In the alchemy of words and spirits, crafting speeches and cocktails becomes a dance of delicate balance — each a pour of passion, a stir of soul, a toast to the art of expression and the taste of connection.
As a commercial sociologist who studies cocktail trends by day and a cocktail enthusiast by night, Dr. Nicola Nice has always been fascinated with hospitality rituals and the social history of food and drink. After researching every female-authored book she could find that contained drink recipes, Dr. Nice turned her hobby into a mission: “to rewrite the story of the cocktail as told by women.” And she did just that with her book, The Cocktail Parlor.
Dr. Nicola Nice joined us in Westport to share insights from The Cocktail Parlor, hosting a workshop dedicated to the art of concocting signature drinks and composing the ideal toast to accompany them. Throughout the event, she skillfully intertwined the rich history and stories behind cherished cocktails.
The ingredients to crafting a toast and signature cocktail? Let’s break it down.
Stirring Words & Shaking Cocktails with Dr. Nicola Nice
Perfecting the art of mixology and tasteful toasts with the author of The Cocktail Parlor.
Personalization
Just as a skilled mixologist adapts cocktails to suit the tastes of their patrons, effective toast writing requires tailoring the message to fit the occasion, audience, and individuals being honored. Both require a deep understanding of the context and the participants involved to deliver an experience or message that resonates personally and memorably. “It’s not only about what you say in the toast,” Dr. Nice explained, “but also the conviction you put into it that matters.” Her go-to speech outline? “Short, simple, sweet, and just a little bit silly.”
As far as cocktails go, Dr. Nice has a few favorites. She and her husband have a special martini variation that’s equal parts gin, dry white vermouth, and Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur with a lemon twist. Low and no-alcohol cocktails are also trending, Dr. Nice explained. “I had a lot of fun creating the recipes using homemade cordials, shrubs, and teas.” But she reminded us that the basic principles of a good drink are quite simple. Add an elegant garnish to unique drinkware and turn the ordinary into extraordinary.
As far as cocktails go, Dr. Nice has a few favorites. She and her husband have a special martini variation that’s equal parts gin, dry white vermouth, and Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur with a lemon twist. Low and no-alcohol cocktails are also trending, Dr. Nice explained. “I had a lot of fun creating the recipes using homemade cordials, shrubs, and teas.” But she reminded us that the basic principles of a good drink are quite simple. Add an elegant garnish to unique drinkware and turn the ordinary into extraordinary.
Balance and Composition
In drink mixing, balance is key; the right combination of ingredients can turn average beverages into memorable ones. Similarly, Dr. Nice explained that “most audiences tend to engage with stories that have a balance between information (when they learn something new), inspiration (when it makes them feel something), and entertainment (when it surprises them or makes them laugh).” The harmony of tone, content, and delivery is essential for crafting impact.
Our tips to find the perfect balance? Grab a notebook, jot your thoughts, and view them on the page! This way, you can visualize each component of your toast. (P.S. A whimsical notepad is the perfect place to write down ingredients for your signature cocktail!)
Our tips to find the perfect balance? Grab a notebook, jot your thoughts, and view them on the page! This way, you can visualize each component of your toast. (P.S. A whimsical notepad is the perfect place to write down ingredients for your signature cocktail!)
Tradition and Innovation
While toasting and drink mixing are steeped in tradition, they also offer endless opportunities for innovation. Respecting traditional forms and customs provides a grounding effect, but the most memorable toasts and cocktails often come from pushing boundaries and introducing new twists.
“Champagne is the beverage traditionally linked with toasting because of its association with celebration,” Dr. Nice said. “For a group toast cocktail on a formal occasion, you probably want to go for a Champagne-based cocktail like the Kir Royale or French 75.” What about more casual occasions, like celebrating the end of the week or getting together with friends you haven’t seen in a while? Dr. Nice suggests something along the lines of a margarita. “As a tequila drink, the margarita is naturally associated with parties and high spirits," she said. "Plus, as a cocktail often served by the pitcher, you can make a ritual out of pouring one for everyone, which adds another layer of conviviality to the moment.”
Our recommendations for offering a playful twist to your toast-worthy celebration? Opt for unique glasses or coasters that give your party a sense of personality. Or, try a unique wine bottle holder that will have guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing.
With drinks served, we segue into the toast. “Typically, the toast comes at the end of a speech and is the moment when everyone is encouraged to acknowledge the occasion by participating in a drinking ritual,” Dr. Nice said. “It’s a highly symbolic act that is governed by well-established social and cultural norms.” But that doesn’t mean you can’t bend the rules a bit and make a toast your own! Often, a dash of history can spark the most creative inspirations.
“When researching vintage toasts written by women for The Cocktail Parlor, I came across a toast from 1908 [that] still feels relevant today,” Dr. Nice states. “It’s a toast that never fails to energize people.”
Here’s to the girl that’s strictly in it, Who doesn’t lose her head, even for a minute, Plays well the game and knows the limit, And still she gets all the fun there’s in it.
Cheers to you and your next event! Be it mixing an imaginative cocktail or weaving words into a captivating speech, we're toasting with high spirits to the art of making it unmistakably yours.
“Champagne is the beverage traditionally linked with toasting because of its association with celebration,” Dr. Nice said. “For a group toast cocktail on a formal occasion, you probably want to go for a Champagne-based cocktail like the Kir Royale or French 75.” What about more casual occasions, like celebrating the end of the week or getting together with friends you haven’t seen in a while? Dr. Nice suggests something along the lines of a margarita. “As a tequila drink, the margarita is naturally associated with parties and high spirits," she said. "Plus, as a cocktail often served by the pitcher, you can make a ritual out of pouring one for everyone, which adds another layer of conviviality to the moment.”
Our recommendations for offering a playful twist to your toast-worthy celebration? Opt for unique glasses or coasters that give your party a sense of personality. Or, try a unique wine bottle holder that will have guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing.
With drinks served, we segue into the toast. “Typically, the toast comes at the end of a speech and is the moment when everyone is encouraged to acknowledge the occasion by participating in a drinking ritual,” Dr. Nice said. “It’s a highly symbolic act that is governed by well-established social and cultural norms.” But that doesn’t mean you can’t bend the rules a bit and make a toast your own! Often, a dash of history can spark the most creative inspirations.
“When researching vintage toasts written by women for The Cocktail Parlor, I came across a toast from 1908 [that] still feels relevant today,” Dr. Nice states. “It’s a toast that never fails to energize people.”
Here’s to the girl that’s strictly in it, Who doesn’t lose her head, even for a minute, Plays well the game and knows the limit, And still she gets all the fun there’s in it.
Cheers to you and your next event! Be it mixing an imaginative cocktail or weaving words into a captivating speech, we're toasting with high spirits to the art of making it unmistakably yours.