Latest news with #Bacardi
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Here's how I've stayed healthy since my heart attack
The first presentiment of something not quite right was some breathlessness when I stood to wrestle something from the aircraft's overhead luggage rack. And then, as I made my way through Perth airport it felt like I was walking up a down elevator. I ascribed it to a touch of anxiety about long-haul flights (never liked them). And so I downed a large Bacardi at an airport bar and nipped outside for a smoke … just to calm everything down and re-capture my equilibrium, you understand. By the time I reached Melbourne to be greeted by our Clare, I couldn't lift my own luggage. 'Dad, you're as grey as death,' she said. 'I think I should take you to hospital.' Read more Kevin McKenna: 'Behave yourself,' I replied. 'It'll be a touch of that thrombosis everyone gets on these flights. It'll sort itself out.' For the first few nights I was staying at the apartment of my friend David Dick, then an executive at the Melbourne Age and now editor of the Daily Record. There's a picture of me somewhere on Facebook at his place, sipping a large glass of red wine just an hour later. It was only when I went to bed that it occurred to me this could be something serious. I began to feel some unruly activity in my chest and realised that this wasn't good at all. Worse: it was probably too late to do anything about it and that I should probably accept my fate and ask God's forgiveness for being a daft fud. I also made a mental inventory of all those people I'd hurt or slighted and asked for mercy. And then I made my peace with those with whom I still had some unresolved issues. What with all that and three Hail Marys, a Glory Be and an Our Father I might yet have a wee chance of a fair hearing should I wake up dead in the morning. Fortunately (or not, depending on your point of view) I woke in the land of the living and my daughter immediately whisked me to St Vincent's Hospital in downtown Melbourne. They took one look at me and began kitting me out in the hospital gear and a drip. I love Australians' propensity for plain speaking. 'How did you not know you'd had a heart attack,' asked the consultant, astonished that I hadn't immediately popped in following the flight. Glaswegians also like to speak plainly. 'Well, not having ever had a heart attack, how was I supposed to know,' I asked him. It's not as though I'd had the falling-down-while-clutching-your-chest type of event you see on the telly. After the scans and a wee angiogram they concluded I didn't need the hacksaw and staples routine. Some tablets and a couple of stents would do the trick. 'Is it because I'm quite a healthy specimen that I don't need a bypass,' I asked the consultant. 'No, it's because you're one lucky b****** and you need to be taking better care of yourself,' he said. And besides, he pointed out, there was some old scarring on an artery, indicating I'd had some kind of 'cardio event' several years ago. It was only later that I learned that many of the male McKennas have been going down like skittles with heart failure since we first got off the boat from Ireland in the 1890s. My Glasgow consultant would later tell me that, in all probability, I was destined to get a heart attack at some point and that getting it when I was 'relatively' young and 'relatively' fit was preferable to falling over later in life. I was working for The Observer at this time and they were keen that I write one of those arse-clenching pieces about kindness and being more appreciative of wur planet. But that's not really me. So they settled instead for a lighter, self-mocking piece about my delinquent life choices. Read more Kevin McKenna: 'Give us your blueprint for surviving a heart attack ten years on,' absolutely no-one has ever said. But here it is anyway. My handy lifestyle guide to living responsibly after a heart attack. Alcohol. Rather than deny yourself the delights of the swally, maybe try putting an extra slice of fruit in your gins, vodkas and Bacardis. Kevin McKenna won't deprive himself of time in the pub. (Image: Newsquest) Sex. When men write about sex there are no good outcomes, but the doctors kept mentioning it. So, based on anecdotal research among other heart attack survivors, I'd advise using the approach favoured by our international football team. Just leave all the fancy stuff to the continentals and only venture over the halfway line when absolutely necessary. Pray. If you're an atheist, don't kid on you don't get worried you've backed the wrong horse whenever you start feeling fragile and vulnerable. My Godless chums always ask for proof of The Almighty's existence. But if you're ever in a life-threatening situation, can you be absolutely sure he DOESN'T exist? So try a bit of praying now and again. Swearing. Do lots of this. And if you recoil at the use of profanities, get over yourself. Read these f***ing sentences aloud minus these f***ing asterisks. You'll feel better for it. Try to be a decent c*** and not a w***er. You only get one f***ing shot at this, so stop f***ing around. There: that's better, isn't it? Silence. We're always told to share our problems and open up more as a means of mental self-medication. B*******. You'll just worry about over-sharing and that'll make you more anxious. If you want to unburden yourself, get a dog. Be cardio-smart. You're going to have a dickie ticker for the rest of your life, so turn it into an asset. Need to make a last-minute cancellation for a party or an event full of sanctimonious rockets discussing climate change and pronouns? Just use your heart condition. To add depth to your little white lie, memorise all the terminology around heart health: the arteries, the valves, the ventricles and all the other tubes and chambers. If you're really desperate, just say you need to have another cheeky wee stent put in. I'm up to about six, but I've only got the two. It's the wee changes that make all the difference. When you're in the pub, choose a seat furthest away from the bar and volunteer to fetch all the rounds. That way you can get in your 10k steps a week in no time. Kevin McKenna is a Herald writer and columnist. He is Features Writer of the Year and writes regularly about the working-class people and communities of Scotland
