1. Make Gin

Boss the botanicals and master the art of gin creation as you try your hand at crafting your own artisanal gin concoctions.

Seriously, is there a better skill to learn during Lockdown? We certainly can’t think of any better. Get yourself the Ultimate Gin Maker’s Kit here.

2. Have an Indoor BBQ

Yes, the nights may be drawing in and the weather has dipped to double socks and extra layer(s) territory, but you can still fire up the BBQ and enjoy a monstrous feast.

This smokeless indoor grill allows you to enjoy a sizzling barbeque all year round, summer or winter, rain or shine. Check out this epic Indoor BBQ Grill now.

3. Adult Lego

Who said Lego was just for kids?

Lego is a brain-stimulating puzzle (just three-dimensional and actually fun), and you can purchase some seriously cool building sets online like a Star Wars Stormtrooper, the Eiffel Tower or even James Bond’s Aston Martin.

4. Become a Photographer

Unleash your camera-snapping abilities and channel your inner creativity by capturing the world around you

Whether that’s restricted to arty shots about the house or on a leisurely, socially-distanced stroll, you’ll be able to capture life’s best moments like a pro. The Nixon D3500 is highly recommended for beginners.

5. Let’s… Play… Darts!

Hone your skills at the oche, so you can clear up when the boozers reopen. Yes, darts is a game of concentration, skill, guile, and it also happens to be loads of fun (bonus!).

A fantastic new hobby to venture into and, hey, when things go back to normal, you could even join your pub team! Grab your own darts set here.

6. Make Your Own Cheese

Host your own private cheese and wine night with cheese you’ve crafted yourself.

Simple instructions, delicious ingredients, incredibly relaxing – it’s brie-lliant fun (not sorry) and very rewarding when you get to dive on in and try some. Get yourself the Ultimate Cheese Making Kit now.

7. Get Fit

If you can’t go to the gym, you can bring the gym to you with various strengthening, aerobic and toning devices.

If you’re looking to boost your cardio, check out an aerobic stepper or fitness bike; looking to build some muscle, see these great resistance bands. Yes, no excuses now!

8. Retro Gaming

Transport yourselves back to the glory gaming years with some incredible retro devices. Classics remain classics for a reason (because they’re awesome!) and you’re bound to have fun reliving all your favourite games from days gone by.

Whether you were PS1, Mega Drive, whatever, you can pick one up and grab all your old favourites.

9. Learn Some Magic

OK, not on the Derren Brown scale of magic, but why not learn a few awesome card tricks, so you can bamboozle your mates when you meet up for a reunion after this all blows over.

Learn fifty of the best card tricks and get ready to baffle, befuddle and bewilder friends and family alike.

10. Learn Poker

Now don’t go using your newfound sleight of hand from all those card tricks (see above), but you could use the Lockdown time working out how to play the world’s greatest card game.

It’s one of those things everyone says they want to learn, but never get round to doing… well, just do it already! Grab a poker set here.

Beat the boredom blues with these 10 unique, alternative and awesome things to do in Lockdown and enjoy your time spent at home!

The post 10 Genuinely Awesome Things to Do in Lockdown appeared first on Party On.

Really looking forward to a delicious bottle of wine and then not being able to find the damn corkscrew.

Don’t fret, it’s not night over, there are a couple of ways of de-corking your vino without having to venture out to buy a new one.

Please Note: These methods aren’t completely guaranteed to prove successful, so you may want to think twice if it’s an expensive bottle of wine you wouldn’t risk wasting.

Here are five quick and easy ways to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew:

The Makeshift Corkscrew – Hammer, Screw, Screwdriver!

Possibly the most effective method of removing the cork, use a screwdriver to insert the screw down into the cork (long screws work best) and use the claw of the hammer to pull the cork up and out.

Pliers instead of a claw hammer work just as well.

The Inside Out – Push the Cork in with a Wooden Spoon

The wooden spoon seems the weapon of choice for people who have used this technique before, though any blunt object which will fit will suffice.

Simply hold the bottle and apply pressure to the top of the cork and it should pop through.

The Wall Whack – Pop it Loose Using a Wall

Wrap the bottom of the bottle with a tea towel and hit rhythmically against a wall.

