Is your favourite tipple ‘new money’? Etiquette expert LAURA WINDSOR reveals the beverages that the nouveau riche are buying – and it’s bad news for prosecco lovers
Most of us have a favourite tipple, but would that change if you learned it’s spoiling your image after becoming popular with the ‘new money’ set?
Whether it’s because the beverage perfectly matches their Instagram aesthetic or because of its high price tag, drinks including Whispering Angel and flavoured vodka are becoming increasingly popular among affluent drinkers.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, etiquette expert Laura Windsor has revealed the top 16 drinks that signal a nouveau riche drinker, with mixology cocktails and designer alcohol like Ciroc featuring on the list.
But even those who prefer the classics might not be exempt, with a dirty martini making the cut, specifically when requested extra dirty.
Here, Laura reveals the booze and drinking habits that instantly scream ‘new money’.
Etiquette expert Laura Windsor has revealed the alcoholic tipples and drinking habits that scream ‘new money’ (stock image)
1. MID-RANGE WINE
‘You buy the mid-range wine – not the cheap £6 (even if it may be better) or the slightly too steep £20 – because you don’t actually know anything about wine.
‘What you do know is that there’s always a wine app ready to rescue you, which makes you suddenly confident enough to discuss the grape variety, the wine ‘minerality’, and which flavoured crisps your wine pairs best with.’
2. ADDING ICE IN YOUR WINE
‘Even though putting ice in wine is supposedly a ‘cardinal sin,’ you know from ‘A Perfect Pairing’ that it isn’t always served at the right temperature.
‘So what are you meant to do? Sip lukewarm Sauvignon Blanc?
‘A cube or two may dilute it slightly, but it also elevates you from mediocrity because, due to your status, you can’t possibly drink wine at the wrong temperature.
‘Naturally, you share all of this insight with everyone else.’
3. WHISEPERING ANGEL
‘You’re a fan of Whispering Angel, and your idea of a high-brow rose is the Chicken wine.’
4. PROSECCO
‘It’s always a Prosecco with brunch because you want to show that you are always drinking ‘bubbly’, letting the word linger just long enough for people to assume it’s champagne.
‘The upper classes may raise an eyebrow, but for your fellow nouveaux, sparkling is sparkling, served in a flute, which adequately highlights your new social status.’
5. FLAVOURED VODKA
‘Good old-fashioned vodka isn’t good enough unless it’s vanilla or lychee-flavoured. You categorically turn your nose up at the plain, cheap stuff.
‘After all, why opt for something that tastes of… vodka, when it could taste of social standing and something botanical or tropical?’
6. IPAs
‘When it comes to beer, you don’t touch the more traditional ales or stouts – it’s all about IPAs that set you back at least £5 a pint.
‘Anything involving the word ‘traditional’ simply doesn’t feature in your vocabulary.
‘If it doesn’t sound trendy, artisanal, limited-edition, or come with a deliberately obscure name, you simply aren’t interested.’
7. ORGANIC WINE
‘You always go for ‘organic’ wine because you’re convinced it’s healthier. End of discussion.’
8. FILTHY MARTINIS
‘You want to cause a stir because being conspicuous, bold and edgy looks great on social media.
‘You want to be seen as if you know what you are talking about, even if you haven’t got a clue and really just picked it up from some obscure reality show.’
It’s bad news for people who take their dirty martinis extra filthy, according to Laura (stock image)
7. PINK GIN
‘A gin and tonic sounds way too traditional, but a pink Gordon’s gin and lemonade signals your new status, letting others wonder what it is you possess that they don’t.
‘After all, it’s all about projecting your personality through your associations.’
8. TAKING PICTURES OF YOUR COCKTAIL
‘You haven’t been out for drinks unless you’ve taken a photo with your cocktail against the gastro pub’s statement floral wall.
‘After all, now that you have gained your new status, it’s all about being seen against the right backdrop, with the right light, under the right filter.’
9. APEROL SPRITZ
‘You’re not a huge fan of bitter Aperol, but you must get a photo of it on the “gram”. After all, it’s not the taste that’s important; what matters is being seen with the right-looking drink.
‘Sometimes looking ‘high status’ is all about sacrifice.’
10. MIXOLOGY COCKTAILS
‘You’re all about an evening at a mixology bar like the Alchemist, where drinks are served in beakers and tins, and staff insist on setting your beverage on fire or giving it some kind of foam.’
11. TEQUILA SHOTS
‘If you’re over the age of 21, getting a round of tequila shots is “new money”, unlike our American counterparts, who always seem to look cool when they do it.’
12. TACKY COCKTAIL BARS
‘Going to bars that have needlessly noisy cocktail staff that like to throw the ice on the floor and sing loudly while they work, not to mention the £15 cocktail charge.’
15. GOLD FLAKE VODKA
‘Life in the fast lane deserves a touch of glam. What better way to celebrate than with spirits that sparkle with glitter or glisten with gold flakes? When everything is looking up, your glass needs to reflect it.’
16. DESIGNER ALCOHOL
‘You know that being nouveau requires sacrifice; it’s all about keeping up with your nouveau neighbour and never losing face.
‘That often means splurging on fancy designer alcohol brands like Ciroc, even if you aren’t crazy about it.’