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Move over, Aperol — the Hugo Spritz is summer's hottest cocktail
Last month, while mulling the menu at a trendy restaurant, a suggestion from a friend made me feel woefully out of touch. "Why don't you get a Hugo Spritz?" the friend asked when I said I was craving a light, summery, and refreshing cocktail. I asked what that was and was promptly met with a table full of shocked faces. Somehow, I had missed the introduction and gradual takeover of the the hottest new cocktail. While the thirst for Hugo Spritz certainly isn't new — the recipe has been gaining momentum online for a few years, achieving fleeting virality in 2023 and capturing the attention of wealthy bar patrons in 2024 — recent data indicates that the Hugo's mainstream crossover moment has officially arrived. In its 2024 trend report, Yelp found a 1,121% increase in searches for "Hugo Spritz" compared to the previous year. Google search volume for "Hugo Spritz" rose 122% from 2023 to 2024, and analytics show interest is even higher this summer than at this time last year. The use of the hashtag #HugoSpritz has steadily increased on TikTok over the last year, reaching peak popularity in late June and early July. Creators have been sharing their favorite takes on the recipe, gleefully adding sprigs of mint or splashes of lime juice. The trend has even inspired at least one original piano ballad, which features the standout lyric, "Cuckoo for Hugo, baby." The Hugo Spritz has emerged as the clear successor to its Italian cousin, the Aperol Spritz. The latter enjoyed its own renaissance a few years back, arguably reaching peak popularity in the summer of 2023 — auspiciously fueled by HBO's "The White Lotus," whose celebrated second season was filmed in Sicily and aired in late 2022. Despite its rise to ubiquity, however, Aperol — an apéritif liqueur with strong notes of orange peel and herbs — remains a polarizing ingredient. While some love its bittersweet flavor, others say it tastes thick and medicinal, akin to cough syrup. By comparison, the Hugo Spritz is positively dessert-like. As with most spritzes, it's typically made with two parts prosecco and two parts soda water. The defining addition is elderflower liqueur — a sweet, floral spirit with such broad appeal and versatility that it earned the nickname "bartender's ketchup" in the late aughts. St-Germain has long been considered the leader in the elderflower liqueur market, credited for inspiring a slew of copycats after its launch in 2007. The brand was acquired by Bacardi in 2013, further cementing its dominance. Emma Fox, Bacardi's Global VP, told me via email that St-Germain has seen a 20% increase in retail sales value in the US since last year and an 11% increase over the last five years. Globally, she said the brand's market share has nearly tripled since 2019. "We know that demand for St-Germain continues to grow, particularly this summer, as people are looking for more choice and creativity in their spritzes and discovering our lighter, brighter taste," Fox said. St-Germain is made with hand-picked flowers from elderflower trees that grow in the French Alps. Last year, the brand took advantage of that scenery's aesthetic touchstones in a summer ad campaign featuring "Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner, which highlighted the Hugo Spritz for its "touch of French flair" and easy elegance. Much like how Aperol benefited from its Italian roots and eye-catching cameos in the hands of glamorous onscreen Sicilians, the Hugo Spritz has an aspirational appeal in addition to its tasty flavor profile. In the right context, enjoying an effervescent, European-sourced cocktail can feel like micro-dosing a much-needed getaway. Paige Leyden, Associate Director of foodservice, flavors, and ingredients reports at Mintel, a market intelligence agency, said she noticed the Hugo Spritz trend gain traction in the US in the wake of the campaign. She attributed the effect to a combination of celebrity influence and our positive associations with a luxurious French lifestyle. "Travel is expensive, but there is that level of escapism when you can just go to a nice bar and sit outside and have this drink," Leyden said. "You might not be on the picturesque Mediterranean coast, but you're still kind of emulating that." Of course, in the age of Instagram and TikTok, the power of a compelling visual cannot be overstated. It's not just that a Hugo Spritz can evoke a picturesque setting, but that the drink itself is picturesque, perfectly engineered for virality. Leyden said her team's research has found that 54% of consumers like to order drinks they see on social media, whether because they were influenced themselves or because they see the potential to influence others — to communicate their knowledge of trends and prove their own sophistication. On TikTok, food and drink influencers are already doing their part. "It's the perfect drink: refreshing, lemony, floral gorgeousness," creator Lex Nicoleta recently declared to her hundreds of thousands of followers while sipping a homemade Hugo Spritz. "I just think there's not a chicer drink in the world."
