It’s a matter of taste | I don’t care about trends

I’m not a big fan of trends. They come and go so quickly that they’re not worth paying attention to. Fickle fads aren’t my kind of obsession. Instead, I usually focus on what looks like a lifelong love affair. That being said, I’m always curious to see what people on the other side of the rat race are chasing, and my usual online and tons of bar observations helped me make guesses and came up with this list. So, when I set out to find the three trending drinks, it was a very interesting adventure that took me down a whole new rabbit hole. I could be wrong, but it’s something the wind brought to me, so I’d like to give my thoughts without any blemish on the data. Because, if I can’t share this kind of data on International World Social Media Day, when can I?

Espresso Martini

If you were born in the 2000s (but, for law-abiding reasons, I might add, you’re of legal drinking age) and think you know this drink on the list, that’s fine. It just proves that this survey by a man much older than you was right. It’s one of the most common drinks out there: coffee and vodka. My generation was mostly into Black Russians, but for drinkers just coming of age, coffee liqueur just isn’t enough. Oh, and they need a determined espresso, too. And so the most trendy cocktail of the moment was born: the Espresso Martini… except, it’s not really a Martini, since there’s no gin or vermouth, right?

Whiskey Sour

I have never thought that there is a fixed time of day for drinks. Champagne for breakfast, whiskey in the evening, etc. That is for the weak. Those who are strong in mind and spirit can drink whatever they want, whenever they want. But even those who do not agree with my stance will not hesitate to order the second most popular drink of the moment, a whiskey sour, even before the sun starts to descend in the sky. The whiskey sour is bubbly, fruity, and has no whiskey breath, so it is clearly for breakfast or brunch. Of course, it can be anything that floats your wobbly boat. Shake one egg white, one strong shot of good bourbon whiskey, one spoonful each of sugar and lemon juice in a shaker. First without ice, then with plenty of cubed ice. Pour everything into a glass through a double strainer. The trick to making a good whiskey sour is to use orange bitters as a garnish at the end, just before serving. This will eliminate the egg smell.

Picante

I don’t understand why tequila has become so famous and essential in the Indian drinks scene. In many ways, it’s like sushi. I don’t understand how a minimalist, no-frills fish fillet artfully placed on top of rice has become beloved by the average upper-middle-class Indian. It’s odd, but certainly trendy, and the trendiest way to drink tequila right now is the picante. If a new bar opens in your neighborhood and doesn’t have picante on the menu, there’s a good chance that real estate prices in that zip code have dropped. It’s similar to a margarita, but apart from tequila, sugar, and lime juice, it also contains chilli and coriander (or cilantro in some versions). Mash the green parts before pouring in the rest and shake vigorously over ice. Strain, serve, and garnish as your imagination allows. It’s not at all unnecessary to add a little juice for colour. The simplicity of the mix and the familiar and recognisable flavour combinations are what make this drink a crowd favourite.

So if you’re celebrating World Social Media Day with a drink, it’ll probably be one of these. You’re welcome.