alcohol

What Is California Sober – The Fresh Toast

Published

1 year ago

August 28, 2023

admin

Some buzz terms pop up on the radar frequently, while others have been floating around for a while. But “California Sober” was a new one for us. It is more than just Demi Lovato’s hot song from 2021. Some people call themselves California sober because they use marijuana in place of alcohol and other addictive substances. Others define it as using alcohol and marijuana in moderation while avoiding other drugs.

Cannabis and sobriety have had a fraught relationship that now seems to be changing, and possibly even growing into a new concept altogether. Not everyone’s reasons for sobriety are health related, and not all of them are due to an aversion to intoxication—some people just prefer no intoxicants.

We spotted the term in a piece by cannabis author and rave queen Michelle Lhooq for Broadly about taking a breather from one type of hard partying. Says Lhooq:

“The truth is that I will always love drugs and raving—and a future without either would be spiritually unfulfilling. Being Cali sober allows me to keep my feet in both subcultures, while its parameters make it easier not to cave to temptation. I am able to take from these experiences what I’m looking for—mind-expansion, self-exploration, empathetic connection, sensorial amplification—without the addiction and selfishness, and other types of ugliness that I associate with many non-psychedelic drugs.”

As natural as it came across in her description, Reddit users couldn’t come to agreement on the term; this seemed more like a beef over the use of the term “sobriety” rather than the idea that someone can abstain from hard drugs and have a word for it.

Sobriety used to mean one thing: a hardline abstention from all substances. But considering it often doesn’t apply to caffeine and nicotine, it’s starting to make sense to some people that cannabis may fall under the umbrella of sobriety, being that it is only a mild intoxicant when taken in moderation.

It’s true that some may develop an addiction to cannabis, but research is also showing that cannabis might help dramatically reduce side effects and aid withdrawal to opioids and other drugs.

Regardless of motivation and result, it makes sense that someone would label a mostly sober sitch that involves cannabis after the weediest weed friendly state: California.

No matter what someone is “using”, compassion, non-judgement, and care are the much more important ways to approach addictions of all kinds. Humans are imperfect and lowering the stigma of substance reliance, addiction, or assistance is a huge deal— society needs to shift if we’re going to heal the pains of the more damaging addictions. If cannabis is a ‘softer’ way to come down from something, more power to those who use it in such a way.

Source link

alcohol

Sherry Is Becoming A Thing Again

Published

3 hours ago

January 6, 2025

admin

Once seen only in black and white movies, sherry has now become a star in the craft cocktail scene.

Once seen only in black and white movies, sherry is becoming a thing again. From the fortified wine from Spain’s Jerez region, it is experiencing a renaissance in North America, particularly among younger consumers and wine enthusiasts. This resurgence is reshaping the perception of sherry and driving growth in the market.

The traditional image of sherry as a drink for older generations is rapidly changing. Young people in the US are increasingly embracing sherry, with consumption on the rise. This shift is particularly evident in the on-trade sector, where sherry’s popularity is growing in tandem with the increasing number of tapas bars and improved knowledge among sommeliers and restaurateurs.

The sherry wine market is showing promising signs of growth. Projections indicate a growth rate of 10.2% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is attributed to various factors, including the increasing popularity of sherry as an accompaniment to meals and its perceived health benefits.

While sweet sherries have long dominated the US market, there’s a growing interest in dry styles among younger consumers. This trend is part of a broader shift in consumption patterns, with drinkers becoming more adventurous and seeking out diverse flavor profiles. The movement towards dry sherries is seen as a positive development for the category’s long-term prospects.

Sherry’s versatility in food pairing is attracting attention from sommeliers and food enthusiasts. Plus, with the continued raise of craft beverage, sherry has been a rising star in cocktail scene, introducing it to a new audience of mixology enthusiasts.

The perceived health benefits of sherry is also buzzing as Gen Z and younger Millennials are switching to less harmful products. This gave rise to the California Sober movement. Sherry contains antioxidants called polyphenols that may help control cholesterol levels. Polyphenols may prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is associated with heart disease. Sherry may also increase the body’s production of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is associated with longevity and a decreased risk of coronary artery disease.

If you want to try sherry, here are some tips. The correct way depends on the type: dry sherries like Fino and Manzanilla should be served chilled in a small glass, while sweeter sherries like Pedro Ximénez can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed;generally, a white wine glass is preferred to fully appreciate the flavors, and it’s best to serve sherry with food, particularly tapas for drier styles and richer dishes for sweeter options.

Chef Justin Khanna has worked in some of the top restaurants in the world and keeps his fingers are trends shared “Enjoying a well-made Sherry with food feels like spending time with most interesting person at a party. The versatility too makes it a stand-out as an ingredient in a cocktail, featured as part of a wine pairing in a tasting menu, or simply sipped over ice at the start of a meal. It’s high time that Sherry gets a rise in popularity, especially without the hefty price tag of other spirits.”

