mnemonic.

[ni-mon-ik]

adjective

1. assisting or intended to assist the memory.
2. pertaining to mnemonics or to memory.

noun

3. something intended to assist the memory, as a verse or formula.
4. Computers. a programming code that is easy to remember, as STO for “store.”.

It’s funny that this is today’s word, because I spent my Friday evening trying to come up with mnemonic devices to remember cocktails and liquor brands. I am not a big drinker. I enjoy a glass of red wine (for my heart health) or a cold amber beer on draft every once in a while, but I am fairly clueless when it comes to single malt whiskeys with oak tones and perfect Manhattans and Old Fashioneds and new fangled mixed drinks. I really enjoy learning new things and I think this will be a fun challenge, although right now it seems overwhelming. My favorite mnemonic so far is one I found online for the cocktail named the B-52. I just have to remember Bad Guys Kill. Baileys, Grand Marnier, and Kahlua.

I will not be making the drinks, but I cannot be utterly clueless when someone says, “What drink do you recommend with Kahlua?” or “What is your finest Scotch?”

Tonight I’ll learn which garnishes go on which beverages. When in doubt, I’ll add a lime. Unless it’s a B-52. A cherry? Who doesn’t like a good cherry on top?

I’ll need to practice opening a bottle of wine in a classy way, because I usually don’t even take the foil off first.

If you have any advice for me, please comment below.