Daily, we’re bombarded by a maelstrom of alarming news. The air we breathe is foul, the food we crave rots our insides, and everything we do that’s fun is basically hurting us or the planet – or both. Alcohol (which has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years) is a common (and delicious) buffer against all the doomsday warnings routinely monkey-flung in our faces.
I’m not promoting overconsumption, and I definitely don’t bury my head in the sand when it comes to the perils of excess – I’ve been a bartender for a decade I’ve seen some shit – but I do think moderate drinking is one of the most enjoyable activities in which we can collectively participate.
Drinking can be great for you, and I’ll tell you why.
Social interaction
According to Alcoholism: Clinical And Experimental Research, moderate drinkers consistently outlive teetotalers. Why? We don’t really know, but one of the reasons may be that drinking brings people together. Humans need social stimulation we get depressed without it. A couple of drinks can be shyness’s wrecking ball, peeling back inhibitions that might get in the way of a spontaneous kiss or a new friendship. You don’t need alcohol to have a good time, but, holy hell, does it help.
If you want to mingle, visit a bar with good vibes and lots of regulars, like 416 Snackbar (181 Bathurst, 416-364-9320, 416snackbar.com) or Pharmacy (1318 King West).
Relaxation
Whether it’s the ritual practice of visiting a local or the anticipation of a well-mixed cocktail at home at the end of a long day, imbibing is part of leisure. Alcohol is, after all, a depressant: it loosens muscles, softens perspectives and releases stress.
It’s easy to unwind at Midfield (1434 Dundas West, 647-345-7005, midfieldwinebar.com), with its amazing wines, tasty plates and great ambience. Or sink into a plush chair and enjoy the view at the Hyatt Roof Lounge (4 Avenue Road, 416-925-1234, parktoronto.hyatt.com).
Pleasure
Alcohol releases endorphins, lighting up your brain’s pleasure centre and making you feel fantastic. I’m no neuroscientist, but I know that a stiff drink from a friendly barkeep can coax a smile from a grump. We celebrate our milestones – graduation, marriage, new horizons, reunions with old pals – by toasting them, and there’s a perfect drink for each of our fondest moments.
I love the Black Dice Cafe (1574 Dundas West, blackdicecafe.com) because it’s low-key and one of a kind. I can always find a few of my favourite things in house: Japanese dark lager, a range of Nikka whiskies and a vintage pinball table. Sipping quality spirits in an unpretentious setting can be the best thing ever. Hit 1602 (1602 Dundas West, 416-885-9298) for whiskey, and Reposado (136 Ossington, 416-532-6474, reposadobar.com) for tequila and mezcal.
