What do cocktails and language skills have in common? Easy!
World Cocktail Day on 13th May might sound like the perfect excuse to sip something fruity in the sun – and it is! But it’s also a great reminder how culture, creativity, and communication are stirred together in both cocktails and learning new language skills.
Language Skills to Have you Prattling Like a Pirate
Did you know pirates helped kickstart cocktail culture – although not as we know it. Those salty sea dogs mixed rum with citrus to stave off scurvy! And they became accidental cocktail legends in the process.
All the same, their tangy grog paved the way for some of today’s totally tropical favourites:
- Caipirinha – Brazil’s national treasure, pronounced as kai-pee-ree-nya
- Cuba Libre – Caribbean cool with a hint of rebellion
- Piña Colada – Spanish flair, coconut vibes
Japanese Cocktail Code
You could say Japan is mixology’s silent samurai. Precision. Artistry. Ice cubes hand-carved like diamonds. A “hard shake” that more science than flair.
Say kanpai! to culture while sipping on:
- Chūhai – A fizzy favourite
- Japanese Highball – Understated elegance in a glass
- Kamikaze – A zingy classic with serious style
Depression-Era Cocktail Boom
Taste mattered more than ever when money was tight. For this reason, necessity met creativity, and cocktails were crafted to cover up dodgy booze.
Out came the Sidecar, the Bee’s Knees, and later, icons like the Cosmopolitan and Manhattan.
Latin Spirit, Language and Lime
Latin America does cocktails with soul and native ingredients:
- Margarita – Think tequila and tan lines
- Mojito – Minty Spanish magic
- Caipirinha – Again, because it deserves a double mention
What’s Your Flavour – and Your Next Language?
At la Academia, we liken learning new language skills to trying a new cocktail – bold, colourful, and guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Get in touch whether you’re dreaming of Big Apple skylines, Tokyo sunrises, or Havana nights.