The pressure inside the bottle should force the cork out of the top.

When the cork has protruded far enough, simply grab it and twist it out.

String Method- Pull it Out Using String

This is a fiddly one but can be very effective with a bit of persistence.

Tie a knot in a piece of string and then tilt the bottle and squeeze one side of the cork so as to allow the piece of string to slip in.

Once it is in let go of the cork so it reapplies pressure to the string.

You should then be able to pull the string and the knot will force the cork out.

The Key to Success – Use a Car Key or Serrated Knife to Twist it Free

Force your key or serrated knife into the cork and twist in a clockwise direction until it frees itself.

It’s best to do it at a slight angle (forty-five degrees), but be sure to get it in well enough otherwise the cork could fall apart.

How to Open a Bottle with Scissors

Open up the scissors and place each blade either side of the cap then lift until it releases.

How to Open a Bottle with Another Beer

Place the beer you’re looking to open on a hard surface hold with one hand.

Twist the other beer upside down and align the ridge of the cap underneath the ridge of the other cap and lift.

How to Open a Bottle with A4 Paper

Fold the A4 paper repeatedly until you have a thick sturdy wedge and then apply the same techniques as with the lighter.

The post Survival Skills: How to Open a Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew appeared first on Party On.

It’s a warm day, you’ve cold some ice-cold beers.

You were just about to kick back and relax in the sun and crack one, and then BAM… not a bottle opener in sight.

Does life get any more frustrating?

Fear not, your day isn’t ruined just yet (and, no, you aren’t going have to drive out and buy one)!

Here’s a list of everyday items you can grab to unleash the magical liquid trapped inside your bottle.

How to Open a Bottle with a Lighter

Usually, someone in the vicinity will have a lighter handy.

Place the bottom of the lighter underneath the bottle cap and grab the neck of the bottle so that your index finger is pressing it tight against the top.

Use your other hand to push the opposite end of the lighter down and the cap should pop off.

How to Open a Bottle with a Key

Grip the top of the bottle tightly with one hand and slide the long side of the key underneath.

Twist the key clockwise and the cap should come off.

You may need to do this a couple of times to loosen it.

How to Open a Bottle with a Spoon

Depending on the spoon, you can use a similar technique as the lighter or, alternatively, if it’s relatively thin like a teaspoon you can lift the lid off by placing the tip of the spoon underneath the cap and lifting away to allow the air to get in.

How to Open a Bottle with a Belt Buckle

Remove the belt first!

Then, if the buckle is the right size and shape, you can place the cap on one edge and prise it off with the other by lifting.

Claim 8 free beers today!

How to Open a Bottle with the Edge of a Table

Place the edge of the cap at a slight angle to the table and then whack it off with the palm of your hand.

Ensure it won’t damage the surface, though!

How to Open a Bottle with Scissors

Open up the scissors and place each blade either side of the cap then lift until it releases.

How to Open a Bottle with Another Beer

Place the beer you’re looking to open on a hard surface hold with one hand.

Twist the other beer upside down and align the ridge of the cap underneath the ridge of the other cap and lift.

How to Open a Bottle with A4 Paper

Fold the A4 paper repeatedly until you have a thick sturdy wedge and then apply the same techniques as with the lighter.

Check out StagWeb’s drinking activities!

The post Survival Skills: How to Open a Bottle Without a Bottle Opener appeared first on Party On.

From brilliant bottles to crafted cocktails, there’s a vast array of weird and wonderful variations on offer, you’ve just got to find the one that suits you best.

So let’s step to it so you can enjoy all there is to love about this fine spirit with the finesse of an experienced connoisseur. 

How to Drink Whiskey – The Basics

Glassware

Straight off the bat, you’re going to want to source a proper whiskey tumbler (other glasses can be used for cocktails – see below).

You can’t go sipping this fine concoction out of a pint glass or a Sports Direct mug, it will ruin the experience entirely.

The Scent

Again, once you’ve sourced your tumbler and poured your whiskey, don’t just get it down the hatch.

Take time to appreciate its aroma; a huge part of the whiskey drinking experience is how it smells.

