputy minister of public health, announced after the committee’s meeting that bars and nightclubs must strictly obey the rules and regulations when they are allowed to operate until 4am, starting from this Friday.

This is "to ensure patrons' safety and minimize alcohol-related incidents".

Entertainment venues in permitted zones in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Bangkok and Surat Thani will be given the right to open later, along with hotels nationwide.

Santi said that operators must follow the Entertainment Place Act and Section 29 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which prevent night-time venues from selling alcoholic beverages to people under 20 years old.

He went on to say that venue operators will also be required to conduct breathalyser tests on patrons. If customers’ alcohol level is above the legal limit of 50 milligrams per decilitre, they will need to rest in areas provided by the venues until they are sober enough to drive home.

How appealing. A zone where drunk people are sobering up. Sounds like so much fun.

In the event that a customer refuses to rest and has a breath alcohol level exceeding the legal limit, the bar operators must then contact the customer’s friends or relatives or hail public transport to arrange for their transportation at the customer’s expense.

It is unclear how this plan is expected to be enforced and many entertainment venue business owners have already brought up many issues, including logistical, with breathalysing every customer leaving a venue as well as to who would be responsible for paying for the equipment and what to do if a customer refuses to take the test.

What if a customer steps outside for a cigarette and then decides to leave? 

Apart from the logistics and doubtful law about forcing everyone to be breathalysed, how are venues meant to prevent customers from leaving? our correspondent asks.

Image: Roberto Moreno, Scop.io 

WHO targets alcohol industry

The World Health Organisation (WHO) this week called for increased taxes on alcoholic beverages, particularly targeting wine.

The WHO issued at statement urging countries to increase taxes on what it called “unhealthy products” including alcohol and sweetened beverages (SSBs).

Alcoholic beverages are estimated to have caused 2.6 million deaths globally per year, the UN-backed organisation said.

It singled out wine as a main alcoholic beverage exempted from excise taxes - mainly in Europe, home to the world’s biggest wine producers and main wine consumption markets.

The WHO says at least 148 countries have applied excise taxes to alcoholic beverages at the national level. “However, wine is exempted from excise taxes in at least 22 countries, most of which are in the European region,” it says.

Citing a 2017 study, WHO says that taxes that increase alcohol prices by 50% would help avert over 21 million deaths over 50 years and generate nearly SUS17 trillion in additional revenues.

Half of all countries taxing SSBs are also taxing water, which is not recommended by WHO.

“Taxing unhealthy products creates healthier populations," says Dr Rűdiger Krech, director of Health Promotion for the WHO.

"It has a positive ripple effect across society - less disease and debilitation and revenue for governments to provide public services.

"In the case of alcohol, taxes also help prevent violence and road traffic injuries.”

Countries like Lithuania, that increased alcohol tax in 2017 to drive down consumption have decreased deaths from alcohol-related diseases, the WHO says.

It also says research shows that taxing alcohol and SSBs helps cut down use of these products and gives companies a reason to make healthier products. While at the same time tax on these products help prevent injuries and noncommunicable diseases such as cancers, diabetes and heart diseases

Image: Louw Lemmer, Scop.io.

Thai tourism resorts ready for late holiday nights

With the Christmas holiday period on the horizon, Thailand is taking new measures it hopes will boost in-bound tourism numbers.

Thai authorities have allowed extended hours at bars, clubs and other entertainment venues in select tourist areas including in Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui.

Even though previous closing hours were widely flouted, venues will now be allowed to stay open for a further two hours until 4am.

The change comes into effect on December 15, in time for the festive season, Travel Mole reports.

It comes on the back of other Thailand tourism measures to lure more travellers, including offering visa-free travel to major markets like China.

The Thailand Finance Ministry is also considering reducing taxes on beverages to increase consumption.

Festival assaults a concern for liquor event organisers

Are you attending a beer or wine festival this weekend?

Will you be safe?

And just what precautions should organisers be taking to make sure everyone enjoys a non-violent environment?