Powys County Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Can you get Bacardi Breezer in UK? Fruity alcopop is back
Fans of a good night out back in the 90s and noughties will remember the refreshing taste of a Bacardi Breezer – and now they're back in the UK. For the first time since being discontinued in 2015, the iconic alcopop drink has returned to pubs and shops across the country. And there's one flavour that fans of the drink can't wait to sip again... What flavours does Bacardi Breezer come in? The new drink will feature three flavours: Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime and Crisp Watermelon. 'We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer,' said Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK and Ireland. Bacardi expects the new Breezer to appeal to two distinct groups, according to Talking Retail. 'Gen Z' consumers who like 'fruit flavours and convenience' and those who remember the original Bacardi Breezer, which was first launched in 1990. Where can you buy Bacardi Breezer? The classic alcopops will be landing in B&M this month (July), Aldi from August and Sainsbury's from September. Bacardi has said they'll be available in convenience stores from July, with some local Nisa stores among others already having stock on their shelves. Breezer has an ABV of 3.4% and is available in 275ml glass bottles costing £2. What do people say online about the return of Bacardi Breezer? Excited shoppers were quick to take to social media to share their memories and excitement ahead of the drink returning to shelves and pubs. One person said on X: 'This was my drink of choice in my 20's!' While another added: 'Oh my god. They're coming back. We've had some good nights drinking these.' Yet there's one flavour that it appears punters can't wait to try again. 'Watermelon one was lush,' one person said. 'Yes I loved these - watermelon was the best taste of all time,' another added.
North Wales Chronicle
14-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Can you get Bacardi Breezer in UK? Fruity alcopop is back
For the first time since being discontinued in 2015, the iconic alcopop drink has returned to pubs and shops across the country. And there's one flavour that fans of the drink can't wait to sip again... The new drink will feature three flavours: Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime and Crisp Watermelon. 'We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer,' said Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK and Ireland. Bacardi expects the new Breezer to appeal to two distinct groups, according to Talking Retail. 'Gen Z' consumers who like 'fruit flavours and convenience' and those who remember the original Bacardi Breezer, which was first launched in 1990. The classic alcopops will be landing in B&M this month (July), Aldi from August and Sainsbury's from September. Bacardi has said they'll be available in convenience stores from July, with some local Nisa stores among others already having stock on their shelves. Breezer has an ABV of 3.4% and is available in 275ml glass bottles costing £2. Excited shoppers were quick to take to social media to share their memories and excitement ahead of the drink returning to shelves and pubs. One person said on X: 'This was my drink of choice in my 20's!' While another added: 'Oh my god. They're coming back. We've had some good nights drinking these.' Recommended reading: Cadbury's discontinued Dream chocolate bar back at The Range Most expensive pints revealed as average price soars to £5.08 'Amazing' Cadbury chocolate bar is 'closest you'll get' to discontinued treat Yet there's one flavour that it appears punters can't wait to try again. 'Watermelon one was lush,' one person said. 'Yes I loved these - watermelon was the best taste of all time,' another added. While a third said: 'Watermelon Bacardi Breezer coming back? Bring it to meeeee!'
The Herald Scotland
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Can you get Bacardi Breezer in UK? Fruity alcopop is back
And there's one flavour that fans of the drink can't wait to sip again... What flavours does Bacardi Breezer come in? The new drink will feature three flavours: Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime and Crisp Watermelon. 'We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer,' said Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK and Ireland. Bacardi expects the new Breezer to appeal to two distinct groups, according to Talking Retail. 'Gen Z' consumers who like 'fruit flavours and convenience' and those who remember the original Bacardi Breezer, which was first launched in 1990. Where can you buy Bacardi Breezer? The classic alcopops will be landing in B&M this month (July), Aldi from August and Sainsbury's from September. Bacardi has said they'll be available in convenience stores from July, with some local Nisa stores among others already having stock on their shelves. Breezer has an ABV of 3.4% and is available in 275ml glass bottles costing £2. What do people say online about the return of Bacardi Breezer? Excited shoppers were quick to take to social media to share their memories and excitement ahead of the drink returning to shelves and pubs. One person said on X: 'This was my drink of choice in my 20's!' While another added: 'Oh my god. They're coming back. We've had some good nights drinking these.' Recommended reading: Yet there's one flavour that it appears punters can't wait to try again. 'Watermelon one was lush,' one person said. 'Yes I loved these - watermelon was the best taste of all time,' another added. While a third said: 'Watermelon Bacardi Breezer coming back? Bring it to meeeee!'