The Initial Sip

Allow the whiskey to coat your taste buds for a good few seconds before you let it smoothly glide down your gullet; the first sip of every drink is always the best.

How to Drink Whiskey – The Options

Straight (or Neat)

Whilst ice can elevate certain whiskies to new magnificent heights, you should always try it neat to get a sense of the specific whiskey at its natural best.

For any whiskey novices, straight or neat whiskey simply refers to whiskey served on its own: no ice, no mixer, just pure whiskey.

On the Rocks (With Ice)

On the rocks simply refers to whiskey poured over ice.

If you find whiskey neat too intense, enjoying it with a couple of cubes of ice nullifies its intensity and allows for a more subtle experience for your palate.

With Water

The idea of watering down your drinks seems unnatural to many, but it can make the whiskey more flavoursome by lowering the alcohol content so as your tongue can detect a greater range of flavours.

Doesn’t sound so bad now, does it?

Whiskey Cocktails

Whiskey is more versatile than you may think and can be combined with an extensive list of ingredients to craft incredible cocktails. Check out our Top Ten Whiskey Cocktails.

The post Survival Skills: How to Drink Whiskey Like A Seasoned Pro appeared first on Party On.

Whilst some simpletons may think you just put it in your mouth and light the other end, you’re obviously more switched on and know there’s a little more to it than that.

So here’s a quick and easy guide which will teach you how to smoke a cigar like the sophisticated, refined character you were born to be.

How to Smoke a Cigar

Jump to:

• Choosing a Cigar
• Where to Smoke a Cigar
• Cutting a Cigar
• Toasting a Cigar
• Lighting a Cigar
• Smoking a Cigar

How to Choose a Cigar

If you’ve already sourced your cigar, feel free to skip this section, but if you’re looking for some guidance on just where to start on your cigar smoking adventure, you’re going to want to hang around for this bit.

The best advice to give is research, research, RESEARCH!

Everyone’s tastes are different, so make sure you research a variety of cigars to gauge what you think would suit you.

Party On Tip – Just because it’s expensive, it doesn’t mean it will result in a better first-time experience!

To start, you’re going to want to look for a mild cigar, nothing too overpowering – you can gradually build up to stronger varieties.

People often confuse mild with bland, but just because it’s a bit more subtle, it doesn’t mean it isn’t top drawer.

Mild curries are chocked full of flavour and, like with cigars, you wouldn’t order a vindaloo on your first outing, you’d build-up to it.

Where to Smoke a Cigar

Possibly not something you would have considered, but choosing the right environment to smoke your cigar is vital to the experience.

You simply can’t be rushed, distracted or tense otherwise it will sully the whole event.

Find a nice calm place, whether you prefer to unwind in silence or with a bit of music and a drink, kick back, follow the steps correctly, and enjoy!

How to Cut a Cigar

If you want the perfect cut, it may be worth investing in a bespoke cigar cutter, however, as it’s your first foray into the wonderful world of cigars, a sharp knife will suffice.

Be sure not to cut too far down, just the end will do (about an eighth of an inch), and ensure you do it in one swift motion so as it burns evenly.

How to Toast a Cigar

No, this doesn’t mean to toast as in with drinks.

Toasting the cigar is when you apply heat to the end to warm the tobacco and blow for an easier and even burn.

Simply hold your cigar at and angle and rotate above the head of the flame without actually touching the end of the cigar.

How to Light a Cigar

Using your lighter or matches, light then end of your cigar, puffing as you do so (don’t inhale).

Once you feel smoke in your mouth you know your cigar is lit.

Check the end to ensure it is burning evenly.

How to Smoke a Cigar

Now for the crescendo – actually smoking it!

First off the bat, you’re going to want to blow out and not in to allow the smoke that has built up inside the cigar to be released.

Once this is done, you can draw back on your cigar, allowing the smoke to enter your mouth – again, don’t inhale, simply blow out when you feel you’ve enjoyed the tastes.

Remember to take your time and enjoy it!

Party On Tip – Don’t tap the ash, let it fall off naturally. The ash prevents the cigar from over-heating and leaving a bitter taste.

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