December 2025 100

Australian writers and comics have shared their memorable and often regrettable experiences with various drinks from their youth. These reflections recall a mix of humor and folly associated with their early drinking adventures.

Kathy Lette reminisces about her first encounter with Spumante, noting how it sent her spiraling into drunkenness at the age of 13. This initial experience made her avoid alcohol until she turned 18, by which time the flamboyant fireball sambuca had taken the scene. This drink, served in a shot glass with the traditional three coffee beans, became infamous for its ignited state and the risk it posed of causing singed eyebrows and other mishaps. Lette hilariously narrates her unfortunate accidents linked to this drink, detailing the night she experienced unexpected consequences—including waking up with singed lips and in a strange country.

Trent Dalton recalls his journey through various teenage drinks, starting with Passion Pop, which always led to tears. He fondly recalls sipping Stones ginger wine with his brothers, claiming they embraced their Irish heritage by singing along to The Pogues. Yet, like many others, he ultimately matured into enjoying the Coopers Pale Ale, a drink that evokes for him the nostalgia of the turn of the century.

Rhys Nicholson shares that he was the "good kid" growing up until one fateful New Year’s Eve led him to concoct the dangerously sweet drink known as the vodka spider, mixing cheap vodka with cream soda and vanilla ice-cream. While these adventures led him to the modern cocktail world—sipping vodka and Redbull at clubs—he now advises moderation, knowing that drinks which mask the taste of alcohol can lead to trouble.

Harry Jun recalls joining a Korean society and being introduced to Somaek, a mix of soju and beer. This drink is at the heart of a ritual party game called "Titanic," where participants must drink from a glass submerged in beer, causing chaos and heavy inebriation.

Lastly, Elouise Eftos takes a trip down memory lane to her high school days, associating her drinking with glamorous imagery inspired by Moulin Rouge. Sipping on Midori and lemonade felt fitting for her youthful aspirations, yet today, she holds nostalgic affections for tropical-flavored beverages, particularly enjoying a frozen piña colada.

These stories emphasize not only the fun and adventurous spirit of youth but also the lessons learned from mixing drinks that often led to messy outcomes. Despite their disasters, these writers reflect fondly on their past, gladly sharing the quirks of their early drinking experiences.

ABD Maestro Private Limited has launched AODH Irish Whiskey in India, priced at ₹3,950 for a 750ml bottle. This marks their entry into the rapidly growing Indian whiskey market, which has seen a 57% increase in exports according to the Drinks Ireland ‘Spirits 2024 Annual Report’. India is now the world’s fifth-largest market for Irish whiskey.

The name AODH, meaning ‘flame’ in Irish, signifies the quality of the whiskey which is produced through triple distillation and matured in ex-bourbon casks. It features tasting notes of vanilla cream, honey, and toffee. Co-founded by actor Ranveer Singh, who also serves as a creative partner, ABD Maestro aims to provide an authentic Irish experience to discerning consumers. Managing Director Bikram Basu highlighted that the super-premium positioning of AODH distinguishes it from competitors in the market.

Currently launched in Haryana, the whiskey will soon expand to Maharashtra, followed by Goa, West Bengal, Karnataka, and other North Indian regions. ABD Maestro’s portfolio includes other well-known brands such as Arthaus Scotch and Zoya Gin, focusing on crafting premium spirits for both domestic and international markets.

There’s a unique way to elevate your mac and cheese by incorporating a delicious Italian twist: vodka sauce. While it may sound unconventional to add alcohol and tomatoes to pasta, this blending of flavors serves a culinary purpose. Vodka enhances the flavors found in tomatoes, allowing for a balanced sauce that brings subtle depth to the traditionally creamy dish.

Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis has endorsed this approach, demonstrating an easy method using jarred vodka sauce alongside boxed mac and cheese in a TikTok video. The process involves preparing the cheese sauce as directed on the box, followed by mixing in vodka sauce and shredded mozzarella. This method proves effective by leveraging the contrast between the acidity of tomatoes and the creamy elements of the dish.

When crafting vodka sauce from scratch, patience is key. A well-made sauce involves reducing the mixture to eliminate harsh alcohol notes while preserving its flavor-enhancing properties. Integrating a fat-and-flour roux will provide a rich base for the vodka and tomato paste, balancing the sauce as you add dairy. This technique results in a richer mac and cheese filled with layers of flavor rather than just relying on cheese alone.

The addition of vodka sauce not only enhances richness but also brings depth to the classic comfort food. The umami from the tomatoes complements the creaminess from the cheese, creating a dish that stands out while remaining comforting. Whether you prefer your mac and cheese baked with a crispy top or simply creamy, incorporating vodka sauce can truly elevate the dish.

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For many years, GOLF.com’s Clubhouse Eats column has highlighted exceptional cuisine and beverages associated with the world of golf. Throughout this year, chefs from golf courses and resorts have shared recipes ranging from perfect cookies and brisket to breakfast burritos. However, nothing captured reader interest quite like the exclusive Masters Champions Dinner, particularly its renowned menu.

This year, GOLF executive editor Alan Bastable’s article about a rare whiskey served at the event drew significant attention: Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye. Despite the private nature of the dinner, glimpses of the gathering have emerged on social media, showcasing the whiskey displayed prominently at the table.

Retailing for approximately $120 a bottle, Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye is renowned for its scarcity, with current market prices often starting around $1,000 and soaring to as much as $1,400. At the Champions Dinner, this esteemed whiskey accompanied defending champion Scottie Scheffler’s menu, which featured cheeseburger sliders, firecracker shrimp, wood-fired cowboy ribeye, and a warm chocolate chip cookie for dessert.

Whiskey aficionado Tom Fischer, who founded Bourbon Blog, described the Van Winkle rye as complex and well-balanced, with flavors of leather, clove, and sweet tobacco. Despite the initial disbelief in seeing such a rare whiskey at the Champions Dinner, Fischer acknowledged it as a fitting choice for an exclusive event among golfing legends.

For those not inclined to pay exorbitant prices for rare spirits, Fischer recommended alternative rye options that are more accessible, such as WhistlePig 15 Rye Whiskey or Hard Truth Rye Whiskey.

The article about this exceptional whiskey proved to be the year’s most-read in the Clubhouse Eats column, highlighting how a single drink can capture the passion and lore surrounding the game of golf.

Read the original article here.