Source link

alcohol

The Best Cocktails To Make You Feel Festive

Published

3 days ago

January 3, 2025

admin

Now is the time to introduce something new and fresh to your drink menu – try out these new cocktails!

January is the time to introduce new things into your life. While 80% of those who join gyms drop out in 3 months, other habits tend to continue. Taking a break from social media is another popular resolution along with drinking more water. They are easier to implement. But if you are already enjoy a cocktail or two – why not resolve to try new ones? Here are some New Year new cocktails to try and expand your palate.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Brazen Hussy

A hussy is awoman who behaves in a disrespectful or inappropriate way or who has many casual sexual relationships. Sounds like the perfect drink to start 2025. Bold, sassy, and potent!

Ingredients

1.5 ozs vodka
1.5 ozs triple sec
Fresh lemon squeeze
Lemon wedge

Create

Zombie

This drink will put you on another plane. Taken from the Caribbean traditions of rum and voodoo, this Zombie lives up to all expectations.

Ingredients

1 oz dark rum
1 oz light rum
1/2 oz golden rum
1.2 oz apricot brandy (or any brandy in a pinch)
Juice form 1/2 lime
1 teaspoon Grenadine
1/2 pineapple juice
1/3 oz overproof rum
1/2 simple sryup
Pineapple wedge for garnish

Create

Combine all ingredients except overproof rum and pineapple wedge in shaker
Add ice
Shake until well mixed
Pour into tall highboy without straining
Using the back of a spoon, float the overproof rum on top
Add pineapple wedge for garnish

Lady of Leisure

January is the time to return to work….won’t it be great to be a lady (or lord) or leisure? Here is a drink which is indulgent, delicious and tasty. Feel like the 1% with one of these.

2 oz vodka
1/2 oz raspberry liqueur
1/4 oz Cointreau
Dash on lemon juice
Orange twist

Create

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

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Gin & Sin

Everyone is so “good” in January – exercising, starting healthy habits, reading more, trying to “lean in”….why not break the trend with this Gin and Sin. Embrace your own path.

Ingredients

2 ozs gin
1/2 oz orange juice
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 teaspoon grenadine
Orange slice

Create

Combine all ingredients in a shake with ice
Shake vigorously
Strain into martini glass
Garnish orange slice

Have a great holiday season!

Source link

alcohol

How Long Does Marijuana Stay In Your System

Published

4 days ago

January 2, 2025

admin

It is a quiet question people want to know – how long does cannabis stay with you

The most common reason a police officer pulls a car over is speeding. Exceeding the posted speed limit is considered the primary reason for traffic stops by most law enforcement agencies. But once pulled over, the officials can asks for tests. Also, many companies (including parts of the federal government) still conduct drug testing. Marijuana’s presence in the human body can be detected for varying lengths of time, depending on several factors. Understanding how long does cannabis stay in your system is crucial for both medical and legal reasons.

There are a variety of factors in play which determines how long cannabis is in your system. THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, is metabolized by the body into various compounds. Some metabolites have half-lives of 20 hours, while others can last 10-13 days. Complete elimination can take between five and 65 days, depending on individual factors.

Different drug tests have varying sensitivity levels and detection windows. Urine tests are the most common and can detect marijuana use from a few days to over a month after last use. Blood tests are less common (and more expensive) but can indicate recent use, making them useful for situations like DUI cases.

green leaf plant

Like alcohol, there are a variety of factors which goes into how long it can stay in your system. Alcohol can stay in your system from 12-48 hours. Edible marijuana products can stay in your system longer due to the way they’re metabolized. A 10mg THC edible can remain detectable for 4-12 hours, with higher doses potentially extending this timeframe.

The variables influence how long marijuana remains in your system include:

Frequency of Use: Chronic users retain THC longer than occasional users. First-time users may clear THC in about 3 days, while daily users could test positive for up to 30 days or more.

THC Concentration: Higher potency marijuana leads to longer retention and slower elimination.

Body Composition: THC is fat-soluble, so individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain it longer.

Metabolism: A faster metabolism tends to eliminate THC more quickly.

Hydration: Proper hydration can influence the rate of THC elimination.

Genetics: Some individuals may be predisposed to metabolizing marijuana more quickly or slowly.

Consumption Method: Inhaled marijuana reaches the bloodstream faster than ingested forms.

The duration marijuana stays in your system is highly variable and depends on numerous factors. While casual users may clear THC relatively quickly, frequent users can test positive for weeks after their last use. Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed decisions regarding marijuana use, especially in contexts where drug testing may occur.

Source link