That question was raised this week by British-based trade magazine Drinks Business after two assaults at a beer festival in New Zealand last weekend.

The assaults raised issues over how festival planners can be sure the safety of their workers and attendees is guaranteed, and also how situations like these can be avoided in the future. There could also be serious insurance implications. 

Most events impose responsible service of alcohol measures and employ security.

The two assaults last weekend centred on the Dunedin Craft Beer Festival, an event that has become so popular that it is held in a sports stadium.

A worker at the festival was left with a severe concussion after being picked up and dumped on his head by a patron last Sunday.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond of Dunedin Police told local media that a 20-year-old man attending the festival at Forsyth Barr Stadium allegedly ran towards the 19-year-old employee and picked him up off the ground. He then allegedly dropped the employee onto his head, which caused a severe concussion.

The two men were not known to each other and the 20-year-old man was charged with assault and intent to injure.

It followed an incident outside the beer festival on Friday night when a 26-year-old man approached a 30-year-old man and allegedly assaulted him. The victim was allegedly punched several times in the head and kicked when on the ground.

The alleged assailant was charged with assault.

Image: Andrii Omelnytskyi, Scopio

"Drink more alcohol" says politician

Hong Kong residents have been told they are not drinking enough.

With Hong Kong’s economy losing steam, the city state’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan is calling on locals to drink more on weekends at restaurants and bars to boost night-time economy, Chinese website Vino Joy reports.

Chan made his remarks at the opening ceremony of a summer festival.

“After having dinner afterward, remember to grab a few drinks before going home," he said. "Today is Saturday, and it doesn’t matter if it’s a bit late.

“Apart from having fun with friends and families, I also hope you can share this happy atmosphere in society. With a more positive social atmosphere, business will start booming too.”

This advice is part of the Hong Kong government’s latest push to revive Hong Kong’s once-bustling nightlife following the Covid pandemic.

The government has been in talks with several of the city’s leading property groups to encourage them to extend mall operation hours, hand out free alcohol and vouchers to encourage local spending.

Hong Kong’s dining sector, in particular, was hit by low demand and a drain of local customers who prefer dining and shopping in the cheaper nearby city Shenzhen, in mainland China.

Image: Roberto Moreno, Scop.io

Paris Olympics to be alcohol free; unless you are a VIP

Rich and well-connected sports fans will be able to enjoy Champagne and other alcoholic drinks while watching events at next year's Paris Olympic Games.

Ordinary ticket holders in the stadia will not be so lucky.

In a stunning piece of hypocrisy, the IOC and local organisers decided there would be one rule for VIPs and sponsors, and another for the plebs.

French law bans the sale of alcohol in stadiums to the general public, but allows for exemptions to a limited number of events per year. So VIP guests in stadium hospitality areas will be allowed to quaff alcoholic drinks to their hearts' content. 

Ordinary fans will have to make do with soft drinks and water after organisers decided not to seek an exemption to the law. 

Under Evin’s law, in place since 1991, alcohol is banned from sale to the general public inside stadiums in France, and Games organisers had not sought an exemption, a Paris 2024 spokesperson said. The law allows for an exemption for 10 events per organiser per year per municipality.

“Paris 2024 will be organising more than 700 competition sessions over 15 days of competition,” the spokesperson said. 

“It is the strict application of French law that allows catering services that include the provision of alcohol to operate in hospitality areas, as they are governed by a separate law on catering.”

An exception. How very French. 

Alcohol was also banned from stadiums at the Covid-delayed Olympics in Tokyo, but events were eventually held without spectators due to the Covid pandemic. 

Beer and wine were widely available at the 2012 and 2016 Games in London and Rio de Janeiro.

For this year’s Rugby World Cup, which also takes place in France this September and October, organisers have negotiated an exemption for the tournament. 

So good news for notoriously thirsty rugby fans. 

Ryanair imposes booze ban on Brits behaving badly

 

Ryanair has a reputation as a "cheap and cheerful" budget airline - but even they have their limits.

