Did You Know… ?

Here are a few fun-spirited facts and conversation starters for your next get-together:

All distilled beverages contain ethanol and are produced by distilling fermented grain, fruit, or vegetables. Spirits, such as brandy, fruit brandy (or eau-de-vie), gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whisky, contain no added sugar and have at least 20% ABV. Liqueurs, like Grand Marnier, Frangelico, and American schnapps are bottled with added sugar and flavorings. Generally speaking, however, all alcoholic beverages aside from beer and wine are referred to as spirits.

Drink To Your Health!

According to numerous studies, moderate drinking is associated with better overall health and greater longevity than abstention. In fact, it’s been shown that drinking alcohol in moderation reduces the risk of heart disease by an average of about 40%. Additionally, Gin and tonic can help relieve cramps, and in the 1800’s, rum and brandy were considered excellent for keeping hair healthy, strong and clean.

Spirits In History

Bourbon is the official spirit of the United States, by act of Congress.
The “Star-Spangled Banner” was written to the tune of a drinking song.
As Magellan prepared to sail around the world in 1519, he spent more on Sherry than on weapons.
The Manhattan cocktail (whiskey and sweet vermouth) was invented by Winston Churchill’s mother.
During the reign of William III, a garden fountain was once used as a giant punch bowl. The recipe included 560 gallons of brandy, 1,200 pounds of sugar, 25,000 lemons, 20 gallons of lime juice, and five pounds of nutmeg. The bartender rowed around in a small boat, filling up guests’ punch cups.
During World War II, a group of alpine soldiers who were stranded in mountain snows survived for an entire month on nothing but a cask of sherry.