The Slow Drinker's Club
Patrick Serog
A renowned French doctor and nutritionist, Dr. Patrick Serog runs a nutrition practice.
Patrick Serog is also a consultant to major agrifood companies and a member of the French Food and Health Foundation discussion forum.
AS A NUTRITIONIST, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SLOW DRINKING MOVEMENT?
Eating slowly allows you to feel when you have eaten enough and are satisfied. Chewing brings out the flavour of food and allows you to enjoy it, which is essential to a balanced diet..
Learning to drink follows the same rules. If you like spirits, you have to learn to drink them in small quantities to get the maximum pleasure without affecting your health.
HOW WOULD YOU ADVISE PEOPLE TO ENJOY SLOW DRINKING?
There are a number of simple methods to make the pleasure of Slow Drinking last longer: add plenty of ice and keep the drink chilled throughout the tasting; try some antipasti with your cocktail, it goes really well with the flavours of the drink; and have a glass of water before you start drinking your cocktail, to quench your thirst.
HOW CAN WE ENCOURAGE MODERATE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES?
Learning how to taste spirits and observing a set of rituals in our behaviour can help to moderate consumption of alcohol. Indeed, it's not about drinking to escape. Drinking alcohol in moderation is about sharing a convivial time around a product that you enjoy tasting.