"toasts" news and stories

You're holding a glass of Champagne, and it's your turn to give the toast. Maybe you'd like to say something other than "Cheers," or "Cin cin," or just "Down the hatch," this year. Or maybe you'll be traveling to, say, Beijing, and not speak a word of Chinese (neither Mandarin nor Cantonese). The editors at YumSugar are here to help. Take this cool quiz to discover what you already know about global toasts, and learn how to say "To life!" in Armenian, as well as nine other languages.

And for picks on the best sparkling wine to toast with (especially if you're on a budget) see today's post Bargain Bubblies.

Of course, I don't mean to presume that you drank any alcohol of any kind. No. If all you drank the other night was ginger ale or Yoo-Hoo, that's fine too.

Nicole asked the other day what you were going to drink on New Year's Eve, and I wanted to see how it turned out for you. I originally planned to drink mixed drinks all night, maybe Negronis or gin and tonics, but I changed my mind while shopping.

I started the day with about 5 cups of tea (cut down on sugar, that should be another one of my resolutions), and then the evening activities got going around 6pm. I opened up a bottle of Rodney Strong cabernet and drank the entire bottle (other people in the room stuck to their own wine and to mixed drinks). It was the best bottle of wine I've ever had, and I'm a little mad at myself that I didn't note if it was 2002 or 2003 (I threw the bottle out and the trash man came this morning). It was one of those years though, so check 'em out.

At midnight, we opened up a bottle of Korbel champagne. That was tasty too. It's the only time of year I drink champagne.

What did you have to drink?

I was just taking a look at one of the food discussion boards, Chowhound.com and saw a great discussion on the international ways to toast each other. I happen to use a few different toasts depending upon the circumstances. I like Kampai (Japanese), Salute (Italian), Nazdrovya (Ruusian), Slainte (Celtic), L'Chaim (Hebrew), and Skoal (Scandinavian). Although I think my favorites are the newest ones I learned not too long ago in Africa, Hey is Jambo (Kenya) and Oogy wawa (Zulu).

There are so many ways that we wish each other well. Many toasts mean "To your Health" and "To Life", then there is "To Luck", some are "To Us", and "To your Loves" and then there are the variations on "Drink up", "Bottom's up", and "Dry your cup." I just find it interesting that while there are so many ways to say cheers, many revolve around the same few sunjects. Here's a international glossary for toasts so you can learn some new ones. Does anyone know any toasts that are a bit more unusual and don't stick to the three or four subject areas outlined above?