by Vince Early, CSEP
Trends in the event industry are hard to follow because it seems like everyone is coming up with the “next best idea”. The truth is - they’re right! Events, like pieces of music are unique. Some of the elements might be the same from song to song/event to event, but the differences far out gain the similarities. So when it comes to determining the event elements it is best to trust your instincts. Each event designer or party host has their own signature, their own taste. What I have found is, it is best to find something you like and go with it. If you like it, chances are lots of people will like it, or at the very least appreciate it.
For example one of the biggest topics of conversation in the event industry centers on specialty drinks or specialty bars. Mixologists are always coming up with new flavors and different ingredient combinations. With a short internet search you can find a drink recipe for just about any occasion. Some of the more adventurous souls might try to come up with their own concoction.
It helps if you have a story to go along with it. Case in point: My wife and I were recently in Grand Cayman on vacation shopping for souvenirs when we found ourselves in a liquor store (go figure). This particular liquor store had a “Rum Tasting” section. We thought. “When in Rome…” They had some interesting flavors, and we tried many of them, but the one that really sparked our imagination was the Banana Rum. My wife said, “This would taste really good with ‘Chunky Monkey’ Ice Cream from Ben & Jerry’s”. We couldn’t find any B&J’s on the Island, so we went to the store and got ice cream, whole bananas and chocolate chips. We combined these ingredients in a blender, added the banana rum and it was marvelous!
If it tastes good together as food, or a dessert, it will probably taste good as a specialty drink. I call this the chocolate and peanut butter approach; “Two great tastes that taste great together”. Yogurt companies do this all the time with smoothies: add raspberries, blueberries and kiwi together, you get a great smoothie. What if you did the same for a martini? Combine equal parts of blueberry vodka with Raspberry Chambord and garnish it with a Kiwi slice. If you don’t like it, try Grand Marnier, Vanilla vodka and a strawberry.
The lesson to be learned here is to trust your instincts. You might have to try several different combinations to find one that works for you. Depending on the occasion or the time of year, you might want to use vodka, rum, sake, champagne, even ice cream. Events are supposed to be fun when they happen, so have fun in the planning. Besides, it’s a whole lot of fun experimenting!