Winter of Contentment

 Winter makes me do silly things. I'm currently cocooned under four duvets, three blankets and wearing more layers than Scott of the Antarctic, I'm playing songs that mention warmth in some hope of 'subliminal heating' (Think Donna Summers' 'Hot Stuff'). None of this works, especially Donna Summers...disco never helped anyone. 

But can I tell you a secret? Whilst I like to think that I'm emanating some sort of Withnail and I-like charm, my house really isn't that cold, I don't actually need to be wearing a beret. But when Christmas, the most wonderful season of mulled wine, warm sloe gin and hot buttered rums is over, one does need a little...very little excuse to revisit seasonal tipples.

Whilst Wilma, the batty, bearded, triple-harpist wasn't available to "drunkenly" snog boyfriend's face off this year, the Watson household did unashamedly offer some  delights this Christmas, all deliciously alcoholic.  Proles favourites, home-made mulled wine and spiced cider was consumed in vast quantities, taken on walks which later became stumbles home. But none could surpass a surprise entry into the Christmas cocktail repertoire, the French 77. 

Oof.

The base of this cocktail is my new, very delicious best friend, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Available in strictly limited numbers, this golden nectar is formulated from elderflower blossoms hand-picked by Frenchmen, who, (according to the official website) also seem to have a penchant for tweed berets. These delightful fellows "usher" the blossoms into sacks before delivering them, one by one to market by bicycle -vraiment. 

If the image of a moustached, soixante-huitard, riding a rickety bicycle along French country lanes doesn't tempt you, the art nouveau bottle is so beautiful it may just make you forget your budget, your better judgement...and most of your morals.

French 77 by Slashfood

-1 shot St Germain

- 1/4 shot Lemon juice

- Top up Champagne/Cava or similar

Much.too.pretty

So from my bat cave of duvets and blankets, I'm currently sipping the most delightful of cocktails, (yes, scenic drinking really can happen anywhere) -enjoy!

"Nothing makes the future look so rosy as to contemplate it through a glass of Chambertin." Napoleon Bonaparte

Scenic drinking is a fine and admirable vocation, a constant search for the optimal views, and the perfect drink (although usually in the plural form) to accompany such delicious panoramas. It is a pilgrimage that seeks out happiness in drinking and the enjoyment of the charming company and conversation that defines it.

Over the coming months I will search for the utmost in scenic drinking experiences, and this space is made to provide detailed depictions of the events that unfold and to rate the experiences accordingly based upon the location and the beverages themselves . Whilst I am suppressed by the obligations of student life, I will endeavour to find the best scenic drinking spots in Durham, if not the North East of England. In the months that follow I will also venture to London, Belgium, France and the Netherlands in search for these splendiferous spots. 

You as a well meaning but somewhat annoyingly curious chap or chapette may be asking yourself why I choose to create such a space? Well, oh inquisitive one, I shall grant you this one insight into the inner workings of my mind. I arrived in Brussels two years ago with little knowledge of anything outside of my own, very small, very Welsh bubble. There I made the most fantastic of friends, (all of whom I know to be much 'cooler' than myself),  who showed me what it was to be happy and what life could be like if you only seek it out. A part of this life-altering experience was 'Scenic Drinking', an activity which involved anything from political debates with complete strangers in the middle of The Grand Place, a 50c Tall Boy of 'Cara Pils' (more on this later) in hand, to swigging prosecco on the coastal tram with disapproving looks from fellow passengers. Scenic Drinking is convivial, an activity that calls on friends and strangers to sit down, wherever you may be and talk, and ultimately have fun together. 

 Since arriving in Durham to begin university a year ago, I have sought to continue this tradition and to introduce it to my new friends there, with some success. I wanted now to share the experiences I have and let others know of fantastic places to go to pursue this activity. I hope you enjoy the months to come...