World Cocktail Day
Celebrated on the 13th of May, World Cocktail Day marks the date in 1806 when the word cocktail was first defined in a New York newspaper as a stimulating liquor composed of any kind of sugar, water, and bitters. From speakeasies to rooftop bars, the cocktail has become a symbol of social culture worldwide.
Speaking Discussion
- Can you have a deep conversation with someone if both of you are 100% sober?
- Should alcohol advertising be banned like cigarette advertising?
- Why do we associate expensive cocktails with high intelligence and beer with the working class?
- If alcohol was invented today, would it be illegal?
- Is sobriety the new status symbol of the elite?
Activity 1: The Mixologist
The Task: You are a mixologist in a prohibition era speakeasy (where alcohol is illegal). You have 3 minutes to invent a cocktail that tastes like success but looks like coffee. Explain the art of your creation to a secret client.
Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate
Justify in 30 seconds: 1. 'Alcohol is the glue that holds Western civilisation together.' 2. 'A person who drinks alone is a philosopher; a person who drinks in a group is a fool.' 3. 'We should prioritise 'Clarity of Mind' over 'Social Connection' at all times.'