Let me tell you a little story. Last summer, I hosted a small garden party, nothing too fancy, just close friends, some good music, and a warm evening breeze. The lights are dim, fairy lights twinkle around the room, and there’s that collective hum of excitement. Someone as always is tasked with popping the champagne. The cork flies across the room, barely missing the host’s vintage lampshade, and everyone clinks their flutes, laughing, eyes gleaming in the candlelight. It’s champagne. I sip it, it’s fine, and it gets the job done. But, in truth, after the first few bubbles, it’s already gone and I was left holding a glass of something… expected.
Champagne. The very word makes you think of golden bubbles, special occasions, and moments that demand to be marked with a clink. I mean I don’t just drink champagne for the sake of it, I try to experience it. There’s drama in the uncorking, in the cascade of bubbles, in the way the light catches the fizz. But let’s be real for a moment. Champagne has become so tied to these big moments that I’ve almost started drinking it out of obligation. Weddings? Champagne. Big promotion? Pop the cork. It’s like an unspoken rule. But now that I think about it, when was the last time I genuinely craved it? I honestly cannot recall and I guess that’s when I started looking for alternatives.
So, one evening I was sitting in my room, after a hectic day of work, me and my dog, were just trying to enjoy the Friday night, while watching TV. This time instead of champagne I had bought these sparkling tea cans from Freshleaf, more out of curiosity than anything else. The first thought that went through my head was “Sparkling tea? Really?” but I ignored it, and told myself, “Just try it”. Yes, I was talking to myself in the third person. I remember the first sip was kinda silent, then suddenly, surprised, “This is actually good”. It wasn’t just the flavor, though the ginger and lemon did stand out, it was actually quite a refreshing change from the bland champagne. The drink wasn’t trying to be fancy or overly indulgent. It was simply… pleasant. And that felt right.
I guess this is what my taste buds were asking for at all those parties, I mean, celebrations have changed, right? They’re no longer confined to weddings, New Year’s Eve, or promotions. Sure those moments still deserve champagne, if that’s your thing, but what about the smaller victories? What about the day you finally finished that project? Or the time you managed to sneak an afternoon? These are the moments that sparkling tea fits into. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not a replacement for grandiose, however, it’s a new option for the everyday. When we think of celebration, it doesn’t always need to come with fireworks. Sometimes, it’s just about finding something refreshing, something you actually want to drink, and letting that be enough.
Soon after that, I decided to change my everyday beverage to that sparkling tea can. You don’t know me, but those who do, know that I’m a big fan of conscious eating. I guess that was another reason for me to switch to sparkling tea. Natural ingredients, fewer calories than all other beverages, and fizzling flavor. It became my drink. I found myself keeping a few cans stocked in my fridge, ready for impromptu gatherings or quiet evenings when I wanted to unwind. Each time I cracked one, I thought back to that Friday night, the calm and the warmth of that evening.
As summer turned to fall, I invited some friends over for a cozy get-together. This time, I made sure to include the sparkling tea cans. As we sat in the living room chatting and reminiscing, I pulled out the cans and said, “Let’s toast to friendship”, “Ayee!” said everyone. We laughed as we clinked our cans together, and in that moment, it felt like we were creating our own tradition. As the evening wore on, I realized something profound: we don’t have to follow the crowd or stick to traditions that no longer resonate with us. Celebrations are about connection, joy, and authenticity.
In a world where the ordinary often feels overshadowed by the extraordinary, maybe it’s time to recall all the memories and Toast to the moments that matter, the laughter shared, and the ease of being in good company. After all, life’s true celebrations aren’t about grand gestures or following tradition, they’re about savoring the sparkle in every little moment.