ONE FOR THE AGES

Blow-outs are expected for 18th birthday parties, so Mike Bennie says fun but first-rate drinks are in order for a big event.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DELICIOUS.

magazine on this most auspicious of birthdays! Finally, you've reached the maturity requisite of consuming what’s contained within this column. Although memories of 18th birthday parties are hazy, I’ll attempt to frame the party apt for the significant event: Dad usually delivers an embarrassing speech while friends put together equally humiliating montages of baby pictures. Nervy kids shimmy to music du jour, food is usually simplified, some weird relatives roll up and add colour. Of course, these parties are enshrined in the coming-of-age associated with finally being legally allowed to consume booze. People make an effort at these rite-ofpassage events. Fancier beers seem apt, usually ones you don’t want to afford but come with a sense of occasion. Fizzy wines, of course, have a special place. Champagne may be out of reach for some, but a better pedigree of sparkling wine usually, and should, emerge. Wise parents contribute, too. A stash of birth-year wine, cellared, may be revealed with a theatrical blowing of dust from bottles. Spirits play a part. How else to enhance the punch? Jelly shots, anyone? How about a tequila slammer? All good in the framework of celebration, perhaps. With hindsight, I’d approach things differently. Yes to Champagne. A splurge, but one that brings pizazz to the party. I’d make lighter cocktails like spritz, too, so a good-quality prosecco that can be jazzed up, or sipped on its own is a must. Beer is fine, but how about some innovative ciders, ginger beers or fruit-enhanced beers? I’m excited by a bathtub full of ice and brewer diversity. Rosé is festive, fun, easy to drink, goes with everything. There’d be good pink wines jammed into my fridge or Esky. And for the gift? Well, I’m a sentimentalist. And tradition and ritual go well for 18th birthdays. That strong, flavoursome red, dust and all, deserves a place at the party table.