There's something about bubbly stuff. Whether it's Jacuzzis, hot springs or the kettle's buzz of an impending brew, bubbles have a way of rousing the senses.
Wedding drinks Cornwall
And the height of bubbly indulgence is champagne. Suggest it for anything - from anniversaries and birthdays to the end of a difficult day - and I doubt you'll be without at least one animated taker. People love it, and quite rightly so. It's the only drink you can consume and name a breakfast after, and still be regarded with business like acumen and sophistication, as opposed to downright alcoholism.
Historically, it is the booze of kings and king of booze, so to speak. The evolution of wine to fizz has been linked to 17th century Benedictine monk, Dom Perignon, even though some contest its creation to be the work of British scientist, Christopher Merrett. Either way, it is the ultimate of celebratory bevvies, world renowned and universally coveted with an array of tastes and expenses to match everyones' palate and wallet.
Without getting pompous or technical, the grapes that make champagne must be either the white Chardonnay, black Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier (with accepted, but rare alternatives, Pinot Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier) and are usually a blend of several: mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
There's a fair bit of terminology involved, but one you might want to remember for purposes of matrimonial quality and control is Prestige cuvee, which denotes the top of a producer's range. Beyond that, go for some taster sessions and let the experts explain the rest. SPA Fine Champagnes, a new family run business that supplies top quality champers, as well as a whole host of other tipples, will divulge the low down on which sparkler to go for without blowing the budget. It might also be worth discussing which tastes will complement the menu with your caterer, as some food and wine combos can clash. The rest will be sweet tasting good times.
Strange as it may sound, not everyone sees the merits of champagne. Other options need to be explored - and men and ale are the ubiquitous mix. It can be a bit of a minefield for a shandy-swilling lady, but blokes know what they want.
Wedding drinks Cornwall
The county is awash with local ales. Cask it up with some proper local stuff such as Sharp's Doom Bar. The Brewer of the Year 2008 will equip you with all the kit necessary to cool and dispense the ales to the appreciative masses. Other notable Cornish brewed concoctions to consider include Skinner's Cornish Knocker Ale and Betty Stogs varieties and St Austell Brewery's Tribute or Tinners.
If you're looking for a fruitier alternative, consider celebrating your West Country wedding with cider - another classic West Country drink. Currently enjoying something of a revival, cider is a refreshing fizz for summertime swilling. The Cornish Cyder Farm's moreish tipples, Cornish Scrumpy, the hugely popular Cornish Rattler and the latest addition to the range, Pear Rattler, are guaranteed to get those knees up.
www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk
www.skinnersbrewery.com
www.staustellbrewery.co.uk
www.thecornishcyderfarm.co.uk
Add some vibrant colour to your drinks menu, as well as some tantalising tastes, by getting down to some quality cocktail time. Absolute Bars' fully licensed service offers a diverse range of bevvies, from a champagne fountain and other celebratory drinks upon arrival, to a list of exotic cocktails. Anything from Sea Breezes, Long Island Iced Teas, Mojitos, and always popular, Sex on the Beach, can be mixed from their fully stocked back bar of premium spirits. In addition, tangy shots such as raspberry sambuca, apple sours and pineapple tequila are available to tickle your guests' taste buds. The choice is appetisingly endless.
www.absolutecanvas.co.uk
Don't forget other wines and alcohol-free alternatives. Penzance vineyard Polgoon has just added highly swillable sparkling cider, Polgoon Aval, to their range of top notch still and sparkling roses. Non-boozy blighters include their grape juice, made from the Merlot variety grape with all the fruit's health and taste benefits minus the hazy after-effects of its wine counterparts. The apple juice is freshly pressed and as locally wholesome and refreshing as it gets: perfect for kids, teetotallers or anyone fancying a thirst-quenching treat.
www.polgoon.co.uk
words Hannah May
Copyright WED Magazine 2010
