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  • Writer's pictureSusan R Lin

Introducing: Operas & Cocktails!

Updated: Mar 19, 2021

Operas + Cocktails = More Feelings


Copyright Susan R Lin, 2021
Cheers to Opera & Cocktails!

I’m excited to introduce a series of opera and cocktail pairings, by yours truly. I was inspired to create cocktails that could embody the feeling of a particular aria, character, or opera as a whole. Opera is about stirring up feelings, and its music so often inspires ineffable sensations and emotions. Why not enhance, or even elevate, that experience with delicious libations?


There are numerous operas and arias that are special to me, and I will try to pair drinks with as many as I can get to. I will shamelessly select my favorites, and I hope you will enjoy them, too!


In pairing drinks with opera selections, my goal is not necessarily to reflect the era or the theme of the opera. For example, I am not planning on using Japanese sake or plum wine for any selections from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.


I seek to evoke the overall feeling and atmosphere of the piece, on an emotional and visceral level. Of course, each of us experiences a musical piece differently. I will do my best to capture what speaks to me in the music in an enjoyable beverage form, using more or less readily available ingredients.


A Celebratory Kickoff

Copyright Susan R Lin 2021
Opera Celebration Cocktail

And now, a cocktail to accompany the Opera & Cocktails launch! I offer you a sparkling cocktail to celebrate the passion and excitement that opera inspires. The musical pairing is your choice. Whether it’s Carmen, Così fan tutte, or Akhnaten, treat your senses!


This recipe is non-alcoholic for anyone preferring non-alcoholic beverages or for those taking a break, but substitute your favorite sparkling wine for effervescence of another kind. I would recommend a quality but not too expensive Traditional Method (bottle fermented) sparkling wine, e.g. non-vintage Brut champagne, Crémant, Winzersekt, New World selection, whatever you prefer!


This is a fun and straightforward cocktail, in appreciation of the fact that some of the most moving and wonderful music can appear deceptively simple.


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Opera Celebration Cocktail


Aria: Your choice, be it an overture, aria, or chorus

Opera: Your favorite opera (let me know which one you pick!)

  • 1 oz Grenadine (alternative: your favorite fruit syrup, or 1.5 oz fruit juice*)

  • 1 oz Lemon juice (squeezed from about half a medium lemon)

  • Club soda (alternative: Brut non-vintage Traditional Method sparkling wine)

  • Lemon twist


Pour the grenadine/fruit syrup/fruit juice and lemon juice into a chilled champagne flute or white wine glass. Top with chilled club soda or Traditional Method sparkling wine, if you prefer. Garnish with a lovely lemon twist.


Queue up your music, and enjoy your Opera Celebration!


*Note: If using fruit juice, this recipe assumes it is sweetened like most options available at supermarkets. These won’t be quite as sweet as fruit syrups, hence the use of 1.5 oz to approximate the syrup sweetness and flavor level.

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Volume turned up (to a safe level) and cocktail in hand, enjoy life. Feel the beauty and power of the music reverberate through your senses!


Until next time, cheers!


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