Infuriated by misbehaviour from passengers flying to party island Ibiza, Ryanair has banned the carrying of duty-free alcohol on all its flights from UK airports to the destination.

The airline imposed the rule after what it described as "several anti-social incidents", Travel Mole reported.

The airline has emailed all customers booked on future Ibiza flights telling them any duty-free alcohol must be checked in - which would be a major blow for airport duty-free outlets located after check-in.

Any passengers attempting to smuggle alcohol into the cabin could be removed from the flight with no refund, Ryanair said.

One booze-fuelled incident led to 15 people being kicked off a flight earlier this year and causes a five-hour delay.

More recently, a man on a stag weekend apparently woke up inside an overhead baggage compartment on a flight.

The new rule is "to prioritise the comfort and safety of all passengers," Ryanair said.

Hot mustard: Global cocktail trends might surprise you

If you get past jargon like Luxury Liberators, Digital Drinkers, Sustainability Seekers, The Sober-Curious there is a lot of interesting  info a new report into cocktail trends released by Bacardi.

The Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report highlights increased consumer demand for premium and canned cocktails, natural and NoLo ingredients, and citrus and spicy flavours, including hot mustard. we might all end up drinking Bacardi Pomegranate mojitos (above).   

·      The top trend is Luxury Libations, as consumers seek high-quality drinking experiences. This looks set to drive another wave of premiumisation across spirits categories, including RTD and pre-mixed offerings. Some  50% of bartenders worldwide reported their customers are drinking more premium beverages. There is a focus on natural and sophisticatedly flavoured RTD options. 

·        Digital drinking will see consumers embrace technology to create cocktails at home. To help support the popularity of the home-premise and desire for experimentation amongst resident mixologists, Bacardi created Mix Lab, an app launched initially in the UK and US to provide more than 300 cocktail recipes to consumers making drinks at home, including classic serves and unique cocktails. 

·      Bacardi believes sustainability will be at the forefront of drinking habits this year, with more initiatives shaped by a focus on how spirits are made. Ethically sourced materials and businesses that support local communities will become increasingly important and a vast majority of people are willing to pay more for ethically sourced refreshments.  

·       Consumers are becoming more flexible in their approach to sobriety, and 2022 looks set to see an increase in low ABV and non-alcohol choices. 58% of consumers globally are drinking more non-alcoholic and low-ABV cocktails (NoLo) compared to a year ago. 

·      Drinkers are seeking cocktail experiences that deliver transformation, celebrate social connections, offer new experiences, and offer some sort of learning and personal growth. The report says than 40% of global consumers plan to spend more time going out to late-night bars, pubs, and restaurants. 

·    Citrus flavours are likely to remain in the limelight, driven forward by grapefruit and blood orange. A focus on spice from the food space is also impacting the world of cocktails with a rise in globally inspired flavours, such as tajin (increasing in use by 42% since 2020), furikake (+70%), and even hot mustard (+29%).

Those interested can check out the full report here: 

https://d3bbd6es2y3ctk.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/30131507/Bacardi-Cocktail-Trends-Report_Final.pdf

The kick inside: snake wine proves dangerous

 

Snake wine is a traditional Chinese liquor prepared by putting a venomous snake, usually while it is still alive, inside a jar of rice wine. 

The drink is then left to marinate over several months.

It is believed in some cultures that the wine contains magical powers but a man in China has claimed that a snake sealed in a jar for a year survived - and bit him when he opened the drink, Newsweek reported. 

The man from Heilongjiang bought three snakes in a jar of medicinal wine to treat his son's chronic illness, The China Times reported.

The origin of Chinese snake wine is said to date back to the Western Zhou dynasty (1046-771 BC).

It is widely believed that the wine holds beneficial properties as an anti-inflammatory and painkiller, although scientists have discounted the theory and put the practice down as cruel, inhumane and pointless. 

After the man was bitten by the snake, he was hospitalised and survived, local media in China reported. 

The China Times said that if a jar is not sealed properly, snakes can survive if there is enough air entering the container to sustain them.