Culture

How To Open A Bottle Without An Opener And 3 Other Must-Know Wine Hacks

Published

1 year ago

November 5, 2023

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If you drink wine like 75% of people, you’ve no doubt come across a situation where you screw something up. Years of experience as a sommelier have taught me how to handle most of those situations. Before you panic, here is the trick to open wine without an opener and other hacks to keep handy.

The Fresh Toast – You have been there, so here is a the trick to open wine without an opener and other hacks

Unchilled wine

Probably the most common issue that people have is they realize that, at the exact moment that they want a glass of rosé, the only bottle they have is at room temperature. If patience isn’t a virtue you possess, the absolute fastest method I’ve found to chill down a bottle without access to heavy machinery is to fill a large bucket with ice, add in half cup or so of salt (rock salt is perfect), and then fill about halfway with water. Put the bottle in, and turn it every 30 seconds or so. You should have a chilled bottle within about 5 minutes, though for sparkling wine you’d probably want to give it more like 10; the thicker bottles take longer to chill.

Broken cork

I face this one pretty regularly on the floor of the restaurant, and I have a range of tools at my disposal. Assuming you’re limited to standard wine openers, techniques here vary based on how badly broken the cork is. If the remaining part appears to still be solid, I’d just dive back in: this is where a waiter’s corkscrew comes in handy. If the cork is crumbling though, I often make the decision to just push the cork down into the wine. Some people would then filter the wine through a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or strainer, but I prefer to decant the wine into a clean vessel, and then pour it into another decanter: this allows me to get all or virtually all of the cork out without damaging the wine.

No wine opener

We’ve all been there: a bottle of wine and nothing to open it with. The best approach I’ve found is to us a fairly long key: your car key, perhaps, and to slowly work it into the cork. Once it’s in as far as it will go, you slowly twist the bottle while very gently pulling up. It can take a while, but it’s the safest method I’ve found, both for you and the bottle.

Champagne alternatives — Photo by RondellMelling via Pixabay

Cleaning wine glasses

This does require at least a small bit of foresight: cleaning glasses is much easier if you don’t let the wine totally dry out, so at least putting some water in the glass at the end of the night will make your life a lot easier. I then like to use a wet cloth or rag, and no soap if I can avoid it, as I find that soap tends to leave streaks and stains on most wine glasses. If you have a hanging drying rack that’s ideal, but if that’s not an option then I start my glasses face down and then flip them about an hour later. I usually still have to polish them if I want them spotless (and by all means spend $8 on an actual polishing cloth), but it helps minimize the water spots.

Now, go forth and drink with confidence!

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3 Wise Men

Three Wise Men Give Marijuana Strain Gift Suggestions

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

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It has become a popular gift with over 20% of the population putting it under the train. So we asked 3 wise man what to give (or consume) during the season.

The holiday season is a special time of year with a combination of Christmas, Hannakuh, and more are the modern hoildays descended from pagan holidays. Food, celebrations, gifts and a hint of something magical are all part of the holidays. With Christmas, the three wise men bring gifts to the baby Jesus being steered by a star. As we head into the last part of the season, why not think of the perfect gift to give or for yourself. We have three wise men give marijuana strain gift suggestions to share with our readers.

Terran Cooper, one of the rising stars of the industry and a part of the firm Falcon Rappaport & Berman who works in the cannabis industry. New York based, he says while there are several great strains, he has two to share for the holiday season.

One of my favorite day time strains, Pineapple Express has skyrocketed in popularity following the 2008 film by the same name. This strain is one of the more energetic strains that I’ve come across, allowing for a nice balance between productivity and relaxation this holiday season. Its joyful and uplifting effects may pair nicely with last minute holiday tasks in addition to any festivities. Though infrequent consumers beware – its relatively high THC content means that a little can go a long way.

Beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts under a festive tree with glowing lights.

Andrew Laub, managing partner of Keneh Ventures and CEO of Cannabition, is a leader in the industry and shared his favorites. Golden Goat is my secret to finding joy in any moment, especially during the holiday season. Its tropical, citrusy flavor is bright and uplifting, just like its effects. I love how it gives me an energized, creative boost without feeling overwhelming, making it perfect for everything from decorating the house to hosting friends. It’s my reminder to savor the fun and chaos of the holidays.

Granddaddy Purple is like my personal escape when the holiday rush gets overwhelming. I love its rich, grape-like flavor and how it helps me unwind at the end of a busy day. Whether I’m binge-watching holiday movies or enjoying quiet time by the fireplace, this strain makes everything feel a little cozier and more magical.

Sour Diesel is my motivation when there’s too much to do and not enough time. Its energizing, citrusy aroma wakes me up, and its focus-boosting effects help me tackle long to-do lists with ease. I love using it to power through holiday prep, whether I’m wrapping gifts, planning meals, or brainstorming creative ways to make the season special.

