How Cocktails Saved My Sanity

Remember in March of 2020 when the world seemed to come to an end? All activities were cancelled, we couldn’t see our friends or relatives, everything was closed. It was cold and everyone was afraid. Not fond memories.

But then, the ABV Network had a fabulous idea to start a cocktail contest. Boy was I excited! The rules were simple, use at least two of the three ingredients announced each month in a cocktail. What else was added was up to you. The entrants were pre-screened and three of the submissions went on to be judged by a group including professional bartenders. Now they didn’t actually make all of the cocktails, but hey, these are professionals.

Soon, I had something to plan on every month. The creativity started flowing. I would read up on the ingredients, do taste tests, read about cocktail techniques and culture all while trying to come up with my next submission. I have even made some of my own concoctions- infusions, liqueurs, bitters, etc. Try making some for yourself!

The ingredients were very challenging at times but they all seemed to work somehow. Who would have thought one could marry Worcestershire sauce and cherry in a cocktail? But it was very fun trying all of the ingredients to see what might work. My husband even joined in the fun and created cocktails that were very different from mine using the same elements. It was very exciting each month to see how creative the other entries were. I always learned something from each one.

Then the techniques came into play. It was fun investigating new ways to make the cocktails work (or not in some instances…there were a lot of failures along the way). I have developed a love for smoked cocktails as well as working with foams. Who knew what I would discover next?

Along the way of creating cocktails, the other contestants and I created quite a bond. We started corresponding, sharing ideas, encouraging each other, even the occasional teasing was welcome. We all made each others’ entries better. We became friends. And that is what I was needing during this crazy year. This has been the best part of this year, making new friends. I hope to meet them in person someday, and share some cocktails.

The cocktail contest pushed me in more ways than creating cocktails. I was more interested in the photography of the product. I made instructional videos (I’d never made a video before). Heck, even one of my recipes is being included in a book for the Bourbon Women 10th Anniversary. This contest has certainly pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Thank you ABV Network and all of the friends for making this last year something special.

Cheers!