Online cannabis influencer Miguel a.k.a Miggy420 (@miggy420) believes consumption of cannabis is a personal experience with everyone being different. He sees the endocannabinoid system as unique as snowflakes in winter. Some smoke to wash away ills, others to wash away the ills of society. He shared his two favorites.

Vin Diesel Diesel is a sativa grown by Dewey’s Cultivars. Her beauty matches her taste with gassy hits reminiscent of early 2000 diesel strains I would buy in the traditional market. These growers come with a biochemical background and it shows with this plant, pure bliss – and this is coming from someone who prefers indicas.

If you’re looking for something post family events i.e you just realized the debt you incurred for the little ones or you’re just happy your conspiracy Uncle is gone, I recommend Gelato Cake by Agro Couture. This indica dominant hybrid will have your mind drifting away and able to focus on what it is you really wanted to do, hot box your bedroom and binge watch YouTube.

Enjoy these suggestions and may everyone have a great holiday season.

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Canada

Teen Marijuana Use Continues To Drop With Legalization

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

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In another positive reason for cannabis legalization – teen use continues to drop.

One of the great arguments against marijuana legalization is it will lead to more youth partaking. This argument is brought out, despite teen alcohol use continuing to be a problem. Now, a new study shows teen marijuana is continuing to decline, coinciding with the increasing legalization of cannabis for adult use across the United States. This trend contradicts predictions made by opponents of legalization, who argued that easier access would lead to increased youth consumption.

According to the latest Monitoring the Future (MTF) Survey, supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cannabis use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders is now lower than before the first states began enacting adult-use legalization laws in 2012. This decline is part of a broader trend of decreasing youth drug use, which has reached historic lows since the coronavirus pandemic.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported an 18% decrease in the percentage of 12- to 17-year-olds who had ever tried marijuana from 2014 to 2023. Additionally, current marijuana use among this age group fell by 19%. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavioral Survey found a 26% reduction in the percentage of high schoolers identifying as current cannabis consumers between 2013 and 2023.

Researchers attribute this decline to several factors:

Regulated markets: Licensed dispensaries require proof of age, making it more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana.
Effective ID policies: Studies show high compliance rates among licensed cannabis retailers in checking customer IDs.
Shifting perceptions: There has been a significant drop in youth perceptions that cannabis is easy to access, despite the widening adult-use marketplace.

The trend is not limited to the United States. A Canadian study found high school students reported more difficulty accessing marijuana since the country legalized it nationwide in 2019

These findings support the argument that regulated marijuana markets for adults, with appropriate safeguards, can effectively deter youth access and use. The data suggests that legalization policies can be implemented in a manner that provides regulated access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.

As more states consider legalizing marijuana, this evidence can inform policymakers and public health officials in developing effective strategies to protect youth while allowing adult use. The ongoing decline in teen marijuana use demonstrates that legalization, when properly implemented, does not necessarily lead to increased adolescent consumption and may even contribute to its reduction.

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alcohol

The Best Cocktails To Make You Feel Festive

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

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Lean into the joy of the holiday season with this merry cocktails – delight your taste buds and favorite people!

According to TikTok, it s the most wonderful, stressful, fun, boozy time of year. So why not lean into the season and make merry with something fun. Here are the best cocktails to make you feel festive, no matter what the situation. Plus, these are drinks you can make quickly with minimum effort and maximum fun. Pour one of these concoctions and have a moment of peace or share them with the one you like, love or tolerate at work. Sip, savor and bring a little ho ho ho into the moment.

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Christmas Old Fashioned

Here is a way to settle into a cozy beverage which will warm your body and soul. Bourbon has been part of the holidays for generations…and you can make this a new tradition.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 dashes bitters
2 dashes orange juice
Garnish: cinnamon stick and orange peel

Create

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and add ice
Stir for 20 seconds
Strain into a rocks glass with ice
Garnish with orange peel and a cinnamon stick

Easy, Tasty Egg Nog

You either you love it or hate it, but Egg Nog is a holiday staple. This recipe makes it lighter, tasty and a wee dangerous since it is so good. It bring a whole new take on a staid drink.

Ingredients

2 oz store bought egg nog
1 oz milk (2% is the best)
small splash vanilla
1 oz Licor 43

Create

Combine egg nog, milk and vanilla
Stir until well mixed
Add Licor 43 and stir again
Pour into a fun glass and enjoy

White Bishop

The Bishop’s Wife is a great holiday movie filled with the Christmas spirit and some never ending booze. This drink is an embraces the fun, warmth, snow, and spirit of the evening. Perfect as a dessert drink, a morning treat or just to lift your holiday mood.

2 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz heavy cream
1 oz Frangelico or Licor 43
Small splash of vanilla

Create

Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice
Shake for 20 seconds
Strain into a martini glass

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Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail

Nothing says celebration like bubbles. Whether you use champagne or prosecco, this is bound to bring a smile to your face. And the poinsettia is Christmas tradition since

Ingredients